May 5, 2026 – Simcoe – The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board honoured exceptional student leaders at the annual Catholic Student Leadership Awards (CSLA) on May 4th at Holy Trinity Catholic High School during Catholic Education Week.
The Catholic Student Leadership Awards recognize students who exemplify the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations through their leadership, faith commitment, and service to their school communities. Recipients are nominated by their teachers and school administrators for demonstrating integrity, compassion, and a dedication to Catholic education. This year, 32 students were selected to receive the award as student leaders that reflect the importance of faith in our lives and the role it plays in Catholic education.
Students, parents, and members of the BHNCDSB attended the Catholic Student Leadership Awards presided over by the Most Reverend Ronald P. Fabbro; Bishop of the Diocese of London.
“Catholic Education Week offers a meaningful opportunity to recognize the ways our students live out their faith each day through leadership, service, and compassion,” said Mike McDonald, Director of Education. “The students honoured through our Catholic Student Leadership Awards reflect the very best of our Catholic school communities, demonstrating a deep commitment to the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations and to serving others with integrity and purpose. We are equally grateful for the lasting contributions of this year’s distinguished award recipients, whose lives and work continue to inspire our students to lead with faith and make a positive difference in the world.”
In addition to the student awards, two major distinctions were presented: the Outstanding Contribution to Catholic Education Award and the Distinguished Catholic Graduate Award.
This year’s recipient for the Outstanding Contribution to Catholic Education Award, Peter Giordano, was recognized for his significant and lasting impact on Catholic education. Since retiring from St. John’s College in 2014, Peter has served as Youth Coordinator for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Brant (SSVP), fostering a strong partnership between SSVP and BHNCDSB schools. His commitment to service and his ability to inspire students to live their faith through action have enriched school communities across the district.
The Distinguished Catholic Graduate Award is dedicated to a graduate of BHNCDSB who has lived a life of faith that demonstrates Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. This was awarded to Jeff De Prosperis posthumously who was an inspirational contributor to Catholic education. For more than 20 years, Jeff was a beloved teacher, coach, and leader at St. John’s College (SJC). A proud SJC graduate and BHNCDSB staff member, Jeff lived his Catholic faith daily through his work in science and physical education, and later as Co‑instructional Lead for Phys Ed.
The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board extends its gratitude to all award recipients who exemplify the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations across our district. Congratulations to all the 2026 Catholic Student Leadership Award recipients.
MEDIA RELEASE CONTACT
Tracey Austin | Manager of Communications and Community Relations
Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board
Email: communications@bhncdsb.ca
