We extend our congratulations to all recipients who are recognized in this program for their amazing accomplishments. Please note that during the ceremony this evening, only those recipients in attendance will be introduced and acknowledged by our Master of Ceremonies.

Introductions and Territorial Acknowledgement

Frances Bagley, Director of Education

Master of Ceremonies

Maria Hardie, Board Chair

Award Recipients

Empower Simcoe Inclusion Excellence Awards

The Inclusion Excellence Awards are presented annually by Empower Simcoe to students and staff who promote and exemplify an inclusive school environment.

2023 Inclusion Excellence Award Recipients


Sheila Babcock

Canadian Martyrs Catholic School


Destiny Blasato

St. Peter's Catholic Secondary School


Madison Brinn

St. Mary's Catholic School, Collingwood


Allison Daly

Our Lady of Grace Catholic School


Krista Gurney

Canadian Martyrs Catholic School


Jennifer Harvey

St. Mary's Catholic School, Collingwood


Nancy Porteous

Canadian Martyrs Catholic School


Jenny Twigg

St. Peter's Catholic Secondary School


Murray K. Watson

Catholic Education Centre

CEFO Student of the Year Awards

The Catholic Student of the Year awards are presented by the Catholic Education Federation of Ontario (CEFO). The award recognizes students who exemplify Catholic values and actively engage in their school and community in positive ways.

2022 CEFO Student of the Year Award Recipients


Madeline Barbaro

St. Peter's Catholic Secondary School


Rylind Davis

St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School


Charlotte Jackson

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School


Emily Lawrence

Our Lady of the Bay Catholic High School


Noelia Murillo

Holy Trinity Catholic High School


Jonathan Sparks

St. Theresa's Catholic High School


Mckenzie Susil

St. Joseph's Catholic High School


Jenika Ton

St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School


Franchi Torchia

Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School

Christmas Card Artwork

The SMCDSB receives hundreds of submissions from elementary and secondary students for its annual Christmas card artwork contest. The winning submission is used on the front of the Board’s social Christmas card, which is sent to leaders in our community including His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, the Premier of Ontario and the Prime Minister of Canada.

2022 Christmas Card Artwork Winner

Eliana Antar

St. Cecilia Catholic School


Skills Ontario Competition

This is Canada's largest skilled trade and technology competition, where students from across Ontario and the country compete against the best in their field.

2023 Skills Ontario Competition Winners


Emma Santaera 

St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School

2023 Skills Ontario Workplace Safety Contest - Bronze Medal


Mario Solis and Austin Vieselmeyer 

St. Peter's Catholic Secondary School

2023 Skills Ontario 3D Character Animation - Bronze Medal


Academic & Volunteer Achievements

Giulia Guidorizzi

St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School

Horatio Alger Canadian Scholarship & Student Delgate to Washington 


Justyna Pierzchala

St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School

Outstanding Volunteerism - Organizing Grzegorz Pierzchala Memorial Run

Athletic Awards and Recognitions

Damen Boose

Our Lady of the Bay Catholic High School

2023 OFSAA Individual Giant Slalom - Gold Medal


Robbie Dunbar

St. Peter's Catholic Secondary School

2023 OFSAA Wrestling - Silver Medal


Reese Hennessey

Our Lady of the Bay Catholic High School

2023 OFSAA Giant Slalom and Slalom - Bronze Medal

Maea Knights

Our Lady of the Bay Catholic High School

2023 OFSAA Nordic Ski - Gold Medal


Lauren Smith

St. Theresa's Catholic High School

2023 OFSAA Wrestling & Canadian National Championship - Gold Medal


Jordi Vilchez

St. Peter's Catholic Secondary School

2023 OFSAA Swimming Freestyle & Individual Medley - Gold Medal


Reese Wessinger

Our Lady of the Bay Catholic High School

2023 OFSAA Swimming Individual Medley - Silver Medal


Ski Team (Damon Boose, Jack Wessinger, Jordan Moran, Patrick Rush, and Andrew Dorchak)

Our Lady of the Bay Catholic High School

2023 OFSAA Giant Slalom & Slalom Team - Silver Medal


Senior Girls Soccer Team

Holy Trinity Catholic High School

2023 OFSAA Girls Soccer - Gold Medal


Senior Boys Volleyball Team

St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School

2023 OFSAA Sportsmanship Award Senior Boys Volleyball


Jessica Cairncross

Canadian Martyrs Catholic School

American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup - Team Canada Manager


Kendryn Catallo

Monsignor Clair Catholic School

Eastern Canadian Trampoline Championships 


Maclaine Gillan and Tate Damas

St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School

Provincial Special Olympics Floor Hockey - Silver Medal


Samantha Trinka

St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School

Representing Canada - U17 World Cheerleading Competition 


Artistic Awards and Recognitions

Veronica Oliveira

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School

Yearbook Cover Contest Winner and Provincial Representative at Nationals


Krista Marie Potestio Sina

St. Ann's Catholic School, Virtual

Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Day Essay Contest -  3rd Place Ontario


Kayla Marie Potestio Sina

St. Ann's Catholic School, Virtual

Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Day Poetry Contest -  3rd Place Ontario


Outstanding Graduates

This annual initiative features one graduate, through a nomination process, from each of our nine Catholic high schools. These graduates have made exceptional contributions in their chosen path and epitomize what it means to be a Catholic graduate from SMCDSB.

2023 Outstanding Graduates

Shayne Casey-Shaw

Our Lady of the Bay Catholic High School

Vancouver-based physiotherapist, using yoga and pilates to speed healing.


Bryce Fletch

St. Peter's Catholic Secondary School

An actor, poet, singer, and artist.


Alexandria Hamelin

St. Theresa's Catholic High School

Founder of the Georgian Bay Food Network.


Bryan Howcroft

St. Joseph's Catholic High School

Accomplished executive and a persuasive and tenacious leader.


Maddie Lyndon

St. Dominic's Catholic Secondary School

Business owner in her hometown, a town she has always loved.


Patrick Maher

St.Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School

Incorporated his own steel fabricating company, and employs 25+ people.


John McMorran

Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School

Athlete turned published author.


Greg Pierzchala

St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School

A hero, an inspiration, and a life taken tragically and far too soon.


Dawson Viveiros

Holy Trinity Catholic High School

A successful music career, mentor, volunteer, and coach.