This year’s recipients of the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board’s Outstanding Graduates program are all heroes in their communities. They are actors, poets, singers, artists, business people, mentors, volunteers, and coaches. This program, which is now in its eleventh 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:
Bryce Fletch - St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School (Barrie, ON)
An actor, poet, singer, and artist are just a few of the words that could be used to describe St. Peter’s graduate Bryce, as he makes his mark on the provincial art scene, and beyond.
Alexandria Hamelin - St. Theresa’s Catholic High School (Midland, ON)
Passionate about food security, healthy options, and client dignity, St. Theresa’s graduate Alexandria founded the Georgian Bay Food Network, a community meeting place that provides food options for approximately 900 local families.
Patrick Maher - St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School (Tottenham, ON)
In 2018, St. Thomas Aquinas graduate Pat incorporated his own steel fabricating company, and now employs more than 25 people, with a goal of growth and expansion in the near future.
John McMorran - Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School (Orillia, ON)
Athlete turned published author, Patrick Fogarty graduate John has learned that life’s pathway is filled with twists, turns, injury, and upset, but through perseverance and the grace of God, it can be full and rewarding.
Dawson Viveiros - Holy Trinity Catholic High School (Bradford West Gwillimbury, ON)
A successful music career combined with being a mentor, volunteer, and coach of a sport that he loves, Holy Trinity’s graduate Dawson is committed to leaving his part of the world better than he found it.
Maddie Lyndon - St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School (Bracebridge, ON)
As the owner of the Muskoka Yoga Festival and Muskoka Mermaid Painting, Bracebridge resident and St. Dominic graduate Maddie feels blessed to have a happy and productive life in a town she has always loved.
Grzegorz Pierzchala - St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School (Barrie, ON)
A hero, an inspiration, and a life taken tragically and far too soon, St. Joan of Arc graduate Grzegorz Pierzchala, exemplified our Catholic values and chose a career path of service to others.
Shayne Casey-Shaw - Our Lady of the Bay Catholic High School (Collingwood, ON)
Yoga, pilates, and movement expertise - these three things make Vancouver-based physiotherapist and Our Lady of the Bay graduate Shayne’s road to recovery unique, long-lasting, and beneficial for her clients.
Bryan Howcroft - St. Joseph’s Catholic High School (Barrie, ON)
St. Joe’s graduate Bryan is an accomplished executive and a persuasive and tenacious leader, who has always believed that you should treat people as you would like to be treated.
"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 11 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.