RELEASE: PVNC Catholic recognizes 36 students at annual Catholic Student Leadership Awards

May 6, 2026

In a celebration of faith, service, and community, the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board recognized 36 exceptional students at the annual Catholic Student Leadership Awards ceremony.

The event, held on the evening of Wednesday, May 6, at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, coincides with Catholic Education Week, which runs from May 3 to May 8. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness,” served as the backdrop for honouring one student from each of the Board’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.

“This year’s theme, Pilgrims of Hope, perfectly captures the spirit of these 36 individuals. They aren’t just students; they are trailblazers on a path to holiness who lead by example,” said Board Chairperson Kevin MacKenzie. “In a world that often feels uncertain, these leaders provide a steady light. They remind us that true leadership is rooted in faith and expressed through service to others. We are immensely proud of their contributions to our schools and the legacy of kindness they are building.”

“To witness these students is to see our mission in action. They are living out their call to be pilgrims—journeying together, supporting one another, and bringing hope to every hallway and classroom,” said Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan. “Holiness is found in the everyday acts of integrity, empathy, and courage that these award winners demonstrate. They represent the very best of Catholic education, proving that when we walk the path of faith, we create a more compassionate world for everyone.”

Clarington

Back from left: Superintendent Wayne Clark, Board Chairperson Kevin MacKenzie, Carter Peios (Holy Trinity CSS, Courtice), Stavros Bodnariuc (Monsignor Leo Cleary CES, Courtice), Jerry Kapche Tchinda (Good Shepherd CES, Courtice), Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan.

Front from left: Saoirse Leal (St. Mother Teresa CES, Courtice), Nolan Sylvestre (St. Francis of Assisi CES, Newcastle), Mia Panczyszyn (St. Elizabeth CES, Bownmanville), Gabriella Johnston (St. Joseph CES, Bowmanville), Ebosetale Akhigbemen (St. Stephen CSS, Bowmanville), Oksana Gnanapragasam (Holy Family CES, Bowmanville).

Peterborough

Back from left: Superintendent Julie Selby, Trustee Loretta Durst, Dylan Hain (Holy Cross CSS), Elias Maher (St. Anne CES), Emily Clarke (St. Alphonsus CES), Hudson Messervey (Monsignor O’Donoghue CES), Belle Davis (Immaculate Conception, Peterborough CES), Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan.

Front from left: Carson Mahoney (St. John CES), Aliyah Francis-O’Brien (St. Patrick CES), Addison Gerelus (St. Peter CSS), Maggie Mantifel (St. Teresa CES), Avery Kidd (St. Paul CES), Sahana Vignarajah (St. Catherine CES).

Peterborough County

Back from left: Superintendent Julie Selby, Trustee Jenny Leahy, Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan.

Front from left: Emerson Riel (St. Joseph CES, Douro), Moira Button (St. Martin CES, Ennismore), Eliza Cajindos-Henry (St. Paul CES, Lakefield), Natalie Doherty (St. Paul CES, Norwood).

Northumberland

Back from left: Superintendent Sheila Piggott, Connor Ross (St. Mary CSS, Cobourg), Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan, Trustee Kathleen Tanguay.

Front from left: Benjamin MacKinnon (St. Mary CES, Grafton), Zain Kalisli (St. Joseph CES, Cobourg), Daniel Velasco (St. Michael CES, Cobourg), Brisa Caceres (St. Mary CES, Campbellford), Elbethel Ayalew (Notre Dame CES, Cobourg), Lilah Halford (St. Anthony CES, Port Hope).

Kawartha Lakes

Back from left: Superintendent Sheila Piggott, Trustee Mary Ann Martin, Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan.

Front from left: Lane Jilesen (St. Luke CES, Downeyville), Benjamin Topacho (St. Dominic CES, Lindsay), Eva Winn (St. Thomas Aquinas CSS, Lindsay), Ashlynn Sigurdson (St. Mary CES, Lindsay), Shivani Sabarinath (St. John Paul II CES, Lindsay).

Full List of Winners