Back from left: Superintendent Julie Selby, Trustee Loretta Durst, Dylan Hain (Holy Cross CSS), Elias Maher (St. Anne CES), Emily Clarke (St. Alphonsus CES), Hudson Messervey (Monsignor O’Donoghue CES), Belle Davis (Immaculate Conception, Peterborough CES), Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan. Front from left: Carson Mahoney (St. John CES), Aliyah Francis-O’Brien (St. Patrick CES), Addison Gerelus (St. Peter CSS), Maggie Mantifel (St. Teresa CES), Avery Kidd (St. Paul CES), Sahana Vignarajah (St. Catherine CES).
The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board recognized 36 students for leadership, faith and community involvement during its annual Catholic Student Leadership Awards ceremony Wednesday evening.
The event was held at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School as part of Catholic Education Week, which runs from May 3 to May 8. This year’s theme is “Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness.”
One student from each elementary and secondary school in the board received a commemorative medallion recognizing their contributions to school life, family values, faith and community service.
Recipients were nominated by principals, teachers and, in some cases, fellow students. The board said award winners demonstrated exemplary Catholic leadership, resilience and dedication both inside and outside the classroom.
Board chairperson Kevin MacKenzie said the students embody this year’s theme through service and leadership.
“In a world that often feels uncertain, these leaders provide a steady light,” MacKenzie said in a release. “They remind us that true leadership is rooted in faith and expressed through service to others.”
Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan said the students reflect the mission of Catholic education through everyday acts of empathy, integrity and courage.
“They represent the very best of Catholic education, proving that when we walk the path of faith, we create a more compassionate world for everyone,” O’Sullivan said.
