Contest Alumni
The Get to Know Contest has had the privilege of working closely with a number of extremely talented youth over the years. Below are a few of our
Get to Know Contest Alumni.
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If you would like to become part of our Alumni, please contact us with your name, year of participation, picture and a bio.
Cameron Aplin
Cameron first got involved with the Get To Know program in 2009 as a winner in the photography section. His evolvement over the years has included roles such as Youth Delegate, Emcee, and Co-Chair for various events. He continues his passion for photography and has had work displayed in local art galleries as well as Canadian Geographic. He is an Alumni of the Students On Ice Foundation where he traveled to the Antarctic to learn about climate change and the impact it has on the polar regions. In his career, he has held positions as Natural Heritage Education Leader and Park Warden with Ontario Provincial Parks, and as Fire Prevention Officer with the City of Edmonton Fire Rescue Services and Town of Oakville Fire Department where he currently works. Cameron attributes much of his success to the experiences and relationships gained as part of the Get To Know family.
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Erica LaRochelle
Erica first heard of the Get To Know contest as an 8th grader from her California-based aunt who encouraged her to enter. The following fall Erica was awarded 1st place in the poetry category for her division. Traveling from Texas to Los Angeles, she and other winners were celebrated in Hollywood aboard a vintage fire truck during a red-carpet Christmas parade. With this amazing
affirmation of her ability to lyrically described our wild neighbors, her confidence was bolstered
during awkward teenage years. Erica wrote winning poems for a second and third time and her involvement with Get To Know deepened when she accepted ambassadorship. As an ambassador, Erica promoted the contest in Texas and was a delegate at the Unconference in
Kelowna. Her appreciation of nature continued into a career; after earning an ecology focused biology BS degree at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, she currently works as a range technician intern in the San Juan National Forest of southern Colorado. She is grateful for the opportunities offered by Get To Know and was inspired by meeting so many like-minded youth taking an active interest in wildlife and wildlands during her time with the organization.
Colin Starkevich
Colin Starkevich was a winner in the 2007 Get to Know Contest and has continued pursuing his passion with his artwork ever since and has some tremendous achievements to date. Colin is currently signature members of the International Artists For Conservation (AFC) organization – the worlds leading group of artists supporting the environment; the International Guild of Realism (IGOR), and an Active Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. Colin has been exhibiting his work in large group and solo exhibitions over the years and has been focusing much of his artistic practice on an ongoing series called The Grassland Series. A growing body of artwork depicting the natural Grasslands region of Canada. Colin encourages all youth to Get to Know the nature around them and share it with us through the Get to Know program by using their talents.
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