Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board

HWCDSB Recognizes Staff Excellence

Posted on 06/04/2026

The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board gathered on May 21 at the Nicholas Mancini Centre to celebrate the exceptional contributions of staff members who exemplify the spirit and mission of Catholic education.

The annual Director's Awards ceremony recognized 87 staff members from schools and administrative sites across the system for their outstanding dedication to students, colleagues, and the broader school community.

The Director's Awards are presented annually to staff members who promote Catholic values through example, demonstrate excellence in their work, achieve exceptional results in their duties, give generously of their time, and serve as role models and sources of inspiration within their school and workplace communities.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chairperson John Valvasori expressed gratitude to the recipients for their dedication and service to Catholic education.

“Over the years, I have had the privilege of witnessing this event many times, and I continue to be struck by the incredible work that so many of you have accomplished to earn this recognition,” said Valvasori. “Those being celebrated today have reached a level of dedication that has made a lasting difference in the lives of students and fellow staff members. While you may hear the applause today, what matters most is the gratitude and respect that others carry in their hearts for all that you have done.”

Valvasori also reflected on the God-given gifts and talents of the recipients, thanking them for sharing those gifts in service to others throughout their careers.

“We thank God for the gifts He has given each of you and for the ways you have used those gifts to support students, colleagues, and our Catholic school communities,” said Valvasori. “Thank you for sharing those gifts so generously in all that you do.”

Director of Education David Hansen reflected on the impact that staff have on students and school communities each and every day.

“Every day, excellence is taking place in our schools because of the work you do,” said Hansen. “Regardless of your role, you and your work are directly connected to the well-being and success of our students.”

Hansen noted that the awards provide an opportunity to thank recipients personally and, through them, recognize the many colleagues and school communities they represent.

“From where I sit, I really do get to see a broad view of the goodness of this board, and these awards are a chance for us to say thank you,” said Hansen. “Those gathered here today have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to living out a vocation in Catholic education. Thank you for the difference you make in the lives of students, their families, colleagues, and one another.”

Congratulations to the following staff members recognized for their outstanding dedication and service to Catholic education.

D'Alessandro, Kendra Martindale, Marianna Freeborn, Lisa Peter, Michael Crustolo, Joshua Rigby, Paola Criminisi, Ben Hinkley, Marilyn Baktawar, Sandra Kiss, Kirsten Gatto, Lindsay Durant, Lisa Grant, Stephanie DiFrancesco, Lori Ketchmark-Duffy, Jessica Sferrazza, Nicole Di Leonardo, Debbie Gard, Jonathan Macleod, Antonietta Morrone, Mark DePaulo, Cristina Ragonetti, Patricia Polizzi, Josie Locane, Barbara Parchem, Michelle Moutinho, Diana Falconio, Larry Machado, Mike Mielko, Frank DeSimone, Victoria Pollard, Maria Cope, Nicole Oddi, Lindsay Pinner, Maria Motschman, Cristina Nardangeli, Tina Alagappan, Joanna Racine, Kailee Kondo-Orgar, Cindy Fazari, Kevin Duffy, Carolyne Palazzo, Dave Rimac, Gerry Moretuzzo, Adriana Lagrotteria, Steven Pratt, Michael Moutinho, Deanna Higgins, Laurie Rodrigues, Anjie Kubrynski, Vincent Torelli, Candace Faulkner, Maria Giro, Antonio Giannini, Michele Garrett, Loretta Piro-Cinelli, Charles Giudice, Franca DiCenzo, Laura DiBenedetto, Lora Merritt, Debra Cherrett, Sarah James, Michael Grilli, Peter Cefaloni, Kirsten LaPorte, Jacqueline Buretic, Brooke Kostyshyn, Ijeoma Justus, Brad Marlin, Chris D'Angela, Calista Spina, Jessica Shannon, Isabelle Asselin, Brandon Bachorski, Daniella Miranda, Angelica Tarli, Gianna Floris, Roger Guagliano, Linda Tattrie, Teresina Cho, and Greg Boyko.