The Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award recognizes former students of the Durham Catholic District School Board who have achieved significant success in their chosen pathway. Through their pursuit of personal excellence, they have made a positive contribution to their communities and represent the image of the Catholic learner as outlined in the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations.
Nominations for the 2025 Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award closed on Friday, February 7, 2025.
To be eligible for this award, the nominee must meet the following criteria:
- The nominee is a former student of the Durham Catholic District School Board
- The nominee has distinguished themselves through service or accomplishments or career (for example: Post-secondary achievements, career pathway, awards and recognitions received, volunteer work, etc.)
- The nominee reflects the characteristics of the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations:
- A Discerning Believer Formed in the Catholic Faith Community
- An Effective Communicator
- A Reflective and Creative Thinker
- A Lifelong Learner
- A Collaborative Contribution
- A Caring Family Member
- A Responsible Citizen
Recipients of the Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award will be recommended to Durham Catholic District School Board Senior Administration, chaired by the Director of Education, for consideration.
Nominations closed on Friday, February 7, 2025.
Recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award will be recognized at the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation Gala on April 23, 2025.
Recipients
Congratulations to the recipients of the Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award listed below.
Congratulations to our 2024 Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award winners for inspiring students to achieve their goals and dreams and for living the Catholic Graduate Expectations.
Mark Coghlan is a proud alumnus of the Durham Catholic District School Board, having attended St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic School and St. Leo Catholic School for elementary school and All Saints Catholic Secondary School for high school. Upon graduating from high school, Mark earned a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame Law School.
After law school, Mark worked as a corporate and securities lawyer for Wildeboer Dellelce, a corporate, securities and business transaction law firm. He is currently a director of business & legal affairs for Boat Rocker Media, a global entertainment company. In this role, Mark negotiates a wide range of entertainment agreements as well as advises the company on other legal, securities, and corporate matters.
I always had an interest in the environment and improving the world we live in. After high school I attended the University of Waterloo and graduated with a joint major in Environmental Studies and Biology. As part of the co-op program, I had my final work term with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) working on water sediment and air issues in the Great Lakes. I was hired out of school with ECCC as a sediment dredging officer for managing Great Lakes “hot spots”. Today I am head of the Sediment Remediation Program for ECCC and currently serve as the Project Lead for one of the largest sediment remediation projects in Canada situated in Hamilton Harbour. In my current role, I have fostered the development and growth of innovative and sustainable environmental approaches, as a key factor in how the department while restoring Great Lakes contaminated sites. The ability to bring about meaningful change, and taking measured risks, motivates me in my day-to-day work. Throughout my career, I have made life-long friendships in my travels. I fondly recall representing Canada in Slovenia, as a delegate during NATO talks on the Management of Contaminated Sediment. Over my 30 year career I am pleased to see recent initiatives to support people of colour in positions of management; this is a testament to an advancing and inclusive workplace. I enjoy the ability to pay it forward and as such I serve as a guest lecturer on Contaminated Sediment Management in High Schools, Colleges and Universities in Canada and the US. I also formally mentor students at the University of Waterloo and various High Schools.
At the age of 15 Owen Brady was a top minor hockey defenseman, on the verge of fulfilling a lifelong dream of being taken the first round of the 2019 Ontario Hockey League draft. What started as a visit to a walk-in clinic quickly accelerated to a diagnosis of osteosarcoma – the same form of cancer Terry Fox had – and a 19-hour surgical procedure to remove the tumor and reconstruct his left shin. That was followed by six months of chemotherapy. From a wheelchair to crutches to shoes to skates, Owen never, ever gave up. He worked and worked himself back into shape.
Owen returned to Junior A hockey in the fall of 2021. For the past two years he has played in the CCHL in Ottawa and will continue chasing his hockey dream in university this fall while pursuing a Kinesiology degree. Owen, now 21years old, believes his journey, the bad and the good, has given him a more balanced perspective on life.
As a Sick Kids Ambassador and a Childhood Cancer Canada representative, Owen speaks publicly to a variety of audiences. He shares the mental and physical battles after his diagnosis, his recovery, returning to playing hockey and the countless lessons he has learned from his journey back to full health.
TSN’s Rick Westhead profiled Owen’s story in a CTV W5 documentary entitled: RELENTLESS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAPr95JLfKo
I am a graduate of Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School, and Monsignor Philip Coffey Elementary School. I am currently an epidemiologist (Masters of Public Health (MPH), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto), working at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. The main focus of my work is on infectious diseases in the GTA, but I also have experience working in research with people with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism and mental health conditions. I serve on the Board of Directors for Participation House Durham, a non-profit that offers housing, employment and life-skills supports for adults with disabilities, and I also volunteer with Community Care Durham as a COPE Facilitator for mental health support groups.
Saroya Tinker is a former professional hockey player who sparks change, pushes limits, breaks barriers, and creates a more equitable future in hockey.
Tinker was a Yale University Women’s Hockey Team member before graduating with a degree in History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health. She was drafted fourth overall to the Metropolitan Riveters in 2020 before joining the Toronto Six in 2021. In the 2022-23 PHF season, Saroya was named a PHF All-Star and the Toronto Six won the 2023 Isobel Cup.
