Mariel Kate Macaya was new to Canada when, on the advice of a family friend, she applied to Lakeland College's business program. It was just a coincidence that the school was so close to home and had the program she was looking for - business.

Mariel Kate Macaya in her grad cap and down outside the Lloydminster campus.

Born in Quezon City in the Philippines, Macaya had moved to Lloydminster with her family in winter 2021. In May 2024, she graduated from Lakeland with a diploma in business, majoring in general business, and at convocation, was awarded the Governor General's Medal for her academic achievement. Each year, the students with the highest grade point average on Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses are presented the medal at convocation. Macaya was Lloydminster's recipient.

Macaya credits her friends, family and instructors who helped her throughout her Lakeland journey for winning the award, and the life-changing experiences she had at Lakeland.

“The word ‘gratitude' is the first thing that immediately popped into my head,” she says, when recalling her experience at Lakeland. “I am more than grateful to all the people at Lakeland College who helped and guided me from the beginning of my journey, from the instructors who saw the light in me when I couldn't see it myself, to my classmates who brought more colours and adventures into my life. At Lakeland College, multiple doors opened, leading me to conquer some of my greatest fears and step out of my tiny little box.”

Macaya made the most of her time at Lakeland. She was a member of the Student's Association, represented Lakeland at the Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition and participated in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, assisting students and community members filing their taxes. She attended Dress for Success, the career fair and Chamber Connect, and offered one-on-one tutoring in accounting for her classmates.

She also attended the Donor and Student Recognition Night, which was an important experience for her.

“I got to meet the individuals who have such good hearts and are behind the bursaries, scholarships and awards that continuously help students have a better future and reach their dreams,” Macaya says. “Because of these people's generosity and kindness, I received bursaries and scholarships that significantly helped me financially and boosted my morale.”

Macaya received the Centennial Business Administration Achievement Award in 2023, the Summer 2023 Louise McKinney Post-Secondary Scholarship, the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce Award in 2024, and the Pat Tenney Award in 2024.

Photo: Mariel Kate Macaya in her grad cap and down outside the Lloydminster campus.