A picture’s worth a thousand words, but what about a poem? Especially one sent to Pope Francis, who receives about 30 large mail sacks a week. 

Teenager Angelito Elipse is no stranger to hard work. He holds a 97 per cent average. He’s compiled more than 1000 community hours. And now he has a shot at the prestigious Loran Scholarship.

At most, he thought they’d chat for a moment.

Never did Richard Alexander think he’d get to play chess with His Eminence Cardinal Collins, matching pawn versus queen, rook against knight in an epic match he will remember forever.

Jean-Paul Dupont builds environments where students can do their very best.

A music, math and food and nutrition teacher at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in St. Catharines, Dupont started the school music program from scratch. He brought together members from First Nations to work firsthand with students.

Sherry Wong believes it’s not just top marks that will land you scholarships. It’s belief in yourself and the ability to paint your leadership experiences.

Since elementary school, 17-year-old Aidan Harold has been giving back to his community, any way he could. He devoted his spare time to soup kitchens. He co-founded his school’s Model United Nations Club. He led the Niagara Catholic District School Board school senate as Co-Chair.

The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) is honouring the important connection between parishes and school communities, proclaiming Friday May 5, 2017 Parish Family Day. 

This past November, Ted was honoured with a Governor General’s Award for Meritorious Service. In 2004 he founded Wells of Hope, a charity that digs fresh water wells for Guatemala’s impoverished residents in the Japala mountains. 

It was teacher Leanne Marrazzo who recognized Colin Daly’s vast intelligence and humble demeanor, making him the perfect student nominee for a Schulich Leader Scholarship.  

Kindergarten students received an exceptional opportunity to star in their very own classroom film about their latest creative project, The Story Workshop.