Tinker runs Saroya Strong, a mentorship program for young Black women in sports. She is also the Executive Director of Black Girl Hockey Club Canada, a non-profit organization that advocates for Black Women in ice hockey.
In 2022, Saroya was part of Front Office Sports’ Rising 25 Class, named one of Sportsnet’s Top-25 Women in Hockey, and won the PHF’s Denna Laing Award, awarded to “the player most actively applying the core values of hockey to her community as well as growing and improving hockey culture.” She also won the TIFF People’s Choice Award for Uninterrupted Canada’s Black Ice.
Saroya is one of the faces of diversity and inclusion in hockey - she is continuously pushing the boundaries of the sport and improving it for the next generation of players. In the fall, Breaking Down Barriers, a docuseries showcasing stories of diversity in hockey, premiered on TSN. Saroya is the host, writer, and executive producer.
Saroya is currently a member of the Professional Women's Hockey League’s broadcasting team, both on panel and color commentary and is also the leagues Manager of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Community Initiatives.
Jalisa Simons is a recent graduate from Ottawa University in Kansas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She was an amazing Athlete at Notre Dame winning a Gold OFSAA medal for track and field and a gold medal for the girls basketball team.
Jalisa played four years of basketball with Notre Dame, then continued her basketball career at a junior college Orange Coast college in California being the lead scorer in state and in conference for her freshman year. She later got a full scholarship for basketball at Ottawa University in Kansas. Jalisa made considerable adjustment to new cities and made some outstanding accomplishments in her basketball and academic career.
Jalisa returned to Canada and continue to serve her community by volunteering to assist in coaching the Notre Dame Lady cougars for two for years. Her love of the game wanting to influence, teach, guide young female athletes had her as the head Coach for U13 girl’s rep team for Canada Elite as well. Jalisa Simons was on the first Canada Elite girls’ basketball team, so this was dear to her heart.
Jalisa Simons will be continuing her education at the University of Houston getting her master’s degree. She has also been chosen for the 2024 - 2025 semester to be a TA at the university of Houston. Jalisa Simons will continue her education as her ultimate goal is to have her PhD and use that to be a researcher and professor to help impact the youth.
Attended St. Mary Catholic Secondary School from 1998-2001. During that time participated in the Track and Cross Country Teams. Multiple time OFSAA Track/Cross-Country Medalist. 2001 Graduating Class Valedictorian. Went onto the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a Track/Cross Country Scholarship. 2-Time NCAA Academic All-American. Graduated from University of Toronto Medical School in 2010. Completed Orthopedic Surgery Residency at the University of Toronto in 2015.
Travelled to Australia and New Zealand to complete Shoulder and Elbow Fellowships. In 2017 completed a Sports Medicine fellowship at the University of Toronto. Currently an Orthopedic Surgeon at North York General Hospital and Team Physician for the Toronto Marlies. Lives in North York with his wife Aisha and two sons Caden and Caleb.
Congratulations to our 2023 Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award winners for inspiring students to achieve their goals and dreams and for living the Catholic Graduate Expectations.
I graduated from St. Gertrude Catholic Elementary School and was a member of the first graduating class of Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School. The teachers at Pereyma encouraged me to get involved in extracurricular activities which taught me leadership skills, self confidence, responsibility and shaped my entire high school experience. After high school I attended McMaster University to pursue my B.Sc. in Physics, York University for an M.Sc. in Physics and earned a Ph.D. in Engineering Physics from McMaster University in 2005. I was always interested in a career helping others and decided to apply my love of physics to healthcare, transitioning to a career in medical physics through a post-doc position and physics residency at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. In 2008, I was thrilled to join the medical physics team at the R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre in Oshawa, serving the community where I grew up. As a medical physicist, I am responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of cancer patients' radiation therapy treatments. I also serve as a sessional lecturer in the Faculty of Energy and Nuclear Engineering at Ontario Tech University, teaching students about the use radiation for medical applications. I am a Fellow of the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine, a distinction earned through demonstrating excellence in clinical service, education and/or research in medical physics.
Marla Brennan is a multi-disciplinary performing artist whose work has touched the lives of
thousands of children across Canada and in the United States. A regular performer at The Oshawa Public Libraries, an artist in residence with the Toronto District School Board, and a beloved act in Los Angeles' vibrant arts community of Venice Beach, Marla creates original live acts as a juggler, puppeteer, musician and actress. In 2020 Marla overcame ovarian cancer and now she uses her talent and passion for performing to help raise money for cancer communities and provide hope for others overcoming the disease. Find out more about Marla's work and her mission to use creativity in cancer recovery at herimagination.org.
A graduate of St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, Matt Vocino is a disability advocate, PowerHockey Canada
Board Member, and just recently completed his final semester at Osgoode Hall Law School. After obtaining his undergraduate degree from Toronto Metropolitan University, Matt decided to pursue his Juris Doctorate at Osgoode to gain legal skills to assist marginalized communities. A proponent of service and access to justice, Matt spent time working in community legal aid over his three years of study. This August, Matt will begin his articles with the Government of Ontario.
Deborah de Ville is a graduate of St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School, and Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School (DO’C). She was part of the first cohort of students to attend St. Isaac Jogues C.S. when the school opened, and was also a member of the first Grade 9 class to attend DO’C at the current location in Ajax.
