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Competition for students could inspire careers Continued from page 39 43 · Thursday, December 27, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com and Gerald Grieves, a landscape architect and constructor from the area. Each entrant's design was very unique and reflected the individual's personality. There was a giant model schooner to reflect the boats in the harbour, a Sydney Opera-house inspired lobster-tail pavilion and a glass roof that resembled a geisha's fan. After each student had presented, the judges retreated to the deliberation room and had the unenviable task of choosing the winner of the competition and naming the runners up and honourable mentions. Kal Radikov, 17, from Iroquois Ridge High School, walked away with a new iPad and possibly a new career path after his teacher gave him a bit of encouragement. "I think I would consider architecture. I like the fact that you use art techniques when designing architecture to make the finished project more interesting. I'm taking several art courses in school and they really helped me design my rink," said Radikov. Michael Nugent, 18, a Holy Trinity student, entered the competition after being informed about it by a friend who competed last year. It was a good thing, as he walked away with a pair of headphones for his third place finish. More importantly for him, the event was an opportunity to build his portfolio and get some firsthand experience. "Architecture is the field I want to go into. I love the way buildings go together," said Nugent. "Constructing and deconstructing them really gets me excited," said Nugent. In addition to filling the heads of the competition's entrants with ideas and possibilities, On the Brink also sought to fill the stomachs of those in need. This year, Willmott and his staff have added a fundraising element to the event in an effort to further give back to the community. The firm has teamed with Blessings in a Backpack, a program that provides knapsacks full of food to needy students across the country to take home for the weekend. Students were encouraged to bring in any spare bags to contribute to the cause or had the opportunity to decorate a bag that would be donated. "We had more time to prepare for the event this year, so we partnered with Blessings in a Backpack to help out in the community," said Janet Szeto, a member of the firm's design team and one of the event's organizers. Fueled by the creativity of the students and the support of the staff and sponsors, the competition shows signs of becoming a fixture of the community. "It's grown a lot since last year, but the students ideas and creativity continue to surprise and impress us. We look forward to continuing that next year," said Szeto. "Home is where the heart is. I think it's appropriate for me, as a lifelong resident and as someone who wants to help the younger generations. It's also just the right thing to do," said Willmott. -- Submitted by Janet Szeto, John Willmott Architect Inc. The best way to Cogeco Digital TV. enjoy it Over 6,000 On Demand movies and shows1 Awardwinning customer service2 TV & Internet that don't interfere with each other Up to 150 HD channels 3 Learn more at Cogeco.ca 1-800-780-3525 Shop at our store in Oakville Place Available to Burlington and Oakville customers. 1. Cogeco On Demand service is offered where the technology is available and for customers who meet the Cogeco On Demand access requirements. Cogeco offers the most titles in its territories. Access to some content may require a subscription to the TV package containing the associated digital channel. Channel availability may vary per region. 2. Cogeco call centres have won the "Highest Customer Satisfaction" award in the telecommunications / TV category awarded by the SQM (Service Quality Measurement) in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011. 3. Cogeco High Definition service and programming requires the purchase or rental of an HD receiver. The number of available HD channels may vary per region. HD channels are available with the subscription to the equivalent channels in Standard Definition.