Everyday Heroes: Gord Wornoff, Cathy Sewell, and Shannon Brady

Apr. 11, 2025

We are honoured to present this week’s Everyday Heroes for the 2024-2025 school year.

Our everyday heroes are the epitome of compassion, devotion and care, transforming everyday tasks into extraordinary impacts.

Their subtle yet powerful actions not only elevate the experiences of colleagues but also enrich the lives of the students we proudly serve. They are more than just supportive adults or empathetic peers; they are the vibrant pulse of our educational community, profoundly touching the lives of all they encounter.

Our everyday heroes come in all forms, quietly making a difference in our schools and board offices, yet very often they overlook or downplay their own actions.

This week we are celebrating Gord Wornoff, Cathy Sewell, and Shannon Brady.

Gord Wornoff

Gord Wornoff Gord is a Teacher at Holy Trinity CSS in Courtice.

Gord was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“When it comes to the backbone of the Holy Trinity Catholic School Community Gord Wornoff is that person. He quietly creates many opportunities for his students to learn, be creative and build community.
He has been instrumental in cross-curricular initiatives, student lead enhancements, building bridges between the secondary and elementary panels. His leadership has resulted in building community between the elementary feeder schools by having his students build benches, and gardens for both school communities to enjoy. He was panelist for the “Talk of the Trades” Night at Holy Trinity’s skilled trade/SHSM night, speaking to his experience of working in construction and what led him to that field and his expertise in the SHSM program. He started the construction Olympics for the students to compete in skilled challenges in a fun filled environment and day. He is always thinking outside the box for his students to have memorable experiences and projects to complete to solidify their learning.


One of the most remarkable aspects of Gord’s work is his ability to bring people together. He has fostered collaboration between diverse groups, creating an inclusive and supportive environment where all voices are heard and valued. His efforts in cross-curricular at Holy Trinity, supporting and working with the Arts department by building sets for various productions over the last 2 years and collaborating with the Mathematics department to build a life size boat. It is very clear that Mr Wornoff transforms the lives of his students and sets a powerful example for others to follow.
Beyond his direct impact, Gord embodies the qualities of a true leader: integrity, compassion, and resilience. He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that the needs of the community are met, often dedicating countless hours and personal resources to various school based initiatives.
I wholeheartedly support the nomination of Gord as an inspiring community leader. His work is not only commendable but essential to the continued growth and well-being of our community. I sincerely hope that his contributions will be recognized and celebrated.”

Cathy Sewell

Cathy Sewell Cathy is a Secretary at St. Michael CES  in Cobourg.

Cathy was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Cathy is the heart of any school she has worked at (St. Michael you are lucky to have Cathy). When you need a smile, visit Cathy. When you need a giggle or two, visit Cathy. When you need help with anything, visit Cathy; if Cathy does not know the answer, Cathy will find it and relay the answer as quickly as possible. Cathy has the best school spirit and takes part in every activity that will bring joy to the school. Cathy is our Ray of Sunshine – all day, every day!” 

 

Shannon Brady

Shannon Brady  

Shannon is the Principal at St. Peter CSS in Peterborough.

Shannon was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Shannon exemplifies what it means to be an everyday hero in education. Her unwavering dedication to fostering a positive school culture and community is felt across all corners of the school. She consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of her students, always advocating for their rights and ensuring their voices are heard.

Shannon’s commitment to students is unmatched; she is truly a champion for their success and well-being, working tirelessly to create an environment where each student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. She is not only a leader but also a tireless advocate, tirelessly working to ensure all students, no matter their background or challenges, have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

Her passion for school spirit is contagious, bringing together students, teachers, and staff alike. Whether supporting athletic teams, club activities, or school events, Shannon is always at the forefront, encouraging participation and fostering a sense of pride and unity within the school community. Her involvement in a variety of teams and clubs speaks to her belief that a well-rounded school experience is key to student development, and she continually works to support and nurture these programs.

For her relentless commitment to students, her advocacy for their rights, and her tireless work to build a school community where all can succeed, Shannon is more than deserving of the Everyday Hero Award. Her leadership not only strengthens our school but inspires all of us to continue working together for the betterment of every student.”

 

We would like to thank Gord, Cathy, and Shannon for their commitment to creating a culture of faith, hope and love to ensure equity and well-being at our board.