St. Clair Catholic has named two outstanding members of its staff as recipients of the 2020 Lighting Our Way award.
Lindsay Dunlop, a teacher at Ursuline College Chatham Catholic Secondary School and Maria DeGuzman, an Educational Assistant at Gregory A. Hogan Catholic School, Sarnia were both nominated by members of their school staff.
“It is my great honour on behalf of the Board to recognize the tremendous contributions that Lindsay and Maria have made to their students and families, their colleagues and the entire system,” says Deb Crawford, Director of Education. “We are inspired by the ways in which they serve our communities and the mission of Catholic education.”
Here are just some of the comments that were shared as part of their nominations.
Maria DeGuzman, Educational Assistant, Gregory A. Hogan Catholic School
“Working beside Maria DeGuzman has changed my outlook as a teacher. Her selfless inner spirit shines through in every word she speaks, every action she participates in and every helping hand she lends. Her quiet, reflective nature fosters a classroom where every child feels safe, cared for and included. Each day for Maria is a new day to lift someone up. She is a woman who lives a life of service, finding true meaning in the phrase, “Happiness is found in helping others.” Her passion for the children, her gift of giving and her ability to integrate her skills with the needs of others characterizes this woman, who I am privileged to now call, not only a co-worker, but a friend.”
Lindsay Dunlop, Teacher, Ursuline College Chatham Catholic Secondary School
“I have worked with Lindsay in a variety of settings throughout my 12 years at UCC; not only has she taught me invaluable lessons, she has been a steady role model and mentor. I am the teacher I am today because of the time I have spent watching her shine within our school community. Lighting the Way exemplifies the approach Lindsay lives in her daily life. Through example, she naturally provides direction, clarity and a path to helping others enrich their lives and the lives of those around them. She is a charismatic teacher, who exemplifies faith, positivity and energy to make a difference in the world by giving of self, for others. Lindsay’s growth mindset fosters in others an intrinsic desire to spread compassion, acceptance and value for every person we meet.”
The Lighting Our Way honourees are selected by the Board’s Catholic Faith Advisory Committee and the awards are normally bestowed on recipients at the St. Clair Catholic system-wide Faith Development Day, which is held bi-annually. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the faith day was postponed.
“We will find another way to recognize these two amazing honourees, when the current restrictions due to the pandemic have been lifted,” says Mrs. Crawford. “In the meantime, I know our entire staff joins with me in thanking them for their tremendous service and for their many gifts, which they so readily share with all of us.”