Everyday Heroes: Alycia Degenstein, Katarina Sanchez, Justin Kroezen and Tracy Olinyk

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We are honoured to present this week’s Everyday Heroes for the 2023/24 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 Alycia Degenstein, Katarina Sanchez, Justin Kroezen and Tracy Olinyk.

Alycia Degenstein

alycia degenstein Alycia is a CASA Teacher at Holy Trinity CSS. Alycia was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Alycia is a dedicated teacher to her students. She applies herself everyday to her work and never gives up. Her ability to be flexible, and understanding amazes me. She always finds a way to comfort her students during some of the most difficult times. Alycia is compassionate and will always find the positive in some of the most negative situations. She always shares uplifting stories and she shows so much pride in her work! Alycia is the Everyday Hero in CASA 1 Holy Trinity .

Katarina Sanchez

katarina sanchez
Katarina is a Teacher at St. Stephen CSS. Katarina was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Katarina Sanchez has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to our school community, particularly in their role as the organizer of all sports activities. Her passion for fostering athletic excellence and promoting teamwork among our students is amazing. Whether it’s coordinating practices, scheduling games, or ensuring the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, Katarina goes above and beyond to create a supportive and inclusive sports environment. What sets Katarina apart is her unwavering kindness and care towards both colleagues and students alike. She possesses a remarkable ability to connect with individuals on a personal level, always taking the time to listen attentively and offer guidance and support whenever needed. Her approachable demeanor and genuine concern for the well-being of others have earned her the respect and admiration of everyone they encounter. Katarina exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and teamwork within our school community. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to colleagues, whether it’s assisting with lesson planning, sharing resources, or providing mentorship to newer department members. She leads by example, embodying the values of respect, honesty, and compassion that we strive to instill in our students. She truly embodies our school pillars of Spirit, Strength, Serenity, and Service.

Justin Kroezen

justin kroezen Justin is a Full Stack Developer at the CEC. Justin was nominated by a colleague, who said:

Justin Kroezen is the Full Stack Developer in the Board’s IT Department. Part of his role includes maintaining the Board’s corporate website and school websites and he assists a variety of school and Catholic Education Centre staff on a daily basis. He was nominated by two CEC colleagues. 

“When reflecting on the idea of an Everyday Hero, somebody who uplifts those around them through their day-to-day actions, we can’t help but think of Justin. In his role, Justin is often juggling many hats, but every time we bring him a problem or issue to solve, he calmly and willingly does everything he can to help. Justin goes out of his way to ensure he responds and finds a solution in a timely manner.  

He has a very analytical mind and is able to solve many technical issues seemingly at ease. When he doesn’t have an answer right away, he takes time to research or he finds someone who can assist, and he always follows up to ensure the problem has been fixed. 

He’s one of those colleagues who make you feel grateful to work for PVNC Catholic because he embodies teamwork and the idea that we’re all working towards a common goal. Justin is definitely deserving of the label – Everyday Hero!

Tracy Olynik

Tracy is a SERT at Good Shepherd CES. Tracy was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Tracy’s dedication and selflessness illuminate every corner of our school. She tirelessly goes above and beyond, not only for her students but also for her fellow staff members. Her commitment knows no bounds, as she volunteers countless hours to lend a helping hand wherever it’s needed. She comes to work each day with a passion and dedication to her job, her staff, and her students. Despite her many responsibilities, Tracy never hesitates to offer a helping hand or a kind word. Her patience and support are unwavering, and her presence has a calming and uplifting effect on those around her. She approaches each challenge with a positive attitude, often making light of difficult situations with a funny joke or witty remark. Tracy is a mentor, friend, colleague, teacher and beloved SERT. Our school wouldn’t be the same without her and she is a true everyday hero! Thank you, Tracy, for EVERYTHING you do for us at Good Shepherd. We are endlessly grateful for all that you do!

We would like to thank Alycia, Katarina, Justin and Tracy for their commitment to creating a culture of faith, hope and love to ensure equity and well-being at our board.