Montréal, May 28, 2013 ‒ The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal marked the end of Operation Back to School 2013 yesterday evening by awarding ten scholarships to students who have distinguished themselves for perseverance in school. The ceremony, which took place in the Hotel Nelligan’s Salle Royale, marked the official closing of this edition of the Board of Trade program. Once again this year, Operation Back to School brought together 7,000 students with the business men and women who have inspired them.
“The Board of Trade is proud to have held Operation Back to School for the 17th consecutive year, because we are convinced that school retention is the key to the effective socioeconomic development of the city and its knowledge economy,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “The involvement of so many Board of Trade members shows how important the business community considers this issue and demonstrates its desire to continue to encourage tomorrow’s leaders.”
As part of the 17th edition of the program, more than 300 speakers from the business community went “back to school” to meet young people from different backgrounds to share their professional experience, the challenges they overcame to get where they are and the determination this required. “Through this program, business people give students the opportunity to explore the prospects available on the job market,” Mr. Leblanc said. “Above all, it’s an opportunity to motivate them with the speakers’ inspirational careers.”
“And thanks to the involvement of program ambassadors, ten students who have demonstrated perseverance, motivation and commitment each received a $1,500 scholarship,” Mr. Leblanc said. “The scholarships will be deposited in a Universitas Trust Fund to help them pursue their post-secondary studies.”
The following students from high schools and community organizations were recognized:
- Guylaine Arseneau, centre Gédéon-Ouimet (Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve)
- Tania Cyr, Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi (Saint-Rémi)
- Alexandre Goulet, École des métiers de l’informatique, du commerce et de l’administration de Montréal (Rosemont)
- Éric Lachapelle, centre Tétreaultville (Mercier-Est)
- Jonah Shantz, école secondaire Sophie-Barat (Ahuntsic-Cartierville)
- Marie-Smyne Louis, école secondaire Évangéline (Cartierville)
- Daniel Parejes, école Père-Marquette (Rosemont-Petite-Patrie)
- Bélinda Paul, école secondaire Eulalie-Durocher (Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve)
- Jérémy Sarrazin-Zimmer, école secondaire Lucien-Pagé (Parc-Extension)
- Yazid Djenadi, école secondaire Jeanne-Mance (Plateau Mont-Royal)
The Board of Trade would like to thank its Gold Ambassador, ArcelorMittal, and its Silver Ambassadors, Bureau en gros, Comptables agréés de Montréal, Ernst & Young, L’Oréal Canada and Ubisoft. Operation Back to School is made possible thanks to the financial support of MR3 Montréal Relève, in cooperation with Youth Fusion, Montreal Hooked on School and Universitas Trust Funds.
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec's leading private economic development organization.
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Source:
Sylvie Paquette
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel : 514 871-4000, ext. 4015
sylvie.paquette@ccmm.qc.ca