Chair’s Outstanding Volunteer Award – Stephanie Mennie
If you’ve never heard of Stephanie Mennie, that’s precisely how she’d want it. Since 2013, Stephanie has been quietly changing lives as a member of the OCSB’s Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) committee. Her work has helped support some of our most vulnerable students—those navigating mental health challenges, trauma, or complex family circumstances—by creating space for alternative pathways to success.
She’s also a parent—closely connected to Sacred Heart High School—and brings both heart and professional insight to every decision she helps guide. When she’s not volunteering with the Board, she’s working on Ottawa’s frontline as a social worker with ANCHOR, the city’s alternative crisis response team.
Stephanie brings calm to chaos. She listens without judgment, advocates without ego, and reminds us that every student matters, no matter how winding their road may be.
The crystal plaque Stephanie received features hands cradling a globe—an image that perfectly reflects her local, global, and personal impact.
Compassion in Action
Vice-Chair’s Community Partnership Award – The Knights of Columbus Ottawa
When the temperature drops, some students head to school in thin hoodies and sneakers not made for snow. That’s when the Knights of Columbus show up.
Under the leadership of Grand Knight Chris Kuchciak, the Knights of Columbus—Ottawa have dedicated themselves to quietly and consistently addressing real needs in the community. Through initiatives like winter clothing drives, food programs, and parish support, they have provided countless families with warmth, dignity, and care.
Their faith is not just a belief; it is demonstrated through their actions.
This award serves as a small token of appreciation for the significant impact they have made. It acknowledges not only the coats and care they provide but also the consistency and message they convey to every student they assist: you matter.
Reminder of What We Value Most
It’s easy to become overly focused on test scores and schedules. However, awards like these remind us that the most important aspects of education cannot always be measured. These include the extra time we invest, the helping hands we extend, and the belief we have in every child’s potential.
To Stephanie Mennie and the Knights of Columbus Ottawa, you remind us that Catholic education is not just about what takes place in our schools; it’s also about how we support one another, especially during critical moments.
