MAY 2, 2022 - BARRIE, ON: A baking duo, jazz musician, improv comedian, Canada Women’s Soccer player, ordained Priest and Olympic para-athlete are among this year’s recipients of the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board’s Outstanding Graduates program. This program, which is now in its tenth year, takes a peek into the lives of some extraordinary people. One graduate from each of the nine Catholic high schools in the board is recognized during Catholic Education Week. This year’s recipients are:
Victoria Pickett - St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School (Barrie, ON)
Women’s soccer in Canada garners international respect, and Victoria Pickett has certainly made an impact as one of its stars. She has competed in three FIFA World Cup Championships and the PANAM Games.
Eileen David - St. Theresa’s Catholic High School (Midland, ON)
As a female in the skilled trades, Eileen David has carved her own path as a successful entrepreneur. Her company Georgian Bay Painters Inc. is making a splash in Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka.
Matthew Rait - St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School (Tottenham, ON)
Matthew Rait is a talented jazz musician who uses his talent and knowledge not only to perform, but also to teach and research his craft. He feels honoured to have performed with some of the most notable jazz musicians.
Wilfred Lee - Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School (Orillia, ON)
Improv comedy is not an easy gig, but it is something Wilfred Lee is passionate about. As part of Second City’s improvisations theatre troupe, he has honed his artistic talent and has even branched out into acting and music production.
Elyse O’Brien - Holy Trinity Catholic High School (Bradford West Gwillimbury, ON)
Captain Elyse O’Brien has established an impressive military career as an Air Battle Manager. As a Senior Director, she is in charge of the weapons section that provides air defence in the Alaskan NORAD region.
Adam Frederick - St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School (Bracebridge, ON)
Adam is a professional golfer who has returned to his Muskoka roots to share his love of the game. He is currently the General Manager and Director of Golf at a golf club.
Father Christopher Huynh - St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School (Barrie, ON)
Father Christopher Huynh understood a new way of life was calling him. He was ordained as a priest in 2021 and devotedly serves those in need in Toronto, living out his Catholic values in every way.
Michaela Gosselin - Our Lady of the Bay Catholic High School (Collingwood, ON)
Talented student and athlete Michaela Gosselin didn’t let a cancer diagnosis stand in her way of success. She just represented our country in four events at the Bejiing Olympics as a para-athlete skier.
Cait Patrick & Lise Ravalli (Garden) - St. Joseph’s Catholic High School (Barrie, ON)
From high school best friends to successful entrepreneurs, Cait Patrick and Lise Ravalli (Garden) continue to share their love of artisan baked goods with the residents of Barrie and beyond, at their popular downtown bakery.
"It is always exciting to recognize the accomplishments of some of our most notable graduates through this program” said Frances Bagley, Director of Education. "Over the course of the past 10 years, we have shared so many inspirational stories and this year is no exception. Our graduates remind us that God has plans for everyone - with faith, determination and hard work anything is possible.”
To learn more about this year's Outstanding Graduates or to nominate a graduate for next year, please visit www.outstandinggrads.ca.
-30-
Media Contact: Pauline Stevenson, Communications Manager 705.722.3555 ext., 229 [email protected]