Deborah is an award-winning photographer and has her Masters of Photography. We are blessed at DO’C to work in partnership with Deborah as the Sales Account Manager with Lifetouch Canada in Durham Region. Currently, Deborah is photographing for Canadian magazine, Country Guide and The Furrow (John Deere) magazine in the US. She is also the recipient of numerous awards such as: Best in Class Fine Art "Winter Classic" 2011, Free Style Best in Class "Fireball" 2014. Images of Merit include: "Free Range," (editorial), "Winter Classic" (Fine Art) "Nature's Design," (Animal).
Deborah creates high-quality work as a photographer, and she reflects the values and virtues that are important in our Catholic faith. She is generous with her time and talents, and she goes above and beyond to help others.
Deborah appreciates time with her husband, three daughters, and her dog. She is enthusiastic about what will happen next, hoping her camera will be in hand. Deborah’s efforts are recognized and appreciated by our staff, students and parents/guardians/caregivers, and we wish Deborah continued success and blessings.
Melanie attended Father Leo J. Austin High School and enjoyed her time there. After graduation, she struggled to find meaningful activities but eventually found volunteer work at MP Jim Flaherty's and MPP Christine Elliot's offices. Her presence had a positive impact on the workplace. Melanie then completed Community Integration and Cooperative Education Program at Humber College where she received an award for Outstanding Achievement. She went on to volunteer at a daycare for children with special needs and worked at a conference center, where she impressed her colleagues.
Melanie's letter to Wayne Gretzky, thanking him for mentoring Joey Moss, who had Down syndrome, inspired her family to start Melly's Market + Café, which provides employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Melanie's inclusive Catholic education has influenced her desire to create more opportunities for others in her community.
Raina is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and a working professional at Grant Thornton LLP. She is a graduate of Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School in Ajax. Raina has seen first-hand the transformative and positive impacts of mentor relationships in her own experiences as a mentee, and she is passionate about paying it forward. She focuses on creating a thriving environment for those around here, especially our youth. She has volunteered her time to supporting first-generation students through programs such as the First in the Family Program at the University of Toronto, and high school students through Junior Achievement Central Ontario's Company Program. She continues her journey as a CPA by leading and mentoring other aspiring professionals on their path to success.
Andrea graduated from Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School in 1985 and headed off to the University of Toronto. After graduating with a degree in History, she worked at one of Prince Charles' Royal Charities in London, and discovered her passion for helping young people who were going through challenging times. She worked as a researcher for the Oshawa General Hospital Fundraising campaign before finally ‘giving in’ to her thoughts of becoming a teacher. She taught in Ontario and California before moving to British Columbia, where she eventually became the Head of the first International Baccalaureate boarding school in Western Canada. She then moved to Ethiopia, where she set up an all-girls boarding school in a rural area for young women from impoverished backgrounds. As the only experienced Administrator, she started the school with 60 students and designed everything from furniture to staff recruitment. Andrea is currently the Head of School for a boarding and day school in Mozambique. As one of the five poorest countries in the world, the school focuses on hiring national Mozambican staff, and equipping students and staff with 21st century skills.
Congratulations to our 2022 Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award winners for inspiring students to achieve their goals and dreams and for living the Catholic Graduate Expectations.
Andrea Brazil is an Educational Assistant, a foundational member of the St. Anne Catholic School community, part-
time business owner, and full-time mother of three. She has spent the last 11 years teaching her twin daughters and younger sister the meaning of life, being a caring, thoughtful, and respectful human and always placing others ahead of yourself. Andrea is also an entrepreneur who is paving the way for herself by developing her passion for creating small mural and crafting into a business. Her creativity, family values and drive to succeed are a source of inspiration for her students as they discover their pathway in life.
"I have always felt a strong sense of love and support, from both my family and community. When I think back to my time at both St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School and Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School, I think about all the friends who taught me life-lessons and the teachers who tried to bring out the best in me.
I was extremely fortunate to be lead by so many great educators who portrayed good citizenship morals and taught me the importance of having love for all the different people in this world. It helped shaped me to be a leader in my community, always trying to better myself for my kids to see. Every day I hope to showcase the importance of being yourself, staying true to being a humane and caring person for the environment around us. I was encouraged by many of my teachers who saw things in me that I sometimes didn’t see in myself. I strive to do the same with the students I work with daily, pushing them to see their full God given gifts. I was provided so many opportunities to explore various skills and talents, and ways to express my creativity. I was so inspired by my experiences, and with the continual support of my family, that I decided to pursue a career path as an Educational Assistant. I feel blessed to be able to give back and to be able to inspire and instill all of these essential values onto our future generations."
Madelyn Chung is a freelance writer and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).
She is the founder and editor-in-chief of The RepresentASIAN Project, a platform dedicated to celebrating, advocating and elevating Asian representation and voices in media and beyond. She currently writes for Netflix's social media channels, has previously written for HuffPost Canada, Fashion, and Chatelaine, among other publications. As a second generation Chinese Canadian, Madelyn aims to help others feel seen, heard and validated through her writing, advocacy and therapy work.
