The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board hosts the Catholic Student Leadership Awards ceremony each year during Catholic Education Week in the Province of Ontario. This annual event highlights the role of our Catholic faith in the lives of students as well as their commitment to family, community, and spirituality.
This year, the evening was celebrated with the Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton.
The Catholic Student Leadership Award honours the gifts of young people across the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board,” said Chair of the Board, Rick Petrella. “This prestigious award recognizes students who exemplify the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations in their school or classroom setting. Each award recipient is nominated by their teacher and school Administrator. Award recipients are extremely talented individuals who demonstrate outstanding qualities in Catholic leadership, family commitment, involvement in school activities, and dedication to their faith communities. These award recipients are true role models who live out the Catholic Graduate Expectations every day.”
2024 Student Leadership Award Recipients
Tomas Goncalves – Assumption College School, Brantford
Brenna Pilon – Blessed Sacrament, Burford
Cedric Perras – Christ the King, Brantford
Victoria Idusuyi -Holy Cross, Brantford
Taylor Conley – Holy Family, Paris
Landon Italiano – Holy Trinity Catholic High School, Simcoe
Joshua Ocampo – Madonna Della Libera, Brantford
Tracy Vu – Notre Dame, Brantford
Hayden Campbell – Notre Dame, Caledonia
Lilah DeClark – Our Lady of Fatima, Courtland
Ava Hergott – Our Lady of Providence, Brantford
Eliana Dionisio – Resurrection, Brantford
Julia DeVos – Sacred Heart, Langton
Kosisochukwu Onuoha – Sacred Heart, Paris
Johann Cha – St. Basil, Brantford
Seth Duesling – St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Waterford
Geneva Thompson-Campbell – St. Cecilia, Port Dover
Travis Van Londersele – St. Frances Cabrini, Delhi
Isabelle Francis – St. Gabriel, Brantford
Cristina Rocchi – St. John’s College, Brantford
Charlize Garcia – St. Joseph’s, Simcoe
Rosie Zammit – St. Leo, Brantford
Michela D’Antonio – St. Mary’s, Hagersville
Joshua Ruigrok – St. Michael’s, Dunnville
Emily O’Neail – St. Michael’s, Walsh
Sam Berardi – St. Patrick, Brantford
Callie McClung – St. Patrick’s, Caledonia
Hudson Da Silva – St. Peter, Brantford
Ma.Nicole Ranay – St. Pius X, Brantford
Lincoln Forster – St. Stephen’s, Cayuga
Kasia Szyszka – St. Theresa, Brantford
2024 Outstanding Contribution to Catholic Education (Adult Award)
Awarded to Bonnie McKinnon
Remarks – Chair Rick Petrella
“Bonnie McKinnon served as a trustee for the former Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board. Bonnie continued to serve as trustee with the amalgamation of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board in 1998 until 2014.
At the Board table, Bonnie’s “heart first” approach combined with her passion for Catholic Education was always evident as she prioritized students and learning. Bonnie actively participated on all committees and found a particular interest in the Special Education Committee. Bonnie attended and participated in all meetings. Bonnie’s professionalism was unmatched. She was always prepared, and asked thoughtful and considerate questions, advocating strongly for the community.
As an invested and active parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Hagersville, Bonnie was an exceptional liaison working diligently to strengthen relationships between families, schools, and parishes.
The Board is honoured to recognize Bonnie’s Catholic leadership and commitment to Catholic Education and present her with the 2024 Outstanding Contribution to Catholic Education Award.”
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