.jpg "Award Recipients with Bishop Crosby and Chairperson Daly")
On November 26, 2024, the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board recognized four individuals for their extraordinary contribution publicly funded Catholic Education. The many family members, current and former colleagues, trustees, students gathered to acknowledge the faith filled leadership and outstanding service of Wayne Brown, David Hansen, Phillip Jeffrey and posthumously Wilma Scherloski.
The evening began with the Celebration of the Eucharist at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. In his inspiring homily the Most Reverend Douglas Crosby congratulated the award recipients and thanked them for their dedicated service.
“Using your spirit, gifts, and talents in our Catholic schools is nothing less than noble,” he said. “The fact that people have recognized and acknowledged what you have done is a blessing.”
Since its inception in 1989, the Distinguished Service to Catholic Education Award has honoured 103 individuals and 26 institutions for their exceptional contributions to the promotion and development of Catholic education.
Mr. Wayne Brown, Retired Principal
With a 31-year education career at the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, Wayne Brown served in various roles, including classroom Teacher, central office, Special Education Resource Teacher, Vice-Principal, and Principal. He exemplified goodness throughout his many years of dedicated service and into retirement, prioritizing the needs of students in every capacity. In each role he displayed an inspiring commitment to academic and co-curricular excellence, faith formation and Christian service. He often reminded others that parents entrust Catholic schools with their most precious gifts—their children. Known for fostering Catholic leadership among staff, he placed priority on the professional development of Catholic school leaders. Wayne Brown has and continues to give witness to the purpose of Catholic education to, “place Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church at the centre” of students learning experiences.
.jpg "Wayne Brown with Bishop Crosby and Trustee Valvasori")
Mr. David Hansen, Director of Education
Mr. David Hansen, Director of Education has made an extraordinary contribution to publicly funded Catholic education throughout his 36 years of dedicated service. His inspiring commitment to Catholic education and laser like focus on the good of students has been evident in his role as Teacher, Vice-Principal, Principal, Assistant Superintendent of Education, Superintendent of Education and now Director of Education. He is a true servant leader and has at all times worked to promote the Board’s philosophy of Each Belongs. As Director of Education, he has provided faith filled leadership. His vision and tireless work have been instrumental to the successful introduction of a number of new programs and initiatives. He is a person of hope, supporting and encouraging others to realize the Board’s mission to “enable all learners to realize their fullness of humanity of which Jesus Christ is the model.”
.jpg "David Hansen with Bishop Crosby and Chairperson Daly")
Mr. Phillip Jeffrey, Retired Manager of Library Services
Having worked with the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board for 27 years, Phillip Jeffrey embodied the principles of Catholic education, demonstrating a deep commitment to Gospel values, collaboration, and a dedication to serving others. As Manager of Library Services, he provided strong and faith filled leadership. His many contributions include developing the Catholicity Across The Curriculum Resource Fair, establishing School Library Commons, and playing a pivotal role as Site Director in the renewal of the Nicholas Mancini Centre. He has served as Director of the African Canadian Cultural Potpourri Inc (ACCPI) for over 28 years, supporting youth of African and Caribbean heritage. His selfless service and tremendous Christian witness have left a lasting impact on Catholic education and our community.
.jpg "Phillip Jeffrey with Bishop Crosby and Trustee Nardini")
Ms. Wilma Scherloski (posthumously), Retired Superintendent of Education
Ms. Scherloski’s extraordinary contribution reflects a lifelong commitment to the values of Catholic education. Beginning her career in a one-room schoolhouse in Saskatchewan, she went on to serve as a Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal, and Superintendent of Education with the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. At the school and system level she gave witness to the Board’s mission to “enable all learners to realize their fullness of humanity of which Jesus Christ is the model.” This is perhaps best exemplified in her vision with regard to the establishment of ‘Wilma’s Place’, an alternative education program designed to re-engage students. Wilma’s legacy lives in the countless students, staff and parents who benefitted from her faith filled leadership, care and concern for the good of others and tremendous Christian witness.
(Pictured here accepting the award on behalf of the late Wilma Scherloski is Elyse Tassone, a former student and now a current teacher.)
.jpg "Pictured here accepting the award on behalf of the late Wilma Scherloski is Elyse Tassone, a former student and now a current teacher.")
.jpg "Award recipients with Bishop Crosby, Father Wynen and Chairperson Daly")