At 22-years-old, Sam Demma is a youth keynote speaker and entrepreneur. He co-founded
the volunteer
organization PickWaste, created the High Performing Student, delivered two TEDx Talks, and is the youngest Board Director of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. Sam’s mission is to provide students with the hope, tools and strategies they need to become servant leaders in their schools, businesses, teams, and in the lives of those around them.
Aubrey Noronha is a Catholic graduate of Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School. Aubrey is a recognized
Safe Schools, Mental Health, and Anti-Racism Speaker who believes in the possibility of a safer and more emotionally connected school and workplace culture.
In 2019, Aubrey founded Hello Hope Canada with one objective: to introduce as many people as possible to the power of hope. Through this initiative, he brings together youth, educators, professionals, and families — through education and understanding, providing hope for dealing with everything from racism to loneliness. Aubrey has booked over 500 engagements for his "Make Hope Viral Tour" across the country in the last 16 months.
Stephanie Paglia, is a Youth Minister at Holy Family Parish and Occasional Teacher at the Durham Catholic District
School Board (DCDSB). She grew up in a loving Italian family, whose witness of love and joy deeply impacted me from a very young age. Her love for music and the arts, propelled her to make connections, learn new things and "get out there" in school. Her time at Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School allowed her to grow into her passions, develop her sense of self and help her to determine her ultimately, vocation.
Stephanie studied Music and Education in university and taught piano, voice and guitar to many youth in the community for a number of years privately.
Her love for her faith matured and grew as she became an occasional teacher and Youth Minister in the DCDSB schools and community that she loves!
Dayne St. Clair is a professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club Minnesota
United and the Canadian National Team. Prior to playing for Minnesota United, St. Clair was a two-year starter for the University of Maryland Terrapins men's soccer program. During his time at Maryland, Dayne won a 2018 NCAA National Championships in Men's Soccer and recorded a shutout streak for 500 minutes of action. He was named to the USC Third Team All-North Region.
In 2019, Dayne was drafted 7th overall by Minnesota United Football Club in Major League Soccer (MLS) and is now playing regularly in his third MLS season. Dayne is a member of the Canadian Men's National team that placed first in CONCACAF qualifying and securing a berth for the World Cup in Qatar World Cup Soccer representing Canada.
Dr. Rebecca Wray is a Catholic graduate of Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, in Oshawa. From a very
young age, Dr. Rebecca Wray aspired to be a physician. As a Grade 4 assignment at Father Venini Catholic School, Rebecca drew a picture of her future office: a doctor's office. After graduating from Paul Dwyer Catholic High School in 1996, Dr. Becky (as she is affectionately known to her younger patients) completed her undergraduate training at Queen’s University. She then challenged a Masters in Sociology at McGill university. Becky returned to Queen’s University for Medical School, and then went on to complete her Family Medicine Residency Program at the University of Toronto (Mt. Sinai Hospital).
In 2010, Dr. Wray and her family moved back Durham Region. She joined the incredible group of physicians at Medical Associates of Port Perry. In addition to her busy family practice, Dr. Wray is the Physician Lead at the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. She is also the Site Lead for Inpatient Care at Lakeridge Health – Port Perry site. In addition, Dr. Wray provides Palliative Care to her patients, both at home and at the new Oakridge's Hospice.
Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, Dr. Wray has worn many new hats, including regional co-lead for the Durham Region COVID-19 Assessment Centres, and member of the Durham Region COVID Vaccine Steering Committee. She has been involved in most everything COVID-related throughout the pandemic, including performing swabs at the COVID-19 Assessment Centres; vaccinating at our regional vaccine clinics; providing care to sick patients in hospital; and educating physicians and community members about COVID-19 infection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Congratulations to our 2021 Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award winners for being role models for our students and for the living Catholic Graduate Expectations.
Father Alexander Laschuk is a priest of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada. He serves in numerous ministries, including as Judicial Vicar of the Toronto Regional Tribunal moderated by His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, responsible for administering the Church's system of justice in seven dioceses in Ontario. Fr Laschuk has civil and ecclesiastical doctorates in canon law from Saint Paul University and the University of Ottawa. He regularly publishes in canonical publications in addition to canonical consultancy and advocacy work with dioceses and private clients across North America. Fr. Laschuk teaches in both the Faculty of Canon Law at Saint Paul University, Ottawa and at the Faculty of Theology in the University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) in Toronto where he is also Executive Director of the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies. He is a proud graduate of the Durham Catholic District School Board and received the seeds of faith at St Michael's School (Oshawa) and Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School. He lives in downtown Toronto with his wife and their two children.
Ariana Sanchez Barbosa is a a Registered Nurse specializing in Paediatric Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant. In 2017, she was the recipient of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses for her work at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children on the Blood and Marrow/Cellular Therapy Unit. The DAISY Award holds international distinction and recipients are nominated by patients and/or families who have received extraordinary and compassionate care from their nurse. Presently, Ariana is continuing her work in the United States at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles on the Bone Marrow Transplant Intensive Care Unit. Despite being faced with the pandemic, her unwavering determination, compassion, and empathy have allowed her to excel in her work in Paediatric care.
