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Catholic Education Week Award Recipients

May 05, 2021

Each year during Catholic Education Week, ALCDSB recognizes the exemplary accomplishments of students, staff and community members who consistently demonstrate outstanding service. 

Catholic Education Week Awards Poster:​​ 2021 CEW Awards Poster.pdf

Archbishop Francis J. Spence Catholic Teacher of the Year Award
Sarah Cassidy Arch Bishop Spence award.PNG
Sarah Cassidy - ALCDSB Board Office
Sarah looks upon people with “God's soft eyes" and with a caring, gentle approach.  She is a faith-filled person with a peaceful, calm presence, who shows empathy and places relationships first, meeting people where they are.  Sarah supports the system through her roles in Religious and Family Life Education, Equity and Early Years.

Excellence In Supporting Catholic Education
Emese Excellence in Supporting CE award.PNG



Emese Soudant St. Patrick CS (Erinsville) 

Emese is faith-filled, kind, caring, hospitable, thoughtful and supportive, and someone who always goes above and beyond. She is involved in Catholic School Council, fundraising, supporting families and nurturing the relationship between home, school, and parish. Students are blessed to learn Catholic values from a faith witness who embodies them in every interaction.
Contribution to Catholic Education 
Francis Zambone Contributiont to CE award.PNG

Fr. Francis Zambon - Archdiocese of Kingston

Father Francis is highly involved in the ALCDSB at both the school and system levels. He recognizes the special gifts and talents in students and always takes the opportunity to compliment them and build relationships. Father Francis is a shepherd leader. He models a life of servant leadership for others and models seeing Jesus as our greatest example of love and compassion. 
The Katharine Award 
John and Angela Smylie Katherine Award.PNGRobin Dzierniejko - Katherine award.PNG

​John &Angela Smylie - St. Peter CS 
Robin Dzierniejko - Holy Cross CSS


John and Angela are incredibly generous individuals who graciously and selflessly give to the Catholic schools in Trenton. In addition to donating food and gift cards, they are very giving of their time. Mr. and Mrs. Smylie always look for ways to give and to open doors to people in need in the community. We are truly blessed to call them partners. 

Robin very quietly organizes initiatives that support the community through his leadership class and in the role of school Athletic Director. Robin ensures that inclusivity, care, compassion and empathy are central to many charitable efforts. Robin is a servant leader who strives to make the world a better place while seeing Christ in everyone.​
Adult Volunteer 
Kelli Nicholas adult volunteer.PNG

​Kelli Nicholas - St. Martin of Tours CS 

Kelli is a strong advocate for meeting student needs and providing the students with many educational opportunities. As the longest serving member of the Catholic School Council, she has been instrumental in facilitating annual school events, fundraising, and supporting new school community members, to the benefit of both students and staff in the community. ​
Secondary Student Volunteer
Autumn Thorp Secondary Volunteer award RND.PNG

Autumn Thorp - Regiopolis Notre-Dame CHS

Autumn is a shining example of how to live out the call to witness. Serving as the faith rep on Students’ Council, she is involved in the daily announcements, shares faith formation resources with her peers, leads contemplative prayer, and maintains the RND Chaplaincy Instagram account. Autumn also coordinates the blood donation bus program and is a cadet in the community. ​
Elementary Student Volunteer 
Mackennin Roach - elementary volunteer award Holy Rosary.PNG

MaKennin Roach - Holy Rosary CS

MaKennin consistently demonstrates a Christian attitude of service, selflessness, and dedication in school, in parish, and within the community. She is a spiritual, academic, and social leader who is looked up to by her peers and younger students. MaKennin organizes many fundraisers and social justice initiatives and assists with liturgies and Masses at the church.​