For the first time since 2019, the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board joyously resumed its Director’s Awards celebration—an evening dedicated to honouring the exceptional contributions of staff who exemplify the spirit and mission of Catholic education.
Held on May 28, the awards ceremony recognized 82 staff members from all job categories and schools 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 from each school and administrative building 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. While the ceremony had been paused in recent years due to the pandemic, the spirit of recognition has remained an important part of the board’s commitment to honouring exemplary service.
“This is an occasion in which we come together to recognize and celebrate the dedicated service of those who have given so much to the cause of Catholic education in our community,” said Chairperson Patrick Daly.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Daly expressed appreciation to all award recipients: “Like others I acknowledge your faith-filled service and congratulate you on the special honour of being selected by your colleagues. Your tireless work, caring and concern for the good of Catholic education, and the good of others—makes each of you a most deserving recipient of this recognition bestowed on you. Thank you for your tremendous Christian witness and for serving as a source of hope to me and many others.”
Director of Education David Hansen reflected on the deeper meaning of the awards and the importance of recognizing staff across the system:
“From where I sit, I really get to see a broad view of the goodness of this board, and these awards are a chance for us to say thank you to each of you personally for that goodness, for your dedication—but also, through you, to extend that thanks to all in your schools and workplaces whom you represent today. We know you. We know what your colleagues see in you and how deserving you are of this award—even if sometimes you might not see it yourself.”
In offering his congratulations, Hansen thanked recipients for their example and personal witness to Catholic education, and for fulfilling their chosen vocation with such generosity. “As St. Paul suggests, you ‘shine like stars in our world.”