Dillon Mendes is an alumnus of the Top 35 under 35 global changemaker awards, the co-founder of the social enterprise, PickWaste (featured on CBC, CTV, and CityNews), and a TEDx & youth speaker. Over the past 2 years, Dillon has travelled across North America speaking to thousands of students about community impact and student leadership.
Fallon Hayes is a Sustainable Education Urban Agriculture Network Coordinator at Novometrix Research. Upon graduation she attended the University of Toronto where she obtained an Honours Bachelor of Science with Distinction and a Master of Environmental Science. Fallon is interested in sustainable agriculture, education and community development. These passions have led her to conduct sustainable agriculture research in Canada and Vietnam, start a sustainable products company called NeedYa Sustainables, pursue volunteer work as a Policy Coordinator for the Canadian Youth Biodiversity Network and intern for the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Fallon was also selected by the United Nations Association in Canada to share her views on agriculture at the 11th Geneva Forum in Switzerland and with the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Currently, Fallon is piloting a project called the Educational Urban Garden Network with Novometrix Research Inc. which aims to provide transformative hands-on education about sustainable food systems and biodiversity while also trying to advance reconciliation.
Jordan Samaroo is currently completing his Bachelor of Commerce from the Telfer School of Management and Juris Doctor (2022) at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law – Common Law Section. While attending All Saints, Jordan served as a Student Trustee (2015-2016) for the Durham Catholic District School Board.
In his first year of university, Jordan had the pleasure of serving the Speaker of the House of Commons as a Parliamentary Page (2016-2017). In this role, he supported Members of Parliament, spoke with youth groups about the value of civic education and public service, and assisted with state visits, including those of now President of the United States, Joe Biden, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai.
While in law school, Jordan has served as the Editor-in-Chief of Administration for the Ottawa Law Review (OLR) (2020-2021), overseeing the launch of the OLR’s newest business initiative, the OLR Blog-ue. Since its founding in 1966, the OLR has been an innovative medium for the advancement of legal scholarship, a first-rate source of research for the legal profession, and a forum for law students to develop their legal skills. Jordan is a member of the Board of Directors for the Rockcliffe Lawn Tennis Club (2019-present) and is currently the Vice-Chair of the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church Parish Council (2019-present).
As of May 2021, Jordan will be joining the Toronto office of the law firm Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP as
a Summer Student. Prior to entering private practice, Jordan held various positions in the federal public
service in his capacity as a Student-at-Law, namely at the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (2019-
2021) and at the Trade Law Bureau (2020) – a joint unit of the Department of Justice and Global Affairs
Canada.
Upon graduation, Jordan will complete his articles as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honourable Justice
Michael J. Moldaver of the Supreme Court of Canada.
Meaghan Addante is a Community Events Coordinator and leads a charitable initiative across Canada raising both funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. She has helped raise over $500,000 in the last five years and captains a team for The Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History. ‘Team M&M’ began during her Sophomore year at Pereyma – co-captained by a teacher that made the biggest impact on her – Chris Masterson. She continues to use the support and acceptance she experienced at Pereyma as motivation to continue fighting Cystic Fibrosis one day at a time.
Many say that post-secondary education is where the real work begins, but for Meaghan the battle began long before any thought of college came to mind. Between doctor’s appointments, going to class while attached to multiple IV antibiotics, and fighting a chronic illness like Cystic Fibrosis, she managed to maintain her studies and graduate with her peers. None of this would have been possible without the support and dedication she received from the Monsignor John Pereyma community.
Michael Cole, is the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer for Bell Canada. Michael leads the team accountable for application development and infrastructure management in support of all Bell business units. With Bell Canada since 1991 after graduating from the Faculty of Economics at Princeton University, he has worked in various Bell groups including Network, Customer Operations, Business Planning, Information Systems, Consumer Wireline Products and Marketing. Mr. Cole also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business. Mr. Cole sits on the board of The Source and is a director of the March of Dimes Canada. Michael was named to Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2009. Michael, his wife and twin daughters reside in Toronto, Canada.
Congratulations to our 2020 Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award winners for living the Catholic Graduate Expectations and for being role models for our current students.
Adam Sirek is a physician, pilot and educator currently living in Windsor, Ontario. Adam is a graduate of Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School in Ajax and shares: “My Catholic education played an important role in my commitment to servicing and caring for others.” Following his Catholic roots, he attended St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto during his undergraduate studies. He later attended residency at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan, founded by the sisters of St. Joseph.
Adam serves as a reservist in the Royal Canadian Air Force and is a proud supporter of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program throughout Canada. He has a private medical practice which includes aerospace, occupational and family medicine and he holds staff privileges at Windsor Regional Hospital and Erie Shores Healthcare. Adam’s dedication to education continues through his role at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University where he teaches and mentors medical students and residents. He is always eager to help new trainees learn about aviation, space and primary care medicine. In 2017, Adam was short listed as a finalist for the Canadian Space Agency’s Astronaut Recruitment Campaign. Adam spends his free time teaching Canadian youth about aviation, lecturing to community groups, and travelling with his wife and two children.
Brendon Orian is the Youth Minister at St. John the Evangelist Church in Whitby. Since starting this position, Brendon has implemented the EDGE and Life Teen programs to lead the parish youth to a personal encounter with Christ.
