Faith in Action: PVNC Catholic recognizes 36 students at annual Catholic Student Leadership Awards

May 7, 2025

PETERBOROUGH — In celebration of Catholic Education Week, which runs from May 4 to May 9, 2025, the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board proudly recognized 36 students at the annual Catholic Student Leadership Awards ceremony.

Hosted at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough on Wednesday, May 7, the event honoured one student from each of PVNC Catholic’s elementary and secondary schools. Each recipient was presented with a commemorative medallion, symbolizing their outstanding contributions to their school and broader community.

Students were nominated by school principals, teachers, and, in some cases, their peers. Each award winner has demonstrated exemplary Catholic leadership, a strong commitment to family values, active participation in school life, meaningful community involvement, and remarkable dedication in the face of challenges.

“As we celebrate our student leaders during Catholic Education Week, we’re reminded of the vital role faith plays not only in education, but in shaping compassionate, committed individuals,”  Board Chairperson Kevin MacKenzie said. “These students exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and heart. Their actions reflect the strength of our Catholic values, service, community, and faith and the meaningful impact those values can have in the world. We are incredibly proud to recognize their achievements and excited to see the difference they will continue to make, both within their schools and far beyond.”

“Our 2025 theme for Catholic Education Week, “Pilgrims of Hope,” invites us to reflect on what it means to journey together in faith. Our student leaders are showing us the way. They are living witnesses to hope — honouring human dignity, caring for creation, serving in solidarity, and building peace in their communities,” said Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan. “These young people remind us that leadership is not just about excellence — it’s about empathy. It’s about lifting others up. And it’s about living out our Catholic values with integrity and purpose.”

Clarington

Back from left: Superintendent Julie Selby, Board Chairperson Kevin MacKenzie, Keira Humeniuk (St. Elizabeth CES), Talia Pudlik (St. Stephen CSS), Koi Alcindor-Ojara (St. Joseph CES), Marc Najera (Holy Family CES), Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan and Monsignor Michael Heffernan.

Front from left: Elena Jacob (Good Shepherd CES), Henry Arteaga (Holy Trinity CSS), Julianna Taylor (Monsignor Leo Cleary CES), Paige Sexton (St. Mother Teresa CES) and Addison Burge (St. Francis of Assisi CES).

Peterborough

Back from left: Trustee Loretta Durst, Trustee John Connolly, Charlotte Coulter (St. John CES), Mackenzie Edge (St. Patrick CES), Ruby Hale (St. Paul CES), Madison Nolan (St. Peter CSS), Aaren Gomes (St. Teresa CES), Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan and Monsignor Michael Heffernan.

Front from left: Holly Heuchert (Holy Cross CSS), Georgia James (Immaculate Conception CES), Hana Lee (Monsignor O’Donoghue CES), Jola Adeniji (St. Alphonsus CES), Laura Wicks (St. Anne CES) and Claire Sehn (St. Catherine CES).

Peterborough County

Back from left: Superintendant Julie Selby, Trustee Jenny Leahy, Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan and Monsignor Michael Heffernan.

Front from left: Faith Hickey (St. Joseph CES), Cleodora McDonald (St. Martin CES), Charlie Stone (St. Paul CES, Lakefield) and Kaitlyn Doherty (St. Paul CES, Norwood).

Northumberland

Back from left: Superintendent Sheila Piggott, Trustee Kathleen Tanguay, Nicholas Riccio (Notre Dame CES), Gordie Gilders (St. Mary CES, Campbellford), Abigail Chute (St. Mary CES, Grafton), Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan and Monsignor Michael Heffernan.

Front from left: Finley Sedgwick (St. Anthony CES), Elizabeth Maurice (St. Joseph CES), Ava Liao-McDonell (St. Mary CSS), and Mary Katherine Marsden (St. Michael CES).

Kawartha Lakes

Back from left: Superintendent Sheila Piggott, Trustee Mary Ann Martin, Rachel Goodhand (St. Thomas Aquinas CSS), Eli Kerr (St. Luke CES), Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan and Monsignor Michael Heffernan.

Front from left: Caine Lucas-Mark (St. John Paul II CES), Peyton O’Leary (St. Dominic CES) and Nora Woychesko (St. Mary CES).

Full List of Winners