Celebrating Excellence in Catholic Education

Celebrating Excellence in Catholic Education
Posted on 06/18/2025
Student receiving award on stage

The annual Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board Student Awards Celebrating Excellence gathering took place June 3, 2025 at Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School.

Eighty-one students and four teams were recognized for excellence in academics, Christian service, Catholic leadership, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities the arts and Stewardship of Creation.

The "Celebrating Excellence in Catholic Education" awards ceremony was established to celebrate the significant accomplishments of students and, in a particular way, to encourage them to be who God has called them to be. His legacy is also recognized through the James L. Daly Award of Excellence, presented annually to two students who exemplify the responsible use of their God-given talents for the good of others.

Chairperson Patrick Daly, who served as emcee, brought greetings on behalf of the Board of Trustees and thanked all those who helped make the evening possible. He also acknowledged the tireless work, dedication, and selfless service of teachers, support staff, volunteer advisors, and coaches who have guided and supported students throughout their journey.

"As we come together, we continue to give thanks to God for the precious gift of publicly funded Catholic education, not only in Hamilton, but indeed throughout Ontario," he said. "On evenings such as this, we are reminded to never, ever take this gift for granted, and to do all we can, now and in the future, to protect, celebrate, and promote it."

He added that while the ceremony recognized individual and team achievements, it was also, in a particular way, a reflection of the system's long-standing commitment to excellence in Catholic education.

"These recipients truly deserve our admiration and congratulations, but most importantly, our appreciation for the recognition they have brought to themselves, their families, their schools, and our entire Catholic school system," said Daly.
Quoting St. Catherine of Siena, he reminded students to "be who God called you to be, and you will set the world on fire."

Director of Education David Hansen joined Chairperson Daly in presenting the awards and offered remarks during the presentation of the Jim Hansen Spirit of Community Award, established in memory of his late father.

"I would like to start by offering my sincere thanks to the Board of Trustees for continuing to honour my father with this award, and to all of those whose vocational call has been lived out in service to others," said Hansen. "There were 22 incredible nominees from our schools, and while only four are being recognized this evening, it is an extraordinary honour to be here to present this award on behalf of my father and our family."

Awards were presented in five categories: Board Awards, Living the Spirit Awards, Science and Athletics Awards, Special Presentations, and Stewardship of Creation Awards.

Student receiving award Robotics Club receiving awardAn award recipient shaking the hand of a trusteeStudent Trustees and Chairperson Pat Daly on stage BT band performing Student standing on stage holding her award