NIAGARA CATHOLIC CONGRATULATES
HOLY CROSS TEACHER CHOSEN TO CARRY OLYMPIC TORCH

Niagara Catholic Director of Education John Crocco has offered his congratulations to Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School teacher Mike Accursi, who has been selected to carry the Olympic torch into St. Catharines and light the community’s ceremonial Olympic cauldron.

“I would like to offer sincere congratulations to Mike for this tremendous honour, on behalf of myself and all of Niagara Catholic,” said Mr. Crocco.

“Mike is an exemplary individual who displays his passion for sport both on and off the playing field. He is a dedicated player, coach and teacher, who truly embodies the Olympic spirit. He follows his dreams and inspires others to follow theirs. We are extremely proud to have him as part of our Niagara Catholic family."

Mr. Accursi is a Senior Success teacher at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School. He is head coach of the boys’ lacrosse team, assistant coach of the girls’ hockey team and co-chair of the Holy Cross Eco-Action Team.

Mr. Accursi will serve as co-marshal of the 2009 Niagara Wine Festival Grand Parade. He will carry the Olympic torch into St. Catharines and light the cauldron at a community celebration on December 20.

Mr. Accursi is the second member in the Niagara Catholic family to be recognized with this honour. Earlier this week, the City of Welland named Notre Dame College School graduate Sabrina Parrotta to carry the torch through the city on December 21. Sabrina was recognized by the City of Welland for her “amazing list” of contributions to the community, including her involvement in fundraisers for the underprivileged, cancer survivors and Third World nations.

“Sabrina is an exceptional young woman and the City of Welland has made an excellent choice for its community torchbearer,” said Mr. Crocco. “Having two such exemplary members of our Niagara Catholic family bestowed with this honour is certainly a source of pride.”

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Contact:	John Crocco, Director of Education
Issued by:	Jennifer Brailey, Manager of Board Services & Communications
Date:	September 18, 2009