Meet the Fall 2015 Valedictorians

Valedictorian Ryan Howard

Ryan is graduating from the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training certificate program. Before joining Seneca, Ryan led a successful 15-year career as a franchisee. Although Ryan had a knack for operating restaurants, his true passion was firefighting. Ryan joined Seneca’s Pre-Service Firefighter program to prove to himself that he could complete a postsecondary education, even with ADD, dyslexia and dysgraphia. With encouragement from the York Region Learning Disabilities Association and Seneca’s Counselling and Accessibility Services, Ryan received the support and resources he needed to succeed. Ryan appreciated the accommodating staff and emphasis on practical education at Seneca, especially his program’s firefighting labs, which provided a concrete understanding of the theories taught in class. When he wasn’t studying, Ryan spoke as a member of the United Way Speakers’ Bureau, encouraging others to understand and overcome their disabilities, just like he had. Now, having just completed his fire marshal exam, Ryan hopes to continue on his path to becoming a firefighter.