Everyday Heroes: Nancy Sangster, Jennifer Holroyd, and Katelyn Whittle

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Feb. 7, 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 Nancy Sangster, Jennifer Holroyd, and Katelyn Whittle.

Nancy Sangster

Nancy Sangster Nancy is an Educational Assistant at Holy Cross CSS in Peterborough.

Nancy was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Nancy is a remarkable educational assistant who brings humour, care, dedication, and innovation to the school every day. Her ability to connect with students is unparalleled. She doesn’t just help students with academic tasks; but also creates a safe space where students feel valued and understood. Nancy has a deep sense of empathy, always ready to adapt to each student’s unique learning style and needs.

In addition to fostering strong relationships with students, she works alongside teachers and other educational assistants, collaborating to create and implement strategies that ensure all students thrive. Nancy’s ability to notice the subtle cues in a student’s behavior, recognizing when a student is struggling or excelling, makes her an indispensable part of the team.

Nancy’s incredible adaptability is one of her greatest strengths. She is always willing to do what is best to support students and never hesitates to jump in and support wherever she can. Whether the class or is thriving or facing challenges, Nancy remains calm under pressure and always puts the needs of the students first.

Overall, Nancy brings out the best in everyone she works with. She is dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive environment that promotes learning and personal growth. In many ways, her impact extends far beyond the classroom, helping to shape the lives of students and giving them the confidence and tools they need to succeed in school and beyond. Holy Cross CSS is blessed to have Nancy on our team!”

Jennifer Holroyd

Jennifer Holroyd
Jennifer is a RECE at St. Elizabeth CES in Bowmanville.

Jennifer was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“I am proud to nominate Jennifer Holroyd as an Everyday Hero for her exceptional work as an RECE and a classroom teaching partner. She consistently shows up with a positive attitude, making every student feel valued and supported. Her passion for early childhood education and development is evident in the dynamic and engaging experiences she creates, going above and beyond to ensure every child succeeds and feels seen. Her dedication, compassion, thoughtfulness and quick-witted humour, make her an invaluable team member that truly fosters a collaborative and joyful work environment. Her hard work and unwavering commitment make her not only a standout educator but also an inspiration to all who work alongside her.”

Katelyn Whittle

Katelyn Whittle Katelyn is a Teacher at Holy Trinity CSS in Courtice.

Katelyn was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Katelyn is an outstanding teacher who provides a high level of care for all her students. Over the last few years, Katelyn has taught Team Trinity: an inclusive gym program designed for mentorship of senior HT students paired with students in CASA and LLS. Katelyn’s dedication to the program has been outstanding with inclusive games, leadership, and fun trips! Katelyn coaches girls lacrosse and cross country where she models positive energy and encouragement. Katelyn is a well respected staff member who always greets others with a smile. We are blessed to have Katelyn at Holy Trinity!”

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