36 Students Recognized With Catholic Student Leadership Awards
/The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has recognized 36 students at the annual Catholic Student Leadership Awards ceremony at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough on Wednesday.
The ceremony occured In celebration of Catholic Education Week (May 4 to 9). Photo courtesy of PVNC.
The event honoured one student from PVNC Catholic’s elementary and secondary schools. Each recipient was presented with a commemorative medallion, symbolizing their outstanding contributions to their school and community.
Students were nominated by school principals, teachers, and, in some cases, their peers. PNVC says 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 facing 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,” said Kevin MacKenzie, PVNC board chairperson. “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 Stephen O’Sullivan, PVNC director of education. “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.”
The following is a full list of all recipients:
Elena Jacob - Good Shepherd CES, Courtice
Julianna Taylor - Monsignor Leo Cleary CES, Courtice
Paige Sexton - St. Mother Teresa CES, Courtice
Addison Burge - St. Francis of Assisi, Newcastle
Keira Humeniuk - St. Elizabeth CES, Bowmanville
Koi Alcindor-Ojara - St. Joseph CES, Bowmanville
Marc Najera - Holy Family CES, Bowmanville
Georgia James - Immaculate Conception CES, Peterborough
Hana Lee - Monsignor O’Donoghue CES, Peterborough
Jola Adeniji - St. Alphonsus CES, Peterborough
Laura Wicks - St. Anne CES, Peterborough
Claire Sehn - St. Catherine CES, Peterborough
Charlotte Coulter - St. John CES, Peterborough
Mackenzie Edge - St. Patrick CES, Peterborough
Ruby Hale - St. Paul CES, Peterborough
Aaren Gomes - St. Teresa CES, Peterborough
Faith Hickey - St. Joseph CES, Douro
Cleodora McDonald - St. Martin CES, Ennismore
Charlie Stone - St. Paul CES, Lakefield
Kaitlyn Doherty - St. Paul CES, Norwood
Finley Sedgwick - St. Anthony CES, Port Hope
Nicholas Riccio - Notre Dame CES, Cobourg
Elizabeth Maurice - St. Joseph CES, Cobourg
Mary Katherine Marsden - St. Michael CES, Cobourg
Gordie Gilders - St. Mary CES, Campbellford
Abigail Chute - St. Mary CES, Grafton
Caine Lucas-Mark - St. John Paul II CES, Lindsay
Peyton O’Leary - St. Dominic CES, Lindsay
Nora Woychesko - St. Mary CES, Lindsay
Eli Kerr - St. Luke CES, Downeyville
Henry Arteaga - Holy Trinity CSS, Courtice
Talia Pudlik - St. Stephen CSS, Bowmanville
Holly Heuchert - Holy Cross CSS, Peterborough
Madison Nolan - St. Peter CSS, Peterborough
Ava Liao-McDonell - St. Mary CSS, Cobourg
Rachel Goodhand - St. Thomas Aquinas CSS, Lindsay