Brendon is a Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School graduate and shares the following: “First and foremost, I am a beloved son of God. It is through His grace that I am where I am today. My time at Fr. Leo J. Austin CSS and the witness of certain faithful staff exposed me to important truths that laid the foundation for the most important decision of my life. Despite the many merits of Catholic education, I was missing something and completely stepped away from the Catholic faith after graduation.
During my third year at Brock University, a friend showed me how those foundational truths pointed not to something, but to Someone; Jesus Christ. It was at that time that I responded to the invitation to place Christ at the centre of my life. That yes changed everything.
The Lord has now entrusted me to serve the youth in my parish and the schools in the same school board I grew up in. It is in the context of this role that I reflect on the purpose of Catholic education. The Catholic Graduate Expectations can be summed up with two commands from Christ: to love others as He first loved us and to make disciples of the whole world. This is what Catholic education should ultimately strive for, making disciples who love as Christ loves.”
Dinesh M. Fernando is a graduate of Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School and fondly remembers the inaugural Grade 2 class and being the Grade 8 valedictorian at St. Jude Catholic School. While at Archbishop Denis O’Connor CHS Dinesh pursued an interest in Life Sciences and also played sports as one of the starting line for the school’s rugby and football teams. The education Dinesh received during these crucial years provided the foundational skills that led him into a world of discovery. After obtaining his B.Sc. Honours in Biochemistry at the University of Toronto he moved to Australia. While there, Dinesh studied applications of Biotechnology to Mitochondria, earning his Masters degree. Fueled by a strong desire to apply his skills back home, Dinesh returned to Ontario to follow a PhD in Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance and was awarded a Dean’s Scholarship from Ontario Tech University. His research work was instrumental in identifying antibiotic resistance genes in drinking water from First Nations reserves and was highlighted by major Canadian news media. In another study he uncovered the links between over the counter antimicrobials and resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics. These findings would later be referenced by the FDA as part of their decision to ban certain hand sanitizing products.
After earning the title Dr. Fernando, he sought another meaningful experience and joined the Postdoctoral Fellowship program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. Collaborating with world class scientists he is searching for new antibiotics to combat the rise of infectious diseases. Dinesh has also developed a passion for scientific leadership and was elected as Vice Chair Secretary and Department Representative on the Postdoctoral council.
Jessica Flanigan is a wife and mother dedicated to community service and committed to gospel values and Catholic social teachings. Jessica has volunteered on the Ontario Minister of Health’s Patient and Family Advisory Council which brings patient, family and caregiver voice to healthcare planning. Jessica has many outstanding academic and career accomplishments. While studying at Ontario Tech University (formerly UOIT), Jessica founded the World University Service of Canada club, Durham Campus Catholic club and led the 2007 Make Poverty History Campaign. As a graduate of All Saints Catholic Secondary School.
Katie Mandville is a Catholic teacher and recognized for her commitment to excellence. As a graduate of St. John XXIII Catholic School and Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School, in Oshawa.
Maria Ormiston (awarded posthumously) was a graduate of Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School in Oshawa. As a graduate of Durham College’s Early Childhood Educator Program, Maria spent her life focused on the well-being and care of our earliest learners. She spent the last nine years of her life dedicated to the service of these learners as the Durham Catholic District School Board’s first ever Operations Manager for Designated Early Childhood Educators, a role she took on with humility, compassion and a fierce dedication to this community.
Her sense of community was first nurtured by her experiences as a student at both Holy Cross Catholic School and Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, as well as a parishioner and volunteer with her parishes (Holy Cross and St. Gertrude). Her time spent in these Catholic spaces fed her abiding faith in Christ which she held steadfastly until the end. This faith was modelled by her mother and father and shared freely with her daughter Grace and husband Paul.
This sense of community led her to advocate for the creation of community in the board’s early years’ spaces. She was pivotal in helping the board understand and expand the concept of “educator” beyond “classroom teacher”, honouring all voices as valued and critical to the development of early learners and the Full Day Kindergarten Program. The partnership of ECE Educator and Classroom Educator was made possible through Maria’s visionary efforts.
Her legacy, in pioneering the building of the board’s Early Years programs and centres, is that every parent can feel at ease knowing that their most precious assets are in spaces that are built to nurture them and help them grow.
Shannen Cribbie is a full-time Durham College student pursuing a career in Law and a single mother of two children. A graduate of Father Donald MacLellan Catholic Secondary School, Shannen’s determination and drive have helped her to overcome obstacles that may come in her way.
Toni Grates is a graduate of St. Mary Catholic Secondary School and the Founding Director of The Travelling Stage: an arts education company that brought dance, drama and music to over one million students across Ontario and Manitoba. Toni spends much of her time creating and advocating for arts opportunities for young people. She’s worked as an actor and a writer for YTV and City TV, has performed on and written for stages across North America and has appeared in many commercials. Her first novel STRETCH, is now available in paperback on Amazon in Canada and the US. Toni is the very proud mom of Isaac and Jude; both of whom are DCDSB students.
Congratulations to our 2019 Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award Winners.
