Northern Lights College Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) students recently gathered to celebrate three classmates who were selected to receive NLC Foundation memorial awards.
Kayla Von Bargen, Development Officer of the NLC Foundation, hosted the event and was accompanied by presenters Donations Coordinator Billie‑Jo Crandall, and guest Bonnie Lehmann. NLC President Todd Bonderoff joined in the celebration along with Trevor Wulff, Person Responsible for Training for the AMT program, along with all the AMT instructors.
Bonnie Lehmann presented both the August Lehmann Memorial Endowment and the Erich Lehmann Memorial Award.
The August Lehmann Memorial Endowment was created to honour the memory of August Lehmann, a long‑time supporter of the NLC Foundation and an alumnus of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (now Aircraft Maintenance Technician) program. The award supports deserving students pursuing careers in aviation and is presented to an individual who demonstrates high achievement in the practical skills of the AMT program. It was awarded to Aiden Maher.
The Erich Lehmann Memorial Award commemorates the life of Erich Lehmann, who was fatally injured in an industrial accident at the age of 19. Erich’s passion for aviation began early and remained a driving force throughout his life. As an elementary school student, he won first prize at a science fair for a project on how different wing shapes affect lift. The award is presented to a student who displays strong AMT practical skills along with a commitment to safety and professionalism in the workplace. It was awarded to Bryson Hogan.
Billie‑Jo Crandall then presented the Duane Sunderman Memorial Award to Charles Johnson.
This award honours Duane Sunderman, an alumnus of the AMT program who passed away in a helicopter accident in 1995. It is awarded to a student with a personal interest in helicopter maintenance who shows strong potential in both practical and theoretical aspects of the AMT program.
The NLC Foundation annually distributes more than $300,000 in awards through its ASTRA platform and students can apply throughout the school year.
To learn more or to become a donor, visit nlc.bc.ca/nlc‑foundation.