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Catholic Education Week 2023 Awards Ceremony

May 05, 2023

Napanee, ON – The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board held their annual Catholic Education Week Awards Ceremony this afternoon. The event was held in-person at the Board office in Napanee where award recipients and special guests gathered for a luncheon following. 

Each year during Catholic Education Week (first full week in May), the ALCDSB recognizes the exemplary accomplishments of students, staff and community members who consistently demonstrate outstanding service.  
 
“The success of our Catholic school system is supported by the generous contributions of staff, students and adult volunteers. Today we are highlighting the successes of a select few individuals whose exceptional efforts have surpassed expectations, and as such, those individuals are being celebrated for having made a remarkable impact on their Catholic Learning Community”. Said Terry Shea, Chair of the Board of Trustees. 
 
The Awards Ceremony honoured the accomplishments of one elementary school student, one secondary school student, four ALCDSB staff members and one adult volunteer. 

See Catholic Education Week 2023 Awards poster here.

 CEW Award Recipients 2023.JPG
ALCDSB Catholic Education Week 2023 Award Recipients
 L-R: Sara Della Civita, Colton O’Brien,  Dara Beaubien, Lisa Amey, Lori McCaw, Terry Shea, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Family Member on behalf of Darlene Storey, Barry Niles.

Catholic Education Week 2023 Award Recipients:

Archbishop Francis J. Spence Catholic Teacher of the Year Award 
Lori McCaw, Special Assignment Teacher 
Board Office, Napanee 
 
About the Recipient: Lori’s strong personal belief in the dignity of all people is evident in her tireless efforts to ensure that every staff member and student is equipped to reach their potential. She strives to meet every learner where they are and inspires educators to build up God’s kingdom in their classrooms. Lori’s humility, integrity, compassion, and love glorify the Lord each day. 
 
About the Award: The late Archbishop Spence chose to honour all teachers in the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board by specifically recognizing one teacher during Catholic Education Week with the Archbishop Francis J. Spence Catholic Teacher of the Year Award. This award recognizes a teacher who exemplifies the spirit of the ALCDSB Mission Statement, meritorious service, and commitment to Catholic education and to the teachings of the Catholic Church.  We honour the legacy of Archbishop Spence by presenting this award, which bears his name.   
 
Excellence In Supporting Catholic Education: CUPE, Support Staff and Senior Managers 
Lisa Amey, Early Childhood Educator 
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School, Amherstview 
 
About the Recipient: Lisa is a lifelong learner, she loves her job as an Early Childhood Educator, and she truly believes in her vocation. She makes every face visible each day in her classroom. She teaches the Catholic virtues in a way that our youngest learners can understand. She is a role model each and every year and an excellent mentor to many placement 
students. 
 
About the Award: The Excellence in Supporting Catholic Education Award – CUPE, Support Staff Association and Senior Managers recognizes an individual who demonstrates excellence in the workplace while supporting faith-based education; community service, social justice initiatives; involvement in workplace and/or community life and personal accomplishment.  
 
Contribution to Catholic Education Award 
Dara Beaubien, Educational Assistant 
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School, Amherstview 
 
About the Recipient: Dara is always a positive presence in the school and is rarely seen without a smile on her face. She is a true team player and is always looking out for the best interests of her students. Dara values relationships and is truly the caring adult for many students in the school. She treats all students at OLMC as though they are beloved children of God, and sincerely loves each child. 
 
About the Award: The Contribution to Catholic Education Award is meant to recognize an individual, group or organization which has made a significant visible contribution to the school system but particularly to either or both of the staff and students of the system.  
 
The Katharine Award  
Darlene Storey, Caretaker 
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School, Bancroft 
 
About the Recipient: Darlene is being recognized posthumously for her dedication to the students and staff at Our Lady of Mercy over the many years where she served as caretaker. Darlene passed away this past December but is remembered for having provided exemplary service to our Catholic Schools throughout her career. She was a "good and faithful servant" who strove to serve others in Christ. 
 
About the Award: The Katharine Award honours an individual, group or school whose charitable efforts honour the spirit of giving of the late Katharine Splinter and are consistent with the character of the system as expressed in its mission statement. 
 
Adult Volunteer Award 
Barry Niles, Volunteer 
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Kingston 
 
About the Recipient: Barry has been a volunteer at St. Francis since the school opened its doors. During this time, he has built many positive relationships with staff and students. Barry is a regular volunteer in the school. As a volunteer, he has helped students learn to read, write and develop regulation strategies, by being a calming presence and a safe and caring adult. 
 
About the Award: The Adult Volunteer Award recognizes exemplary volunteer services to the benefit of staff and students.   
 
Secondary Student Volunteer Award 
Sara Della Civita, Grade 12 Student 
St. Paul Catholic Secondary School, Trenton 
 
About the Recipient: Sara is completely dedicated to her school community, her parish, and is a role model to all. She gives huge amounts of time and energy to extracurriculars and is a committed, longstanding member of student council. Sara is encouraging, kind and helpful – and everyone feels the positivity of her presence. She is truly a bright light in the St. Paul Community. 
 
About the Award: The Secondary Student Volunteer of the Year Awards recognize an individual who has provided exemplary services to a school, to the benefit of the students and staff of that site. 
 
Elementary Student Volunteer Award 
Colton O’Brien, Grade 8 Student 
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School, Amherstview 
 
About the Recipient: Colton is an exemplary student who greets all staff and peers with a warm hello and "have a great day". He goes out of his way to ask how he can be of service to others. He is the voice of the daily announcements, organizes hot lunches, and is a lector at school Mass. He supports many fundraising initiatives and is committed to ensuring their success in the school community. 
 
About the Award: The Elementary Student Volunteer of the Year Awards recognize an individual who has provided exemplary services to a school, to the benefit of the students and staff of that site. 
 
About Catholic Education Week: 
Each year during the first full week in May the ALCDSB recognizes the significant contributions that Catholic Education has made to the community, the province and to Canada. Learn more: ocsta.on.ca