Three members of the Conestoga family have been recognized in this year’s Waterloo Region 40 under 40, an annual showcase to celebrate young leaders in the community:
Ryan Connell is a graduate of Conestoga’s print journalism program who now works as a student life Programmer at the college’s Doon campus. He was recognized for his leadership in the Respect campaign and United Way fundraising at Conestoga, his work with the Random Act of Kindness Day Committee at the Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation, and his volunteer work with the AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area.
Theresa Coon is a graduate of Conestoga and now serves as a protection support worker at Family and Children Services of Waterloo Region, where she co-facilitates groups for children and parents in partnership with community and Ontario Early Years centres. She was recognized for her efforts in organizing a fundraising walk for Paulander Community Centre in Kitchener, as well as her work on the Smilemakers committee and the Chip in Fore Kids Golf Tournament.
Richard Hepditch is the program co-ordinator for Conestoga’s pre-service firefighter program as well as acting captain of Waterloo Fire Rescue. Richard is also a graduate of Conestoga's Paramedic program (formerly known as the Ambulance and Emergency Care program) and of Royal Roads University. He is co-chair of the annual Real Men Can Cook event, which has raised approximately $35,000 for children’s charities since 2006. He also serves as the convenor of the Conservation Meadows outdoor ice rink in his Waterloo community, and is a member of the emergency patient care committee with the City of Waterloo.
Conestoga congratulates these and the other young leaders whose efforts are making a difference to our local community.
For more information on 40 under 40, visit the Waterloo Region Record (now available online!).