Edward or Teddy was active in student government, from his time as student council present at Notre Dame to his experiences as President of the Student Union at McMaster University. He graduated from McMaster with a Bachelor of Science in Neurobehavioural Psychology. After serving as president of the Student Union, Teddy would go on to work for the President of McMaster University for two subsequent years. He received the prestigious international award of the Fullbright Scholarship and now attends John Hopkins University in Washington DC where is pursuing his graduate degree in Strategic Studies and International Economics. In reflecting on his Catholic education.
Jocelyn is described as a responsible and caring citizen of Oshawa through her participation in the Greater Durham Special Olympics and her extensive volunteer work in the community. She has participated in Greater Durham Special Olympics for many years and most recently represented Ontario in rhythmic gymnastics at the Nation Summer Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia where she earned gold on the podium in 2018. When Jocelyn is not training for gymnastics, she is volunteering in the kindergarten classrooms as Msgr. Philip Coffey Catholic School in Oshawa to support the learning environments and assist the educator teams. Jocelyn is a diligent, conscientious young women who brings great joy and a sense of humour to her family, friends and workplace.
Keisha is a role model who is dedicated to serving others and improving communities. As a budding rap singer and composer, Keisha attended college for a career in the music industry. She has performed and toured as a rapper on her own and with other artists, and has leveraged her gifts and talents to support the East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club where she coordinated a music production and writing program for youth. Keisha is currently a lecturer at Seneca College and a regular volunteer at Archbishop Denis O’Connor where she has assisted with the Black History Committee, maintains regular contact with staff and attends and plays in the Annual Alumni Basketball games at the school. She has been described as an excellent example of what we should want our graduates to be….to develop in individuals a caring attitude that transcends their small community and engages others to allow them to excel.
Keith is described as a life-long learner with a deep commitment to service. As a long-time resident of Oshawa, Keith followed in his father’s footsteps to become a plumber after graduation from Dwyer. He would later go on to pursue college diplomas in information technology and joined the Oshawa Clinic in the early 1990s. Keith currently serves as the Oshawa Clinic’s Chief Operating Officer. With expertise in IT systems in Cardiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Keith is one of two Canadians serving on the Hewlett Packard Healthcare Advisory Council. He has demonstrated his passion for community service through his involvement with St. Gregory’s Parish, as a guest lecturer at Durham College and Ontario Tech University (formerly known as UOIT), as a Director of the Oshawa Hospital Foundation, and now as Vice-Chair of the Lakeridge Health Hospital Foundation. Keith was recognized for his outstanding volunteer service when he received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award in 2018.
Lt. Erdelyi is recognized for his commitment to excellence and his contributions to his profession and community. A graduate of St. Marguerite D’Youville and All Saints, Lt. Erdelyi holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Ryerson University. He joined Bombardier Aerospace in 2010 and has held various roles of increasing responsibility over the years. As a member of the Global Liaison and Stress Engineering Team, he helped to ensure that jets met exacting and rigorous standards. He has had the privilege of being a team member on a number of leading innovations including the first flight of the Global 7000 #1 aircraft. In addition to a successful career in aerospace engineering, Lt. Erdelyi is a commissioned officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Cadet Instructor’s Cadre, and Chief Flying Instructor and Operations Officer for the Vandenbos Air Cadet Squadron in Whitby. He has won numerous scholarships and awards over the years including the Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence for outstanding service, citizenship and comradeship.
Paul experienced a challenging time in his OAC year through struggles with mental health and anxiety. Unable to finish Grade 13, Paul attended one year of college to bridge to Trent University where he studied psychology. He would go on to pursue his Ph.D. at the University of Waterloo, and was accepted at Harvard University to complete a three-year post-doctoral fellowship. Paul has been the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships including the Harvard Postdoctoral Award for Professional Development and the Banting Post-Doctoral Fellowship Grant. He rose to prominence in his field, studying and researching Cognitive Psychology (specifically Attention and Mind Wandering) and has produced 50 scientific publications and thousands of citations in research literature. Paul accepted a tenured position in the Psychology and Neuroscience Department at Duke University in North Carolina where he has established a lab and takes on fellows and graduate students contributing significantly to the research literature in his field.
Paul Ranger has had an exceptional career in hockey playing over 300 games in the NHL for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lighting after a standout career in the OHL as an Oshawa General. Paul’s career was briefly interrupted by injury and struggles with mental health and depression. His incredible resilience allowed him to return to the NHL where he served as an inspiration for many. After his retirement from professional hockey, Paul dedicated his time to giving back to the hockey community serving as an advocate for reducing stigma and promoting positive mental health. His powerful story was highlighted in the TSN Original documentary: The Mystery of Paul Ranger. Paul has spent time coaching the Whitby Wildcats and UOIT Ridgebacks, and been a guest speaker with the TAMI Coalition working with students in the Durham Catholic District School Board on anti-stigma campaigns and programming. His story of redemption has been an inspiration to many who have struggled with mental illness and he continues to champion this cause. In reflecting on his time at Austin.
Recipients of the Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award for 2018 include:
Zachary Barill (awarded posthumously) was a dedicated athlete, fierce advocate for the environment (credited with planting over 2 million trees), gifted musician and Catholic graduate of Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School in Oshawa. In reflecting on his time at Dwyer.
David Byrne is the Executive Director of Peterborough Reintegration Services, Mental Health advocate, restorative justice practitioner, instructor at Fleming College, Durham College and UOIT and a Catholic graduate of Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School in Oshawa. In reflecting on his time at Pereyma.
