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Every year during Catholic Education Week, Niagara Catholic recognizes the very best of our students, staff, and alumni during our Celebrating Excellence Awards.
The awards were presented last night (May 5), at the Central Community Centre in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The awards celebration takes place in three parts: the Distinguished Alumni Awards, recognizing graduates who have a notable contribution to their field or the community, the Inspiration Awards, presented to staff for exemplary service to their students, colleagues, and Niagara Catholic, and the Catch the Spirit Student Awards of Excellence, presented each year to a student from each Niagara Catholic elementary and secondary school, as well as from alternative education and continuing education.
“Tonight, we gather to celebrate our annual inspiration awards, catch the spirit student awards, and distinguished alumni awards, honouring our students, both current and alumni, as well as the exceptional staff who serve across Niagara Catholic,” said Director Cipriano in his opening remarks. “It is most appropriate that we gather this evening during Catholic Education Week, as we celebrate the distinctive contributions that Catholic education makes to many — by positively impacting the lives of our students, our staff, and our communities.
Director Cipriano thanked parents and staff, before addressing the award recipients.
“Thank you for choosing Catholic education and for the trust you place in us as we journey together in supporting the spiritual, academic, physical, and social development of your children,” he said to parents, before thanking staff for nominating students and alumni for the awards.
“To all of our award recipients … this recognition is a culmination of your hard work, your perseverance, and your commitment to faith and learning,” said Director Cipriano. “Please know that you make a difference, and that your outstanding accomplishments are recognized and celebrated. I am honoured that you call, or have called, Niagara Catholic home.”
Chair of the Board Danny Di Lorenzo echoed those sentiments.
“When I was a principal, it was always a privilege to select our Catch the Spirit Award recipients each year,” said Danny Di Lorenzo, Chair of the Niagara Catholic Board of Trustees. “It was also a special honour when staff and alumni from my school were recognized during the celebration. Each of you brings something to your schools, your fields of expertise, and your communities, and it is such a pleasure to recognize all award recipients this evening.”
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients:
Sean Hudson Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School, Class of 2017
Despite being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder in high school, Sean Hudson has demonstrated exceptional resilience and achievement. A proud Blessed Trinity graduate, he followed his passion into sports broadcasting and has built an impressive career with TSN, Sportsnet, and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, including representing Canada on the world stage at the 2024 and 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Sean is a strong ambassador for our school system and credits the encouragement of his peers and teachers with helping him push through adversity and realize his dreams.
Meaghan Leslie Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, Class of 2013
Meaghan is an exceptional alumna of Niagara Catholic whose work reflects excellence, compassion, and service. A Valedictorian at both St. Alfred Catholic Elementary School and Holy Cross Secondary School, she pursued advanced studies in genetics at the University of Toronto and now serves as a Genetic Counsellor at the Juravinski Cancer Centre, guiding patients and families through complex medical decisions with empathy and care. Through her teaching and academic leadership roles, Meaghan is shaping future professionals and making a meaningful impact on society. Her work is a true reflection of Catholic education in action.