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!
School of Arts, Community and Protective Services: Adam Patterson
Adam has made a meaningful and lasting impact during his time at NBCC—consistently demonstrating academic excellence and leadership, both within the Educational Support program and the broader College Community.
As NBCCSU Co-Class Representative, Adam regularly organized class events, implemented a student feedback tool, and kept his classmates informed of campus news. Described by instructor Angela Murphy as someone who “brought joy to the classroom”, Adam is known for celebrating fellow student milestones like birthdays and other special occasions – making everyone feel seen and valued.
Beyond the classroom, Adam has shown a strong commitment to community. He serves as a volunteer coach with the Riverview Minor Basketball Association and has participated in many other community initiatives, including local school playground cleanups. During his field placements, host schools consistently praised Adam’s positive attitude and ability to build meaningful connections with children and youth.
Adam’s leadership, compassion, and integrity have helped foster a supportive, collaborative environment—both at NBCC and in the community.
School of Engineering Technologies: MD Abu Bakar
Abu has been a steady and respected presence in the Electrical and Electronics Engineering program, known for his calm leadership and unwavering dedication. During his time at NBCC, Abu has maintained strong academic performance while volunteering extensively, both at NBCC and within the Bangladeshi community here in Moncton.
Whether he is volunteering with his local Student Union, advocating on behalf of fellow NBCC students as Class Representative, or offering his photography skills pro bono at community events, Abu consistently steps up to support others.
Described by his instructor Dr. Chris Cudahy as someone who “pours himself out’ for his friends, colleagues, and fellow citizens,” Abu’s kindness, selflessness, and academic excellence, make him a true leader amongst his peers.
School of Hospitality & Tourism: Amanda Tavares
Amanda has made an outstanding impact during her time at NBCC—both on campus and in the broader community. Through her volunteer work with Moncton Cares, she has supported events like Polar Fest, welcomed newcomers at the airport, and contributed her time to free community tax clinics.
A top student in the Hotel & Restaurant Management program, Amanda excelled academically and demonstrated true leadership in the classroom – all while balancing her front desk role at Delta Beauséjour and serving as an ambassador for the Opportunities NB – Study and Succeed program. Among her list of accomplishments are taking on a leadership role in the planning and execution of class initiatives like Street Fest and fundraising for the Peter McKee Community Food Bank.
Amanda exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose—balancing academic excellence with a deep commitment to community.
School of Health and Wellness: Chantal Pye
As a mature learner in NBCC’s Pharmacy Technician program, Chantal has masterfully balanced the demands of work, family, and school with remarkable dedication and commitment to academic excellence.
During her time at NBCC, Chantal has demonstrated outstanding leadership. As NBCCSU Class Representative, she tirelessly advocated for her peers, playing a key role in fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment. Her involvement with NBCC’s External Program Advisory Committee has helped strengthen connections between students and external stakeholders, contributing to the continued growth of the Pharmacy Technician Program.
Beyond the classroom, Chantal has made meaningful contributions to her professional community. She was selected to serve on the provincial Pharmacy Professional Association’s Nomination and Awards Committee, recognizing and celebrating the achievements of others in her field. She also recently spoke at the association’s provincial conference – further elevating the visibility of NBCC’s Pharmacy Technician program.
Chantal’s unwavering resilience, work ethic, and a passion for supporting others inspire everyone in her orbit.
School of Information Technology: Neil Mannion
Neil has made a remarkable impact during his time at NBCC—both on campus and in the broader community. As a student in the Information Technology: Programmer-Analyst program, he has excelled academically while taking on a strong leadership role in the classroom. He regularly leads study groups and tutors his peers, drawing on his previous training and experience with the Canadian Armed Forces, to enhance his own learning and that of others.
Neil’s commitment to community is equally impressive. He contributed to an NBCC Applied Research project aimed at minimizing social isolation in seniors, facilitating sessions that exposed them to virtual reality experiences. His efforts helped participants connect with their peers and explore new technologies.
Neil exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose—balancing academic excellence with a deep commitment to uplifting others.
School of Professional & Part-time Learning: Maya Thompson-Hayes
Maya has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities during her time in NBCC’s Applied Studies program, offered in partnership with the Army Learning Support Centre (ALSC) at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown.
Her leadership shines through her role as NBCCSU Class Representative and as a mentor in the Applied Studies program. Maya has actively supported the professional growth of interns at the ALSC, keeping them informed and engaged in their studies. Maya also organized three successful Team Building Days, significantly contributing to a positive and inclusive organizational culture.
Beyond the classroom, Maya has shown strong leadership in student recruitment and outreach initiatives. As a key member of the Applied Studies Recruitment Team, she toured six Atlantic campuses, engaging prospective students with professionalism and enthusiasm. Outside of the classroom, she represented the program as a featured speaker at ALSC Open Houses and as a panelist at Animedia Fest, confidently sharing her experiences and insights.
Maya’s consistent leadership, professionalism, and commitment to empowering others have created a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
School of Trades: Sophie Daigle
Sophie has been a standout student in the Pre-Employment Welding program, demonstrating exceptional academic performance and leadership. Despite enrolling directly from high school with no prior welding experience, Sophie has excelled in both practical and academic aspects, achieving the highest grades in most subjects.
Sophie inspires and challenges her classmates and instructors to perform at their best. Her strong analytical skills and hard work have positively impacted student engagement and the overall learning experience.
Sophie’s leadership is also evident in her community involvement. As a goalie for the Atlantic Attack in the National Ringette League, she has volunteered her time coaching and mentoring young ringette players with the U16 Team New Brunswick and U12 Dieppe Impact teams. Her dedication to the sport and her community is truly commendable.
Sophie embodies the qualities of a true leader—academic excellence, consistent high performance, and a commitment to supporting her peers and community.
Wesley Armour School of Business: Johana Duarte
As a student in the Business Administration: Management program at NBCC Moncton, Johana has distinguished herself as a passionate leader, advocate, and community builder. Her leadership journey began as a class representative and reached new heights with her election as President of the NBCC Moncton Student Union for the 2024–25 academic year. In this role, she has represented the student body with distinction, organizing fun and impactful events that have strengthened the student experience.
Beyond student government, Johana has excelled academically while supporting her fellow students as a registered tutor and peer mentor. She has also been a strong community leader and fierce advocate for international students — volunteering with organizations as the Venezuelan Association in New Brunswick, the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area (MAGMA), and Moncton Cares. She also collaborated with the City of Moncton to organize the first BBQ and end-of-term party for international students from various post-secondary institutions in Greater Moncton, and she was honored to serve as a panelist at the first Community Connection event for international students. In recognition of her outstanding community involvement, she was awarded the Ron Smyth Memorial Scholarship in 2024. Her commitment to service is further demonstrated in her role as Personal Disaster Assistance Responder with the Canadian Red Cross and her participation in the Greater Moncton Dragon Boat Festival.
Johana’s steady leadership, commitment to service, and willingness to support and uplift others have helped shape the student experience at NBCC and made a lasting impact on the broader Moncton community.