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Don Hall Photography , U of R
President ’ s Medal Awarded to Jenel Markwart , SUNTEP
President Vianne Timmons with Jenel Markwart
The University of Regina ’ s President ’ s Medal is awarded at each convocation to a student receiving a first degree who has shown academic excellence , as well as major leadership in and commitment to extra-curricular activities . The recipient of the medal for the 2013 Spring Convocation was Jenel Markwart . She graduated with a Bachelor of Education Elementary through the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program ( SUNTEP ) with Great Distinction .
Jenel completed high school in Prince Albert , Saskatchewan and earned a Grade 12 bilingual diploma . She began studies at the U of R in 2009 . During her time here , Jenel has demonstrated unwavering commitment to academic excellence . She received an overall evaluation of Outstanding on her elementary education internship placement . She has been honoured with many scholarships and awards , such as the Academic Gold Scholarship during each year of study at the U of R ( 2009-2012 ). Other particularly notable awards include the SUNTEP Community Contribution Award ( 2010 ), the Order of Gabriel Dumont Bronze Medal ( 2010 ), the Muriel Welwood Scholarship for Women in Education ( 2011 & 2012 ), and the Saskatchewan Teachers ’ Federation Scholarship ( 2012 ).
Jenel personifies the Uof R ’ s motto , As One Who Serves , as well as the Faculty of Education ’ s motto , Inspiring and Transforming Education . She demonstrates that positive change in a community begins with one individual who has the courage to reach out and inspire others . Jenel has volunteered to mentor U of R students with intellectual disabilities through the Campus for All program . She has also tutored children and helped them to improve their reading abilities through the Big Boost Tutor Program . Jenel has a special interest in working with youth at risk . She was a co-facilitator for the YWCA Girls Space , a group which promotes healthy habits , the development of a healthy body image , and empowerment . In 2010 , the YWCA Braided Journeys Program honoured Jenel with a Little Sister . Jenel has taught her
Little Sister to cook , balance a budget , and develop interests in educational and cultural events . Jenel often brings her Little Sister to the University to show her the possibilities that a post-secondary education can offer , and she is encouraging and inspiring the young woman to fulfill her own dreams . Change , indeed , begins with one .
Jenel has made instrumental contributions to the Riel Métis Council Jigging Program . The purpose of the program is to use traditional dance to teach youth about values inherent to the Métis culture . Jenel taught jigging and organized the dance groups , scheduling performances for Métis Elders , and obtaining dance clothing for the children . She also participated in the SUNTEP Jigging Group and initiated the formation of a jigging group at her internship school . SUNTEP faculty member Russell Fayant noted , “ It was a real joy to see Jenel work with the children , and to see these shy elementary-aged students gain confidence in their culture , as well as the ability to express a vital part of that culture .”
Jenel ’ s accomplishments and spirit of volunteerism have also been recognized and celebrated in the greater community . She was chosen to be one of the Aboriginal youth models featured in the 2013 Proud Generation Calendar . The calendar features youth under the age of 30 , who make significant cultural , educational , and entrepreneurial impacts on their communities . As Jenel embarks on her teaching career at Centennial School in Regina , we expect she will continue to inspire the children she teaches , as well as those she serves in her community .