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Three Okanagan College students were honoured recently by Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP) with the organization’s annual Outstanding Student Awards.

Presented to students who have displayed distinctive leadership and meritorious service in the water and wastewater industry, the award, which includes a cash prize, was disbursed in early October to Ruben Kubbenga, Daniel Soroka and Peter Wilson. All three students are enrolled in the Water Engineering Technology Diploma program at the College’s Kelowna campus and have seized the opportunity complete co-op terms with BC employers.

“It’s incredible to be recognized by the EOCP for my accomplishments,” says award-winner Ruben Kubbenga. “I’ve never won an award, so I am absolutely stoked!”

“I’ve always imagined myself working in an environmental capacity and have loved the practical components of my biology courses to get some skills in that field specifically. Through this program I’ve learned that my mind is filled with ideas to optimize workflows in treatment plant capacities, a position I never imagined myself being excited for. I can’t wait for the opportunity to make some of those ideas a reality.”

“Our program has top-notch curriculum which produces top-notch students like Daniel, Ruben and Peter,” says Allison O’Neill, instructor and chair of the Water Engineering Technology program at OC. “We are very proud of these students and all their hard work and they serve as excellent ambassadors for the Water Engineering Technology program and for the EOCP.”

The following segment is shared on behalf of the EOCP, who recently profiled the students following their award announcement.

Ruben Kubbenga is currently working as a microbiology technologist, and plans on gaining certification as a wastewater treatment Operator. After graduating from the Water Engineering Technology program at Okanagan College, Ruben plans on entering the Sustainable Energy Engineering program at the University of Calgary. In his spare time, Ruben has worked on cleaning up creeks, sampling well water, and biomonitoring Mission Creek. He also gets involved in activities in the WET program to promote the program.

Daniel Soroka is completing a Co-op opportunity at MetroVancouver. Once his co-op terms are completed, he plans on writing his Level I exams, and eventually would like to continue working in the industry, and possibly complete an engineering degree. He spends his free time to explore the region he is working in, and to see how components of the ecosystem work together to develop a better understanding of the environment and water quality.

Peter Wilson hopes to work at a water or wastewater treatment facility. He plans on working towards his EOCP Level IV certification and eventually work as a plant manager or municipal management. In his spare time, Peter spends time outdoors cycling, camping, hiking and canoeing.

Read the full news release spotlighting Kubbenga, Soroka and Wilson from the EOCP .