OUA'S WOMEN OF INFLUENCE: Nipissing's Taralynn Ray

HAMILTON, Ont. - Ontario University Athletics (OUA) will recognize the top female scholar-athletes from across the province at a luncheon on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ont.

The event honours female student-athletes who have excelled in their chosen sports, fields of study and community involvement. This year's guest speaker will be dual-sport national athlete, Olympic gold medalist and OUA alumnus Heather Moyse.

Name: Taralynn Ray
School: Nipissing University
Sport: Cross Country
Year of study: 5
Program: Math/Geography and Education

Taralynn Ray, of Lindsay, Ontario, will graduate in June 2012 with an Honours BA (Mathematics and Geography) and a BEd. Taralynn has been a competitor on the Nipissing Lakers women's cross country team for five years, and served as the team captain for the past two.

She has been active in her school and community as a teaching assistant, mathematics tutor, technology assistant, as well as a steady volunteer with Big Sisters and the Girl Guides of Canada. Taralynn has been the recipient of the Carl Sanders Scholarship at Nipissing University for the past four years, as well as the team captain awards in 2009 and 2010, and the Coaches award in 2012. Congratulations Taralynn!

Join OUA as Heather speaks about her career on and off the field, and inspires a unique group of accomplished young women to continue to pursue excellence in sport and in life. Tickets are $55 each or $400 for a table of eight. To purchase tickets please contact Samantha Magalas at samantha.magalas@oua.ca

OUA recognizes the following sponsors for their support of this event; belairdirect, Centaur Products, Pioneer Energy, Wilson Sports Equipment of Canada and Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS).