Each year, New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) proudly honours outstanding graduates from across our eight academic schools with the Student Excellence in Leadership Award.
This award recognizes a graduating student who has made an exceptional leadership contribution within an NBCC campus and/or the community they serve. There is one award per Academic School.
Learn more about this year’s incredible group of award recipients!
NBCC Social Service Community Worker student Sarry Lilly has demonstrated exceptional leadership through advocacy, community involvement, and a deep commitment to social justice. During his time at NBCC Fredericton, Sarry helped pilot a Peer Writing Centre, served as both a tutor and a Nitap peer mentor, and coordinated a range of engagement and fundraising activities—including a documentary showcase featuring films that amplify intersex voices and inclusion. His advocacy has also contributed to meaningful change on campus, including efforts to make spaces more accessible and welcoming for all learners.
Academically, Sarry has consistently gone above and beyond, pursuing additional training in areas such as harm reduction, mental health first aid, and senior care navigation. He also conducted research examining the systemic barriers autistic individuals face when accessing gender-affirming care. Sarry’s dedication to learning is matched by his extensive community involvement, including his work as a crisis line responder with Sexual Violence New Brunswick and his role as Executive Administrator and Accessibility Director with Fierté Fredericton Pride.
Driven by a passion for advocacy and a commitment to inspiring meaningful change, Sarry is set to continue his education in the Bachelor of Social Work program at UNB Saint John while continuing his work to advance gender-affirming care services in New Brunswick.
NBCC Electronics Engineering Technology student Ben Macaulay has made a lasting impression through his positivity, work ethic, and willingness to support his fellow students. Throughout his time at NBCC, Ben has created a collaborative and encouraging environment in the classroom—always ready to step in, share knowledge, and help classmates succeed.
This same mindset has carried into his recent co-op placement—and now full-time role—with Service New Brunswick, where he continues to represent NBCC with professionalism and pride. A strong student academically, Ben approaches both his studies and his work with the same sense of dedication and genuine curiosity. His consistent, people-first approach to learning and teamwork has helped foster a culture of support and respect, leaving a meaningful impact on his peers, colleagues, and instructors.
Ben embodies the qualities of a true student leader—academic excellence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others.
NBCC Practical Nursing student Anthony (Tony) Odetola has built a strong reputation as a compassionate leader who is deeply committed to helping others succeed. During his time at NBCC, Tony has participated in the College’s Nitap (Peer) Mentor Program—supporting his fellow international students as they adjust to academic life, navigate cultural transitions, and find their place within the College community. He has also made significant contributions to campus life, leveraging his creativity to support Black History Month celebrations and Welcome Week/Orientation activities.
Tony has also built strong community connections outside of NBCC. Whether he is facilitating a weekly Sunday School program at Saint James United Church or providing compassionate, patient-centred care during his clinical placement at Upper River Valley Hospital, Tony brings empathy, leadership, and a genuine commitment to service.
In every role he takes on, Tony leads with compassion and purpose—leaving a lasting impact on the individuals and communities he serves.
NBCC Hotel & Restaurant Management student Monica Cabral has made a meaningful impact through her leadership, dedication to service, and commitment to creating positive experiences for those around her.
As a Student Union Class Representative, Monica has played an important role in supporting campus initiatives, collaborating with classmates and faculty, and helping create welcoming and engaging experiences for students. Her involvement in events such as Fall Open House, graduation activities, and student engagement initiatives reflects her dedication to building connections and contributing to campus life.
Beyond NBCC, Monica’s leadership extends into the wider community. She has volunteered at a variety of community and industry events, including supporting the Brazilian Association of New Brunswick at the Marché de Dieppe, assisting with guest services at Le CAFi’s Monde en fête and Soirée Gala en blanc, and contributing to banquet service at Canada’s Great Kitchen Party. She has also participated in initiatives such as the Greater Moncton Dragon Boat Festival, Jeux de l’Acadie, fundraising events, and other volunteer opportunities—consistently representing NBCC with professionalism, care, and attention to detail.
As an international student building a new life in Canada, Monica has embraced every opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow both personally and professionally. While balancing academic excellence, family responsibilities, volunteer commitments, and part-time employment, she has demonstrated resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to her goals.
Monica’s positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to support others have made a lasting impact on classmates, instructors, colleagues, and community members alike. Her journey reflects the values of leadership, service, and perseverance, making her a deserving recipient of this award.
NBCC Software Development student Darren Tcheuffa is turning a school project into real-world innovation and impact. During his time as a student, Darren created a parking management system powered by AI and IoT that is now actively being used on NBCC’s Moncton campus to improve parking access in real time. In recent months, his work has also captured the attention of New Brunswick business leaders, who are closely following his progress.
This same drive for his business is something Darren brings to every aspect of his life – including his learning journey. Throughout his studies, Darren has been both a high-performing student and a supportive peer, helping classmates navigate challenges while pushing himself academically and competing in regional entrepreneurship competitions.
Darren’s ability to turn ideas into action is redefining what student leadership can look like—both at NBCC and beyond.
NBCC Applied Studies Mentorship student David Rhyno has played a key role in strengthening the student experience through his mentorship, leadership, and commitment to helping others succeed. As a trusted peer and mentor, David has played an important role in supporting fellow students within the Applied Studies program—organizing team-building activities, providing guidance and feedback, and helping foster a strong sense of connection and collaboration among his classmates.
Beyond the classroom, David has represented NBCC with professionalism and enthusiasm through his involvement in program recruitment, travelling across Atlantic Canada to share his experiences and promote the Applied Studies program. He has also demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement, helping organize and participate in volunteer initiatives such as a Greener Village service day.
Known for his reliability, leadership, and positive influence, David continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around him.
NBCC CNC Machining student Muthu Kumaran has become a driving force behind student support initiatives at the Moncton campus, creating a stronger sense of community among his peers. As Vice-President of Advocacy for the local Student Union, he has played a key role in organizing initiatives like the Winter Food Drive—helping address growing demand for the Emergency Food Cupboard and encouraging a culture of care and community.
Whether volunteering behind the scenes at campus events, supporting orientation activities, or contributing to hands-on projects through his program, Muthu is known for stepping up wherever help is needed. His impact extends beyond campus through participation in community initiatives such as the Moncton Santa Claus Parade, Coldest Night of the Year, and events hosted by Moncton Cares. He has also contributed his time and photography talents to cultural celebrations and local gatherings, including the City of Moncton’s Holi celebration and Welcome BBQ for international students.
A recipient of the Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship, Muthu stands out for his commitment to his academics and his community – demonstrating both strong potential in the skilled trades and a genuine desire to make a difference.
NBCC Administrative Professional: French Second Language student Blessing Uduak Godfrey is a passionate student leader, leveraging her skills and position to ensure others feel supported and connected. As Vice-President of Advocacy for the Fredericton Campus Student Union, Blessing has played a key role in creating more inclusive and supportive student experiences—developing peer mentorship opportunities, organizing workshops, and contributing to campus initiatives such as Welcome Week and Orientation activities. She regularly connects with fellow learners, creating space for their voices to be heard and helping them navigate both academic and personal challenges.
Blessing’s leadership also extends beyond NBCC through her involvement in community initiatives that support vulnerable populations. She has volunteered with the Fredericton Community Kitchen, contributed to fundraising efforts for Coldest Night of the Year, and supported Green Village’s Angel Tree program by coordinating donation campaigns and promoting alternative giving initiatives. Through each of these efforts, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to service and community connection.
Driven by compassion and a desire to bring people together, Blessing’s leadership continues to create spaces where others feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.