Student leaders honored at Catholic Education Week ceremony

The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board kicked off Catholic Education Week by honoring some of its student leaders.

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The school board hosts the Catholic Student Leadership Awards ceremony each year to highlight the role of Catholic faith in the lives of students, as well as their commitment to family, community and spirituality, said a news release issued by the board.

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Rev. Douglas Crosby, bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton, attended this year’s ceremony.

The Catholic Student Leadership Award honors the gifts of young people across the school board, said chair Rick Petrella.

“This prestigious award recognizes students who exemplify the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations in their school or classroom setting,” said Petrella. “Each award recipient is nominated by their teacher and school administrator. Award recipients are extremely talented individuals who demonstrate outstanding qualities in Catholic leadership, family commitment, involvement in school activities, and dedication to their faith communities.

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“These award recipients are true role models who live out the Catholic Graduate Expectations every day.”

The award recipients are:

Tomas Goncalves – Assumption College School, Brantford

Brenna Pilon – Blessed Sacrament, Burford

Cedric Perras – Christ the King, Brantford

Victoria Idusuyi — Holy Cross, Brantford

Taylor Conley — Holy Family, Paris

Landon Italiano — Holy Trinity Catholic High School, Simcoe

Joshua Ocampo — Madonna Della Libera, Brantford

Tracy Vun — Notre Dame, Brantford

Hayden Campbell — Notre Dame, Caledonia

Lilah DeClark — Our Lady of Fatima, Courtland

Ava Hergott—Our Lady of Providence, Brantford

Eliana Dionisio — Resurrection, Brantford

Julia DeVos — Sacred Heart, Langton

Kosisochukwu Onuoha — Sacred Heart, Paris

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Johann Cha — St. Basil, Brantford

Seth Duesling — St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Waterford

Geneva Thompson-Campbell — St. Cecilia, Port Dover

Travis Van Londersele — St. Frances Cabrini, Delhi

Isabelle Francis — St. Gabriel, Brantford

Cristina Rocchi — St. John’s College, Brantford

Charlize Garcia — St. Joseph’s, Simcoe

Rosie Zammit — St. Leo, Brantford

Michela D’Antonio — St. Mary’s, Hagersville

Joshua Ruigrok — St. Michael’s, Dunnville

Emily O’Neail — St. Michael’s, Walsh

Sam Berardi — St. Patrick, Brantford

Callie McClung — St. Patrick’s, Caledonia

Hudson Da Silva — St. Peter, Brantford

Ma.Nicole Ranay — St. Pius X, Brantford

Lincoln Forster — St. Stephen’s, Cayuga

Kasia Szyszka — St. Theresa, Brantford

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The 2024 Outstanding Contribution to Catholic Education Award was presented to former trustee Bonnie McKinnon.

She served as trustee for the former Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board and continued as trustee with the amalgamation of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board in 1998 until her retirement in 2014.

“At the board table, Bonnie’s ‘heart first’ approach combined with her passion for Catholic education was always evident as she prioritized students and learning,” said Petrella.

He said McKinnon participated in all committees and found a particular interest in special education.

“Bonnie’s professionalism was unmatched,” said Petrella. “She was always prepared and asked thoughtful and considered questions, advocating strongly for the community.”

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