Hard work pays off
Gameti economic development officer earns scholarship
Daron Letts
Northern News Services
Published Monday, October 21, 2013
GAMETI/RAE LAKES
The economic development officer for the Tlicho Government in Gameti has been recognized for her hard work and ambition by the NWT Chamber of Commerce.
Belinda Blackduck received a one-time $1,000 meritorious scholarship from the chamber to help pay her tuition at Aurora College's Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith, where she is studying in her first semester of business administration during an academic hiatus from her job.
The award recognizes Blackduck's strong work ethic and desire to build a business career in the NWT, said Mike Bradshaw, chamber executive director.
Blackduck had applied for one of the chamber's two $2,500 annual academic scholarships, which were subsequently awarded to Madison Gray of Norman Wells and Natalie Westman of Yellowknife, but came in a close third out of 30 qualified applicants.
"Given the circumstances, that she has been able to advance her career and her focus on business, the scholarship committee felt that it was useful to recognize that effort, especially since she was living in a very small community, and awarded her a meritorious scholarship," Bradshaw said. "It really was an exception."
The selection committee made a good decision, according to Jenny Mantla, career development officer with the Tlicho Government in Gameti.
"Belinda's job performance at work shows she is a hard worker, learns quickly, displays a positive attitude and exhibits strong work ethics," Mantla stated in her reference letter for Blackduck's scholarship application. "I cannot think of anyone more deserving."
Blackduck said she plans to return to her role as economic development officer in Gameti during the summer breaks while she completes her two-year program at Aurora College. When she graduates, she plans to return to her position with the Tlicho Government.
"I'm thankful they have given me this scholarship. It makes me want to work extra hard to show them I can realize my goal for a business career in the NWT," Blackduck said.
