“Trinity Tiger” is recognized among the best graduates of the Catholic council

PRESS RELEASE
SIMCOE MUSKOKA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
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A lawyer, educator, television personality, health heroes, podcasters, professional soccer player, paratriathlete and mayor are among this year’s recipients of the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic School Board’s Outstanding Alumni Program. This programme, now in its twelfth year, takes a look into the lives of extraordinary people. A graduate from each of the nine Catholic high schools in the board is recognized during Catholic Education Week. This year’s recipients are:

Andrea Almeida-Pasko – St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School (Barrie, Ont.): Andrea’s varied and impressive post-secondary degrees focused on how criminal justice affects marginalized communities. Her path has led her to the Barrie Crown Attorney’s Office, where she hopes to specialize in the prosecution of sexual and intimate partner violence.

Kelsey Araujo – Holy Trinity Catholic High School (Bradford West Gwillimbury, Ont.): Kelsey is a professional soccer player for Le Havre Division 1 Women in France and a call-up to the Portugal women’s national team. She attributes her success to her lifelong passion for sports and her years as a Holy “Trinity Tiger.”

Katie Begley – Catholic Secondary School St. Thomas Aquinas (Tottenham, Ont.): Katie is committed to fighting child poverty through education, community service and advocacy. As a University of Guelph-Humber instructor in early childhood studies, she uses her role to drive social change in the area of ​​food insecurity.

Dylan Benoit – St. Joseph’s Catholic High School (Barrie, Ont.): Dylan’s passion for cooking began at home with his mother and eventually led him to become the host of Food Network’s Fire Masters. He believes in the power of the culinary arts to connect cultures and nourish people – mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Chantal Blakely and Katelynn Nangle – St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School (Bracebridge, Ont.): Friends since 2nd grade and sharing a passion for the arts and a passion for reading, Chantal and Katelynn transitioned from careers in graphic design to successfully hosting a popular podcast called Book Club Babes.

Dr. Danielle D’Amico – Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School (Orillia, Ont.): Danielle was inspired to focus her post-secondary studies on dementia and other factors affecting brain health. Her passion in this field led her to complete a PhD and receive the Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal.

Matei Krmpotich – St. Theresa’s Catholic High School (Midland, Ont.): A passionate nurse and volunteer, Matthew has dedicated his career to nursing and community service. Recently, he participated in two missions to Ukraine, where he provided care to patients with traumatic injuries.

Alex Nuttall – St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School (Barrie, Ont.): From serving on Barrie’s city council at the young age of 21 to becoming its 47th mayor, Alex’s political journey is highlighted by inclusiveness and service. He supports charitable programs such as PIE Education (providing backpacks with school supplies) and the Boots and Hearts Barn Burner, an annual charity hockey game.

Leanne Taylor – Our Lady of the Bay Catholic High School (Collingwood, Ont.): After a life-changing cycling accident left her paralyzed, Leanne worked hard to become a top paratriathlete on the global stage. She also excels as a compliance officer in the pharmaceutical industry and has been recognized as one of the top 25 women in biotech.

“It is always exciting to recognize the achievements of some of our most notable graduates through this program,” said Frances Bagley, Director of Education. “Over the past 12 years, we have shared so many inspirational stories and this year is no exception. Our graduates remind us that God has plans for everyone – with faith, determination and hard work, anything is possible.”

To learn more about this year’s Distinguished Alumni or to nominate a graduate for next year, please click here.

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