Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board

St. Thomas More EAs Receive Domenica Leone Award

Posted on 06/10/2026

The Domenica Leone Award of Recognition for Exceptional Service to Special Education was presented on June 5, 2026, at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School. The presentation took place during the school's weekly Hot Dog Friday initiative, where students from the Alternative Learning for Life (ALL) program welcomed guests and showcased many of the skills they have developed throughout the year.

Joining the celebration were Director of Education David Hansen, Chairperson of the Board John Valvasori and Superintendent of Education Tracey Ferrie, who spent time with students, learned more about the program and enjoyed hot dogs prepared and served by the students themselves.

Established in loving memory of Domenica Leone, the award recognizes Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board staff who demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting students with diverse learning needs. Throughout her 35-year career as a classroom teacher, Special Education Resource Teacher, Vice-Principal and Assistant Superintendent, Domenica was a passionate advocate for inclusive education and the belief that Each Belongs. Through the ongoing support of the Leone family, including daughter Diana Leone-Filice, the award continues Domenica's legacy by recognizing staff whose work reflects those same values of compassion, inclusion and student success.

This year's award was presented to the Educational Assistant team at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School in recognition of their outstanding commitment to fostering inclusion, independence and belonging for students in the ALL program.

The team's impact can be seen throughout the school community. What began as a staff coffee cart evolved into a thriving student-led enterprise that includes the popular Hot Dog Friday program, providing students with opportunities to develop cooking, communication, customer service and business skills. The initiative grew so successfully that it expanded beyond staff sales to serve the entire school community and even supported a feeder school event at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Elementary School, where students prepared and distributed more than 300 hot dogs.

Through these experiences, students have gained confidence, independence and a greater sense of connection to their school community. The Educational Assistants were recognized for their collaborative approach and their ability to create authentic learning opportunities that allow students to participate meaningfully in school life.

Michelle Fortino, Secondary Teacher in the Alternative Learning for Life (ALL) program at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School also expressed her gratitude for the Educational Assistant team and the support they provide to students each day. She noted that their collaboration, care and commitment have been instrumental in creating meaningful opportunities for student growth, independence and belonging.

In addition to operating the coffee cart and Hot Dog Friday program, students have developed valuable life skills through community-based learning experiences, including learning to navigate public transit, visiting local businesses and operating a school laundry service that supports St. Thomas More athletic teams. These experiences help students build independence while contributing to the broader school community.

The nomination highlighted the team's unwavering commitment to ensuring students are visible, valued and respected members of the school community. Through positive encouragement, creativity, teamwork and a steadfast belief in the abilities of every learner, the Educational Assistants have helped create a culture where students feel a true sense of belonging and pride in their accomplishments.

Superintendent Tracey Ferrie congratulated the team and reflected on the themes that emerged throughout the nomination process.
"The nominations highlighted the amount of care and inclusion that you ensure is happening every single day in this school for your students," said Ferrie. "They spoke so highly of the work you do. On behalf of the Leone family, the Special Education Department and our system leaders here today, I want to thank all of you for your ongoing exceptional work.

Ferrie also acknowledged the many outstanding nominations submitted from across the system.

"Each year, selecting a recipient is a challenge because of the incredible nominations we receive from our schools," she said. "The care, dedication and commitment demonstrated by special education staff throughout our system is truly inspiring."

The Domenica Leone Award serves as a lasting tribute to the belief that inclusive education is not simply a responsibility, but a vocation. Through their compassion, dedication and commitment to student success, the Educational Assistant team at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School continues to bring that vision to life each and every day.

The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board extends its congratulations to the St. Thomas More Educational Assistant team and its appreciation to all of this year's nominees, whose work continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students across the system.