Two NC students receive prestigious DiRōNA scholarships

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Representatives from DiRoNA present scholarships to two Niagara College students at the College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus June 19. Pictured from left: Craig Youdale (dean, NC Canadian Food and Wine Institute), Helen Tabitha Lindsay (NC student, Winery and Viticulture Technician program), Don Ziraldo (wine pioneer), John Arena (founder, DiRoNa), Scott Breard (executive director, DiRoNA), Kelly Breard (executive director, DiRoNA), Alexis Currell-Therrien (NC student, Honours Bachelor of Applied Business International Commerce and Global Development) , Justin Williams (NC, associate dean, School of Business and Managemetn), Dan Patterson (NC president).

Helen Tabitha Lindsay and Alexis Currell-Therrien are the recipients of DiRoNA’s 2017 scholarships.

The Distinguished Restaurant of North America (DiRōNA) Award, one of the most prestigious awards for fine dining, has named two Niagara College students as recipients of its 2017 DiRōNA scholarships.

“DiRōNA is excited that two of our seven 2017 DiRoNA Scholarships are being awarded to students from Niagara College” said Scott Breard, DiRōNA executive director. “Niagara College is providing an exceptional education for students seeking careers in the restaurant industry. The campus is conveniently situated in the heart of the Niagara wine region making it a premier location.”

Recipients of the $2,500 (USD) scholarships are Alexis Currell-Therrien who is entering her third year of the Honours Bachelor of Applied Business International Commerce and Global Development program; and Helen Tabitha Lindsay, a first-year student of the Winery and Viticulture Technician program.

Lindsay, who is originally from Toronto, said she was surprised and very happy about the news.

“It’s exciting; I didn’t even know someone from the program had nominated me,” said Lindsay.  “I’m going on a practicum to work at a winery in Portugal at the end of August until mid-December, so this is great timing to receive a scholarship.”

Currell-Therrien, who is a resident of Niagara Falls, said she too was surprised by the news that she would be receiving the scholarship. Her nomination came from the Niagara tourism industry, as she has worked at Whirlpool Aero Car for the past five years.

“I feel ecstatic. This scholarship is really going to help me out in pursuing my studies this year,” said Currell-Therrien.

The students met with representatives from DiRōNA and the College on July 19 to receive their scholarships and were treated to lunch at Benchmark restaurant.

“At Niagara College, our vision is to enrich lives and fulfill dreams of our students, and we thank DiRōNA for their generous scholarships that will help make that happen for two of our students,” said Niagara College president Dan Patterson. “Through its support for student learning, we applaud DiRōNA for its investment in the future of the industry.”

Founded in 1990, DiRōNA was established to promote the fine dining industry and offer recognition to award winners across North America.  The authority for excellence in distinguished dining,  DiRōNA provides a forum for education, networking, philanthropy, and marketing benefits for the distinguished dining community. Since its founding, the DiRōNA Award Scholarship Fund has helped countless students to pursue careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry.