The Sarnia Community Foundation (SCF) has awarded the second annual Kathleen Pretty Memorial Award to Venkatesh Lella, a student in Lambton College’s Culinary Management program. Lella is scheduled to graduate in June 2026 after completing the co-operative portion of his program in Sarnia. Alastair Mackay, Culinary Management Coordinator at Lambton College, commented on Lella’s selection, […]
The Sarnia Community Foundation (SCF) has awarded the second annual Kathleen Pretty Memorial Award to Venkatesh Lella, a student in Lambton College’s Culinary Management program. Lella is scheduled to graduate in June 2026 after completing the co-operative portion of his program in Sarnia.
Alastair Mackay, Culinary Management Coordinator at Lambton College, commented on Lella’s selection, noting his strong academic performance and willingness to mentor fellow students. "He exemplified the perfect student with top of the class marks in practical labs and academic performance," Mackay said, adding that Lella was "motivated to improve upon himself, wherever his weaknesses may be."
The Kathleen Pretty Memorial Awards were established in honor of Kathleen Pretty, a chef and community advocate. Two awards are granted annually to students at Lambton College who demonstrate a commitment to both academic success and community service. One award is given to a Culinary Management student in the fall, and the other to a Social Service Worker student in the spring.
Since its founding in 1983, the Sarnia Community Foundation has contributed more than $12 million to community organizations, scholarships, and projects throughout Sarnia-Lambton. The foundation manages endowment funds, issues grants for community programs, and administers scholarships to support various sectors in the region.
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