From healing newborns to building thriving businesses, from protecting our coastlines to mentoring future professionals, this year’s recipients of the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board’s Outstanding Graduates program are making a difference around the world — and right here at home.

Now in its thirteenth year, this annual initiative recognizes one graduate from each of the board’s nine Catholic high schools. These individuals have made exceptional contributions in their chosen paths and embody the values of a Catholic education.

Adam Ager – St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School (Bracebridge, ON)
Adam is a recognized leader in responsible community development and municipal planning and is passionate about shaping the community he cares about.

Dr. Staci Benoit – St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School (Barrie, ON)
A pediatric specialist in New Orleans, Staci is passionate about service and global health. She is a neonatal doctor and lactation counselor, and actively participates in global health missions.

Bilal Diyab – Our Lady of the Bay Catholic High School (Collingwood, ON)
Bilal, a Syrian refugee who arrived in Canada in 2017, overcame immense challenges to become a successful business owner and certified barber. His shop, Bilal the Barber, has a loyal following from his alma mater, Our Lady of the Bay.

Michelle Kerrison – St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School (Barrie, ON)
Michelle’s success has been shaped by mentorship—from her high school days, when she earned the City of Barrie’s Young Female Business Award, to her leadership role in the pharmaceutical industry. Now, she’s committed to mentoring the next generation, just as others once did for her.

Emma Lamoureux – St. Theresa’s Catholic High School (Midland, ON)
Emma graduated first in her class from the Canadian Coast Guard College, earning several prestigious honours. Proud of her Indigenous heritage, Emma aims to inspire future generations to pursue careers in the maritime industry.

Rebecca McVeigh – St. Joseph’s Catholic High School (Barrie, ON)
Rebecca is a storyboard artist who has worked at Nelvana Animation, Blue Sky and now at Pixar. Her credits include Nimona and Inside Out 2. She mentors future artists and helps select Pixar’s next interns, just as she was chosen years ago.

Kevin Mullins – St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School (Tottenham, ON)
Kevin began his career at Honda in 1995 and is now the Chief Engineer and Production Operations Development Advisor for an LG & Honda Joint Venture battery plant in Ohio.

Sabrina Neto – Holy Trinity Catholic High School (Bradford West Gwillimbury, ON)
Sabrina is a humanitarian and Program Manager at War Child Canada. She leads projects in education, health, and capacity building in Uganda, South Sudan, and Afghanistan. Her faith inspires her work to uplift communities worldwide.

Scott and Shane Stephen – Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School (Orillia, ON)
Scott and Shane built their careers in the trades through hands-on school programs before launching Stephen Contracting and Excavation. In addition to their business success, they have dedicated countless hours and resources to their community.

“It is a joy to celebrate the many ways our graduates are living out their faith and making a positive impact in their communities and across the globe,” said Frances Bagley, Director of Education. “Each of these individuals serves as an inspiring example of the lifelong value of Catholic education.”

To learn more about this year's Outstanding Graduates or to nominate a graduate for next year, please visit www.outstandinggrads.ca

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