MARCH 23, 2017 - BARRIE, ON: The Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers' Association (OCSOA) has confirmed that Brian Beal, Director of Education for the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) is the recipient of the 2017 Distinguished Leadership Award. Each year, the association recognizes up to two leaders who actively work to enhance the interests and needs of students; are highly respected by colleagues, staff and parents; assume an active role in the community; are leaders in parish, civic or humanitarian efforts; and give to the vocation of serving the community.
Mr. Beal was nominated by his colleagues on the Educational Leadership Council at the SMCDSB. In the nomination submission he was described as "an exemplary Catholic leader who has had an incredible impact . . . he is a true example of a servant leader - advocating for the respect and dignity of all within each and every community, both locally and abroad. He has always been a voice and advocate for those who are marginalized and less fortunate."
Currently, Mr. Beal is the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Martyrs' Shrine and was a member of the OCSOA Mentorship Steering Committee. He was elected to the 7th Council of the Ontario College of Teachers, and serves as the Chair of the Registration Appeals Committee. Mr. Beal is also on the Board of Directors of the International Student Exchange (Ontario), which provides international language-based exchange programs for students.
One of Mr. Beal's greatest passions is the credit-based mission trip program, which is offered at all nine Catholic high schools in the board. After a life-altering mission trip to Kenya with Nipissing University's Bachelor of Education program, Mr. Beal became passionate about providing similar experiences to staff and students at the SMCDSB. To date, hundreds of students and staff have travelled to developing countries (on three different continents) to become immersed in the culture and work on educational activities and building projects. These staff and students return to Canada with a new outlook on life, committed to transforming our world in whatever way they can.
"It is truly an honour and humbling experience to be recognized by my peers in this way," said Brian Beal, Director of Education. "I have so much faith in the work that we all do, every day, for our students at the SMCDSB. I am grateful to our students, staff and families because without their support, dedication and hard work I would not be receiving this recognition."