A magician, a musician, an explorer and a radio host are among those honoured this year as part of the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board's Outstanding Graduate program. Each year during Catholic Education Week, the board recognizes one graduate from each of its nine high schools for their valuable and distinct contributions to society. This program takes a peek into the lives of some very extraordinary people and examines how Catholic education at our board has helped shape their future. This year's recipients are:
• Joe Boucher from St. Joseph's Catholic High School in Barrie. Joe graduated in 2002 and is a member of the Parks Canada Underwater Archaeology team and member of the exploration team that discovered Sir John Franklin's long lost HMS Erebus.
• Nathan Ferraro and Daenen Bramberger from Jean Vanier Catholic High School in Collingwood. Nathan and Daenan graduated in 2004 and are Juno nominated musicians with international recognition and success with the rock band Midway State.
• Fiona Fryer from St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School in Barrie. Fiona graduated in 2006 and is training for the 2016 Special Olympics - Provincial Spring Games. Fiona has been the keynote speaker at both the World Down Syndrome Association, and the Down Syndrome Association of Ontario.
• Carolyn Glatt from St. Peter's Catholic Secondary School in Barrie. Carolyn graduated in 2002 and is a registered physiotherapist, training with professional athletes and continuing her studies in concussion and vestibular therapies.
• Lisa Morgan from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School in Tottenham. Lisa graduated in 2002 and is the midday host at 107.5 KOOL FM in Barrie. She is also a voice actor on the roster at Vox Talent, voicing national commercials for Almay, Benefiber, V-Tech toys and more.
• Gavin Reynolds from St. Theresa's Catholic High School in Midland. Gavin graduated in 2003 and is a Client Solutions Manager at Facebook Canada and fashion journalist for OUTVisions magazine. He has also developed advertising campaigns for top Canadian TV shows such as Top Chef and Big Brother Canada.
• Raman Sharma from St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School in Bracebridge. Raman graduated in 2000 and is a magician who has travelled throughout 16 countries, and performed for some of the most renowned companies in the world.
• Graeme Williams from Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School in Orillia. Graeme graduated in 2005 with the highest average of any student in his graduating year in the province of Ontario and is now working at Apple Inc. as an Optical Display Engineer.
• Eric Wychopen from Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Bradford West Gwillimbury. Eric graduated in 2008 and is part of the inaugural program Interdisciplinary Studies in Global Health and Disability, engaging with academics from around the globe including the World Health Organization.
"It is such an honour to recognize these extremely talented students," said Brian Beal, Director of Education. "Every day we witness our students and staff changing the world in positive ways. This year's recipients provide just a glimpse of the undeniable contributions that those involved with Catholic education have made to the betterment of our province and beyond."
To learn more about this year's Outstanding Graduates or to nominate a graduate for next year, please visit www.outstandinggrads.ca.