Robotics student wins award

By Amy Allen

alle0193@algonquincollege.com

Robotics student Irina Popova has won the 2008 Ron Larkin Scholarship Award for contributions to her community.

Named after the founder of Ottawa Community Housing, the scholarship is awarded by OCH to students who go above and beyond the call of duty with their volunteer work.

“I could definitely use the money,” Popova said. “I can put it to good use.”

Popova’s experience with the Ron Larkin Scholarship program began when her automechanics teacher at Rideau High School suggested she complete her required 40 hours of volunteer work at Queen Elizabeth Public School. During her time there, she built bicycles for young children.

She later applied for the scholarship, citing her experience at Queen Elizabeth as the foundation for her claim. Along with four other students from Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, Popova received her award at an OCH board meeting on Jan. 8.

Only residents of OCH projects who are currently enrolled in their first year of post-secondary education are eligible to apply. Winners are each awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

“I’m very proud as an organization to have this initiative,” said CEO Jo-Anne Poirier. “It’s certainly a very worthy cause.” She said she was very pleased with the program’s continued success.

According to Poirier, this year’s recipients of the award are already leaders in their communities—but the money they receive from OCH will ensure they get a good education that will take them places in their lives.

“These are people who are working very hard to ensure a good future for themselves,” said Poirier. She pledged to continue to grow the fund—with the help of contributor United Way—so that OCH can help more and more students finance their education.