The annual Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board Celebrating Excellence in Catholic Education Awards Ceremony took place on June 2, 2026, at St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School. Award recipients and their families gathered for an evening dedicated to celebrating student achievement from across the system. As guests arrived, they were greeted by musical performances from the St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School Soundwave ensemble, led by Musical Director David Curto. The ceremony began with prayer led by Student Trustee Klara Pasalic, followed by a welcome from Principal Roberto Lombardi on behalf of the host school.
This year's celebration recognized 81 students, as well as outstanding student-athletes and teams, for excellence in academics, Christian service, Catholic leadership, the arts, athletics, skilled trades and stewardship of creation.
Serving as emcee for the evening, Chairperson of the Board John Valvasori welcomed guests and reflected on the purpose of the annual celebration.
"Inspired by the words of St. Catherine of Siena, the Board of Trustees established this annual ceremony, at the recommendation of former Director of Education James Daly, to celebrate the significant accomplishments of our students and encourage them to continue to be who God has called them to be," said Valvasori.
Valvasori also acknowledged the families, teachers, principals, vice-principals, staff members, advisors and coaches whose support helps students flourish.
Awards were presented in several categories, including Board Awards, Living the Spirit Awards, Co-Curricular Awards and the Stewardship of Creation Awards. Special presentations included the Sister Maria Cordis Music Award, the Presidents' Council Bursary, the James L. Daly Award of Excellence and the Jim Hansen Spirit of Community Award.
The Board was honoured to welcome former Director of Education James Daly, who presented the James L. Daly Award of Excellence to this year's elementary and secondary recipients. Director of Education David Hansen also presented the Jim Hansen Spirit of Community Award, which recognizes students whose presence and actions help build welcoming and inclusive school communities and reflects the Board's long-standing belief that "Each Belongs."
The evening also celebrated provincial excellence in athletics and skilled trades. Students were recognized for OFSAA gold medal performances in wrestling and track and field, while Cathedral High School student Anna Ngo was honoured as the 2026 Skills Ontario Medal Design Winner. The St. Thérèse of Lisieux Catholic Elementary School Horticulture and Landscape Team was also recognized for earning a Skills Ontario Gold Medal.
Among the special award recipients recognized during the evening were Celena Miranda of Cathedral High School, recipient of the Presidents' Council Bursary; Carenne Carlisle Tubongbanua of St. Ann (Hamilton) Catholic Elementary School and Erica Bautista of Cathedral High School, recipients of the James L. Daly Award of Excellence; and Klea Lavapiez, Bojan Idzanovic, Julia Dokibog and Blessing Gyasi, recipients of the Jim Hansen Spirit of Community Award.
Living the Spirit Awards were presented to students from every Catholic elementary and secondary school across the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. These students were recognized for being exemplary, faith-filled and well-rounded individuals who demonstrate success in academics, Christian service, co-curricular involvement and visible witness to their faith.
Living the Spirit Award Recipients
Ace Araujo, Valentina Suarez, Jakob Anger, Valentina Duenas Villanueva, Evan Foster, Sienna Boguslawski, Macey O'Connell, Nadira Okeke, Zion Riparip, Dia Aramburo, Bridget Hall, Eirhen Orosco, Celena Miranda, De'Jaan Cardoz, Rui Valente, Allianna McEachnie, Darragh Gibson, Adam Wroblewski, Jasmine Sy, Ayden Freeman, Jaxon Verticchio, Ava Pereira Da Silva, Gabryella Dela Pena, Cameron Callaway, Dylan Mayo-Petrie, Eva Perri, Kenzie Baset, Amma Obena-Agyei, James Walker, Zara Nchanji, Ari Surenthiran, Mikela Capretta, Mycah Emovon, David Iluobe, Lucy Dittal, Jonathan Kallu, Lauren Russell, Ella Dolhai, Corey Martins, Richard Aduola, Julianna Scandinavo, Nico Fiore, Apaoluwa Samuel, Mila Stret, Pascal Onemheghie, Arianno Marrazzo, Olivia Pastuovic, Dennis Trofin, Leonardo Chimenti, Maggie Rui, Ella Faggion, Chapman Loughead, Abhiraam Nair, Petra Hindra, Adam Knoll and Janica Van Alstine.
The Stewardship of Creation Awards were presented to Jena Tawfiq of Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School, Robert Olsav of Cathedral High School, Serena Jones of St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School, Carrie Geenen of St. John Henry Newman Catholic Secondary School, Sean Salaris of St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, Matthew Macaluso of St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School, and Kateryna Melnychouk of Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School.
The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board extends its congratulations to all award recipients and thanks the families, educators, coaches, advisors and staff members whose encouragement and support continue to help students discover and develop their God-given gifts.
