It's that time of year! We know that our staff and students have been doing incredible things in our schools and beyond. From Inclusion Excellence to academic and athletic achievements, we want to hear about it!

Nominations for the 2025 Celebrating Excellence Evening are now open.

We are currently accepting nominations for the following categories: 

• Empower Simcoe Inclusion Excellence Awards 

• Seton Awards for Faith and Service 

• Lwanga Equity Vanguard Awards 

• Provincial or National Achievement: Academics, Arts and Athletics   

• Outstanding Graduates

Award descriptions and criteria are listed below and in the nomination form.

Recipients of these awards will be honoured at Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board's annual Celebrating Excellence Evening on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. This event is made possible by donations and volunteer contributions.  

If you know of a student, team or staff member who has gone above and beyond for their community or accomplished a high level of achievement, please help us recognize them. Nominations are open and accepted through the Celebrating Excellence Nomination Form until Friday, April 4th.

Award Descriptions and Criteria

Empower Simcoe Inclusion Excellence Awards (Four Individual/Group Recipients)

Open to Current SMCDSB Students or Staff 

In partnership with Empower Simcoe, the Inclusion Excellence Awards are presented to students and educators who promote and exemplify an inclusive school environment. Individuals or groups who have gone above and beyond to create an inclusive environment at their school or for the system may apply. Empower Simcoe assists with the selection and recognition of recipients. 

Seton Awards for Faith and Service (Up to Four Individual/Group Recipients)
Open to Current SMCDSB Students or Staff

St. Elizabeth Seton believed that education was key to personal and spiritual growth, and she was committed to helping young people develop to their fullest potential. Individuals or groups who, through their actions and gifts, embody our Catholic values and/or Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations can be considered for this award. We are looking for candidates who exemplify what it means to be part of Catholic education. This may include those who have gone above and beyond with social justice activities, community service, volunteer endeavours, or fostering a more faith-filled community.  

Lwanga Equity Vanguard Awards (Up to Four Individual/Group Recipients)

Open to Current SMCDSB Students or Staff

St. Charles Lwanga courageously stood for equality and advocated for the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their background, in the face of adversity. Through his life and martyrdom, he reminds us of the importance of promoting equity and inclusion in our society. This award will be given to students or staff members who have gone above and beyond to help strengthen equity and inclusion. We are looking for individuals or groups who, through their contributions to equity and inclusion, have worked to develop trusting relationships and foster deeper understandings for the benefit of everyone. 

Excellence in Academics, Arts and Athletics - (Various)

Restricted to Provincial or National Achievement/Recognition (Current SMCDSB Students and Staff)     

Every year, there are students and staff members who have achieved either provincial or national recognition or acclaim for a significant accomplishment. This may include, but is not limited to, achievements in the arts, athletics or academics. We are looking for individuals or groups who have achieved an official certificate of recognition at the provincial or national level. In the case of competition, the committee typically recognizes those individuals who have placed in the top three in their field.   

Outstanding Graduates

Open to SMCDSB Graduates

This award recognizes one graduate from each of our nine Catholic high schools. After leaving our system, these graduates have gone on to make exceptional contributions in their chosen path. Nominations are open to the public, and each high school plays a role in choosing their respective Outstanding Graduate for each year. Our Outstanding Graduates epitomize what it means to be a Catholic graduate from SMCDSB. Consideration will only be given to students who have graduated from SMCDSB. Individuals who are employed by SMCDSB cannot be considered for this award.