Sault College student — and aspiring pastry chef — wins prestigious literacy award

A Sault College student is the only Ontario recipient of a prestigious award that celebrates adult learners who undertake literacy training, the college says.

Kayla Dufault, a second year culinary student who is a former academic upgrading student at Sault College, was nominated because "she exemplifies commitment and perseverance, key qualities for success in any area of life," Academic Upgrading professor Heather Ferguson said.

For her part, Dufault, who is now peer tutoring first-year students in her program, says she wants to keep going and achieve her end goal of becoming a pastry chef.

Read more about her journey in the following release from the college:

Sault College is proud to share that Kayla Dufault, a dedicated second year culinary student and former academic upgrading student, has been awarded the 2024 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

The Council of the Federation Literacy Award celebrates adult learners who undertake literacy training, as well as the valuable contributions made by Canadians in the field of literacy, including family, Indigenous, health, workplace, and community literacy.

As the sole recipient in Ontario, this prestigious award highlights Kayla’s incredible journey from academic upgrading to culinary arts and showcases both the power of education and her strong resilience and determination.

Kayla embarked on her educational journey with Academic Upgrading balancing the demands of life as a mother and full-time work. Although her path took several twists and turns, it was her resilience, dedication and immense support from the Academic Upgrading team that led to her success.

Once she completed her studies through Academic Upgrading, she began a job as a cook in a long-term care facility, which ultimately brought her back to Sault College’s culinary program. Inspired by the talented chefs and experiences of the culinary professors at the college, Kayla found her passion and knew she was on the right path.

Reflecting on her path, Kayla shared that “this award shows that I accomplished what I set out to do. Sometimes it can seem like you are stuck in the same place, but really, you’ve moved so far, and you just can’t see it. It represents dedication, hard work, putting in the effort. It wasn’t always easy, but when I struggled, I reached out to the staff in Academic Upgrading for help. They never gave me the answers rather they gave me the tools I needed to get the answers on my own and be successful.”

“It took so many curves and years, but I ended up exactly where I needed to be. My culinary professors made me believe I could do this, and I am,” she explained. “I’m now in my second year, peer tutoring first-year students in my program, and I know I want to keep going and achieve my end goal. One day, I will be a pastry chef—or as Chef Birkenhauer would call it, a pâtissier.”

Kayla was nominated for the award by Academic Upgrading professor Heather Ferguson. “I nominated Kayla because she exemplifies commitment and perseverance, key qualities for success in any area of life. She possesses a positive, never-give-up attitude that has carried her through challenges and kept her motivated to complete a college education and excel in her career,” said Heather.

Sault College is proud to support students like Kayla helping them unlock their potential and pursue their passions. Her success highlights the college’s commitment to lifelong learning and empowering individuals through education.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award, and Kayla joins a distinguished group of recipients across Canada. Sault College congratulates her on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to her continued success.

For more information on Sault College’s Academic Upgrading, visit Academic Upgrading.