Local residents Jim Jarvis and Al Zackodnik were recently awarded a Community Service Award at the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists annual general meeting.  Since 2002, these two Fort St. John engineers have enthusiastically worked together to organize the annual Popsicle-stick Bridge contest for students, because they believe that encouraging the next generation of professional engineers and geoscientists is critical to sustaining the professions for the future.  This project demonstrates the value of creative thinking in preparing students for a broad range of careers the arts and science can work hand in hand to develop the minds and abilities of future community leaders.

Mr. Jarvic is a semi-retired mechanical engineer who runs a cunsulting practice and Mr. Zackodnik is a retired agricultural and bio-resources engineer who spent most of his career with the BC Government.  Both men have dedicated countless hours to the community of Fort St. John, focusing on students through their involvement with the Peace River Branch of the APEGBC.  Thanks to their efforts, the branch's career awareness activities reach over 900 students each year in communities as far away as Tumbler Ridge and Fort Nelson. 

Congratulations Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Zackodnik on recieving this award and for your long-lasting commitment to inspiring the next generation with creative thinking and skill development.