Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board

2026 Distinguished Service to Catholic Education

Posted on 06/06/2026

On May 28, 2026, the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board recognized five individuals for their extraordinary contributions to publicly funded Catholic education during the annual Distinguished Service to Catholic Education Awards.

Family members, friends, current and former colleagues, trustees, students, and community members gathered at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King to celebrate the leadership, service, and lasting impact of this year's recipients: Theresa Haworth, Peter Mamer, Imaculada "Mac" Moniz, John Morelli, and Terry O'Sullivan.

The evening began with the Celebration of the Eucharist, celebrated by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bishop Joseph Dabrowski, CSMA, Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton.

Since its inception in 1989, the Distinguished Service to Catholic Education Award has recognized individuals and organizations whose dedication, leadership, and witness have strengthened and advanced Catholic education within the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board and the broader Catholic community.

Theresa Haworth was recognized for more than 40 years of dedicated service supporting students with diverse learning needs and their families. Trustee Aldo D'Intino highlighted her leadership of the Supported Community Work Experience Program and her tireless advocacy in helping students build confidence, independence, and successful pathways beyond graduation.

Peter Mamer was honoured for more than three decades of service as a teacher, mentor, coach, and leader within Catholic education. Trustee Mark Valvasori reflected on Peter's deeply student-centred approach, his commitment to fostering confidence and belonging through athletics and extracurricular activities, and his collaborative leadership as former President of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association for Hamilton-Wentworth. Known for his humility, Peter often summed up his life's work with a simple response: "I'm a teacher."

Imaculada "Mac" Moniz was recognized for more than 25 years of dedicated service as a teacher, mentor, coach, and faith leader. Trustee Mary Nardini highlighted Mac's commitment to ensuring students of all abilities had opportunities to participate and succeed, particularly through athletics, where she encouraged countless students to discover confidence, perseverance, and a sense of belonging. Her leadership and compassion have left a lasting impact on generations of students and families.

John Morelli was honoured for nearly three decades of service as a Religious Education teacher, coach, and mentor at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School. Trustee Phil Homerski highlighted John's commitment to helping students live their faith through action, most notably through the Halloween for Hunger campaign, which has engaged hundreds of student volunteers and supported local families for more than 25 years. Through his leadership and dedication to Catholic social teaching, he has inspired generations of students to use their gifts in service to others.

Terry O'Sullivan was recognized for more than 30 years of service as a teacher, coach, principal, and Superintendent of Education. Chairperson John Valvasori reflected on Terry's leadership during significant moments in the board's history, including the opening of the new St. Mary Catholic Secondary School and the amalgamation of the Cardinal Newman campuses. He noted that Terry became known for his "ministry of presence", a leadership style rooted in visibility, compassion, and ensuring that every student felt seen, welcomed, and valued.

Concluding the evening, Chairperson John Valvasori reflected on the extraordinary legacy of the recipients, noting that their commitment to Catholic education, faith formation, and service has touched the lives of students, families, staff, and parish communities in meaningful and lasting ways.

The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board extends its sincere congratulations and gratitude to the 2026 recipients of the Distinguished Service to Catholic Education Award.