On Wednesday, May 31, the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic School Board (SMCDSB) held their annual Celebration of Excellence evening to commemorate the outstanding achievements of staff and students. More than 170 people attended Mass and helped congratulate individuals who have made exceptional contributions and accomplishments in Catholic education.

The night kicked off with the presentation of our 2017 Outstanding Graduates. We were happy to have four of this year’s recipients attend the event.

Next, Connie Leon was in attendance to present the awards for the Tom Leon Bursary. This year, Benjamin Peacock from Patrick Fogarty Catholic S.S and Gabriele Semouha from Holy Trinity Catholic H.S were selected for their academic achievements, outstanding commitment to overcome personal challenges and demonstration of Catholic values in their community.

The 2016 Christmas Card Artwork winner, Alina Dion from Saint Gabriel the Archangel C.S., was in attendance to showcase her amazing artwork, which was featured on the SMCDSB annual christmas card. The card was sent to numerous political, parish and educational partners across the province.

The Simcoe Community Services Inclusion Excellence Awards recognized 16 special individuals from seven schools who encompass the SMCDSB mission for inclusive learning. These five staff members and 11 students went above and beyond to ensure that all individuals were included and welcome in all aspects of their school community.

This year, we had three special individuals who were grand award winners at the 2016 Simcoe County Regional Science and Technology Fair. Andrew Jones from Sacred Heart C.S. won best in his category, Animal and Plant Sciences and two students, Gavin Wilson and Emmett Harrison from St. Monica’s C.S., even went on to compete at the Canada Wide Science Fair in Regina for their project in Physical and Mathematical Sciences.

Samantha Moneypenny from Jean Vanier C.H.S. was recognized for winning the 2016 OECTA Young Authors Award. Her submission was the winner in the Grade 11-12 short story category and was published in the 2016 OECTA Young Authors book along with other winners.

For her outstanding compassion, energy and leadership in her community. Mackenzie Oliver from St. Joan of Arc C.H.S. won the 2016 Diana Award. At the young age of nine, she founded the I Love Me Club, an organization that promotes self-esteem and the prevention of bullying.

At this year’s WE DAY in Toronto, Rachel Wulterkens from St. Peter’s C.S.S. was presented with the Governor General Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers. We were happy to have Rachel at the evening to recognize her incredible volunteer efforts.

There’s no doubt that our SMCDSB athletes are exceptionally talented. We were lucky to have Kendra Lutsch from St. Peter’s C.S.S. and Jessica Maher from St. Thomas Aquinas C.S.S. join us to celebrate their success at OFSAA. Kendra won the silver medal in the 200-meter individual medley swim and Jessica won the bronze medal in girls singles badminton.

Principal Annalisa Varano was in attendance to accept the St. Thomas Aquinas C.S.S. concert band’s certificate for their success at MusicFest Canada. The band won the gold award in the concert band category among thousands of other musicians across the country.

To end off the night, two exceptional staff members were recognized for their outstanding work in Catholic education. Dulce Pinho Moreira from St. Nicholas C.S. was named one of Toronto Star’s Teacher of the Year and our Director of Education, Brian Beal, won the OCSOA Distinguished Leadership Award.

The night was a tremendous success as we celebrated the amazing achievements and contributions that staff and students have made throughout the year.

Please join us in congratulating these individuals! We look forward to seeing what next year will bring.