The OCSOA Distinguished Leadership Award is awarded annually to up to two active members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership on committees or projects which focus on enhancing the interests and needs of students.
At the February 4, 2025, OCSOA Board of Directors meeting, following the report from the Awards Chair, the following individuals will be honored at our May 2025 Conference and AGM in Windsor, Ontario. The Board extends its sincere gratitude to all those who submitted nominations for consideration. As always, selecting award recipients is never an easy task.
The award recipients for 2025 are:
B.E. Nelligan Award – Linda Staudt, former Director of the London District Catholic School Board
Distinguished Leadership Award – David DeSantis, Director of the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board
The CASSA EXL Award, now renamed the NEL Award (Nelson Excellence in Leadership Award) – Jody Weller, Superintendent for the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board
A detailed recognition of their exceptional contributions to Catholic Education will be shared at the Awards Dinner. This event will also honor all Directors and Superintendents who are retiring, along with our three distinguished award winners.