Irena Kropman is a member of the Board of Directors of St. Vincent Pallotti’s Kitchen, volunteer at the Colonial retirement homes in Whitby, regular blood donor (every 56 days), former member of the Board of Directors of Ontario Students Against Drunk Driving and Catholic graduate of All Saints Catholic Secondary School in Whitby.
Traci Melchor is a Senior Correspondent for ETALK, a regular contributor on CP24, CTV, CHUM FM,
former co-host of The Social, advocate for Mental Health awareness and numerous charitable organizations and a Catholic graduate of Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School in Ajax.
Ryan McCaul is the lead teacher for the Arts and Music Programs for Education in Detention Centres (AMPED) at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, music researcher/software developer (using music to engage those on the margins of society) and a Catholic graduate of Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School in Ajax.
Dr. Delon Alain Omrow is an accomplished musician (Canadian Idol runner-up 2007), recording artist, professor with a PhD from York University (exploring crimes against the environment) and Catholic graduate of St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Pickering.
Catherine Partlow is a Special Olympics athlete, winner of multiple medals in track recognized as the fastest female Special Olympian in Athens 2011, community volunteer, ambassador for Special Olympics and the Abilities Centre and a Catholic graduate of Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School in Whitby.
Derek Lee Amell, Monsignor Paul Dwyer CHS
Dr. Shady Ashamalla, Archbishop Denis O'Connor CHS
Emerson Brooks, All Saints CSS
Luke Stocking, St. Mary CSS
Nicole Matthews, Father Leo J. Austin CSS
Samantha Hazell, Notre Dame CSS
Shawn Bishop, Father Donald MacLellan CSS
Thomas Austin Milner, Monsignor John Pereyma CSS
Dr. Shady Ashamalla, Archbishop Denis O'Connor CHS
Emerson Brooks, All Saints CSS
Luke Stocking, St. Mary CSS
Nicole Matthews, Father Leo J. Austin CSS
Samantha Hazell, Notre Dame CSS
Shawn Bishop, Father Donald MacLellan CSS
Thomas Austin Milner, Monsignor John Pereyma CSS
Alexander Harold, St. Mary CSS
Akeem Foster, Notre Dame CSS
Adriana Rerecich, Archbishop Denis O'Connor CHS
John Draper, Msgr. Paul Dwyer CHS
Major Richard M. Silva, Msgr. John Pereyma CSS
Phillip Nadeau, All Saints CSS
Priscilla Lopes-Schliep, Father Leo J. Austin CSS
Jadea Kelly, All Saints CSS
Thomas Bouckley, St. Gregory CS
Carlos Pereira, St. Mary CSS
Dr. Tracee Francis, Archbishop Denis O'Connor CHS
Craig Mann, St. Mary CSS
Megan Alicia Blair, Msgr. John Pereyma CSS
Theresa-Rose Camposeo, Father Leo J. Austin CSS
Thomas Bouckley, St. Gregory CS
Carlos Pereira, St. Mary CSS
Dr. Tracee Francis, Archbishop Denis O'Connor CHS
Craig Mann, St. Mary CSS
Megan Alicia Blair, Msgr. John Pereyma CSS
Theresa-Rose Camposeo, Father Leo J. Austin CSS
Rev Dominic Barber
Captain Matthew Baxter
Rev Kevin Belgrave
Randy Boyagoda
Paul Calderone
Margaret Cappa
Yannick Carter
Dr. Bob Chow
Jean-Paul Comte
Dr. J. Thomas Dalby
Dr. Jennifer Estall
Matthew Fellion
Margaret Flynn
Rev. Charles Forget
Erik Glavic
Marko Glavic
Sasha Glavic
Brittany Gray
The Honourable Mr. Justice Donald Halikowski
Jan Heeney
Mike Keenan
Wesley King
Stan Kolesnik
Sister Helen McGrath
Kathleen Monk
Dr. Greg Naterer
Nancy Nicolls
Noel O'Brien
Janet Pankhurst Weatherbe
Paul Peschisolido
Dr. Adam Puzio
Paul Rochon
Rev. Peter Timothy Rowe
Arthur Suski
Dr. Julie Turnbull
Kelita Zupancic
Captain Matthew Baxter
Rev Kevin Belgrave
Randy Boyagoda
Paul Calderone
Margaret Cappa
Yannick Carter
Dr. Bob Chow
Jean-Paul Comte
Dr. J. Thomas Dalby
Dr. Jennifer Estall
Matthew Fellion
Margaret Flynn
Rev. Charles Forget
Erik Glavic
Marko Glavic
Sasha Glavic
Brittany Gray
The Honourable Mr. Justice Donald Halikowski
Jan Heeney
Mike Keenan
Wesley King
Stan Kolesnik
Sister Helen McGrath
Kathleen Monk
Dr. Greg Naterer
Nancy Nicolls
Noel O'Brien
Janet Pankhurst Weatherbe
Paul Peschisolido
Dr. Adam Puzio
Paul Rochon
Rev. Peter Timothy Rowe
Arthur Suski
Dr. Julie Turnbull
Kelita Zupancic
