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Ms. Carmelina Biundo, Elementary Religion and Family Life Consultant with the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, was presented with the Father Kennedy Bursary on March 3, 2026, during the Board’s Committee of the Whole meeting. The award was presented by Chairperson Mr. John Valvasori and Director of Education Mr. David Hansen.
The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board is pleased to congratulate Carmelina on being named a recipient of the Father Kennedy Bursary, an honour that recognizes a commitment to ongoing theological learning and faith formation within Catholic education.
Established in 2002 to mark the 50th anniversary of Father Kyran D. Kennedy’s ordination to the ministerial priesthood, the bursary honours his lifelong dedication to Catholic education and service to the faith community. The bursary supports teachers who pursue studies in Christian thought and theological education, helping to deepen knowledge and appreciation of the Catholic tradition within Catholic schools.
Carmelina is currently participating in the Catechist Formation Program offered through the University of Dayton in partnership with the Diocese of Hamilton, where she continues to deepen her understanding of Catholic doctrine, catechesis, and ministry within the life of the Church.
“Carmelina brings a genuine commitment to faith formation in all that she does,” says Ms. Adele Filice, Superintendent of Education. “Her dedication to continued learning speaks to the integrity of her vocation and her consistent desire to serve our Catholic school community with wisdom, humility and care. We are truly fortunate to benefit from her leadership and the example she provides.”
Reflecting on the significance of the award, Carmelina shared, “This is a special award, not only for the recipient, but as a meaningful way to honour the legacy of Father Kieran Kennedy, whose life reflected a deep commitment to Catholic education and faith formation. Our vocation as Catholic educators calls us to place faith at the heart of everything we do, nurturing the spiritual lives of our students and helping them encounter Christ and grow in relationship with God. This award reminds us that the true impact of Catholic education is found in hearts formed in faith; in students who leave our schools not only informed, but transformed. I am deeply grateful and humbled to be the recipient of this honour, and I accept it with sincere thanks and a continued commitment to this shared mission.”
Through her continued faith formation, Carmelina helps ensure that Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church remain at the heart of learning across our system.
We congratulate Carmelina on this well-deserved recognition and thank her for the faithful witness she offers to our Catholic school community each day.
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