Some of the most meaningful contributions to Catholic education happen outside the spotlight. They are found in the volunteer who gives countless hours to support families, the community partner who steps forward when students need help, and the educator who inspires young people to discover talents they never knew they had.
At its June Board Meeting, the Ottawa Catholic School Board proudly recognized three outstanding recipients whose dedication, leadership, and service have made a lasting difference in the lives of students and families across our community.
A Legacy of Music and Inspiration
This year’s Chair’s Award for Service Excellence was presented to MaryAnn Dunn, former Ottawa Catholic School Board Choir Director.
For 25 years, MaryAnn helped students find their voice, both on stage and beyond it. From the choir’s beginnings in 1991 with just 57 student singers to the vibrant program it has become today, her leadership helped shape an experience that has touched generations of OCSB students.
Under MaryAnn’s direction, students learned far more than music. They developed confidence, discipline, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. Through countless rehearsals and performances, she created opportunities for young people to share their talents, support one another, and experience the joy of working toward a common goal.
The impact of her work extended well beyond Ottawa. Under her leadership, OCSB choirs performed for distinguished guests including Nelson Mandela, the King and Queen of Japan, renowned Canadian artist Alex Colville, and several Governors General. These memorable experiences allowed students to represent their schools and community at prestigious events and before distinguished audiences.
Today, the choir program MaryAnn helped build continues to thrive, with five choirs and more than 200 students carrying forward a tradition of excellence that began more than three decades ago.
“MaryAnn Dunn’s impact on the Ottawa Catholic School Board extends far beyond music,” said Board Chair Mark Mullan. “Through her leadership, dedication, and love of the arts, she inspired generations of students to discover their talents, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing together. Her legacy continues to resonate in our schools and in the lives of the many students she influenced throughout her remarkable career.”
The award was accepted on MaryAnn’s behalf by her son, Tony Dunn, a retired educator and longtime accompanist for the OCSB choirs.
A Champion for Parents and School Communities
The Chair’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Contribution was presented to Steven Boucher in recognition of nearly two decades of dedicated service to Catholic education and school communities across the Ottawa Catholic School Board.
Since 2007, Steven has been a passionate advocate for parent engagement, believing that strong partnerships between families and schools help students thrive. While he first became involved through his children’s schools, his impact quickly extended beyond a single school community.
Through his leadership as Vice-Chair of the Catholic School Parents’ Association and his work with the Parent Involvement Committee, Steven has supported and mentored school councils across the Board, encouraging parents to share their perspectives, become involved, and contribute to the life of their schools.
Known for his collaborative approach and willingness to support others, Steven has helped strengthen relationships between families, school staff, and school councils. His leadership has inspired countless parents to become more engaged in their children’s education and more connected to their school communities.
“Steven Boucher exemplifies the spirit of service that strengthens Catholic education,” said Board Chair Mark Mullan. “For nearly two decades, he has generously shared his time, expertise, and passion to support students, families, and school communities across the Board. His commitment to parent engagement has helped build stronger connections between home and school, creating lasting benefits for countless students.”
Steven’s contributions are a powerful reminder that when families, schools, and communities work together, students are supported, school communities are strengthened, and everyone benefits.
A Partnership That Opened Doors for Students
The Vice-Chair’s Award for Community Partnership was presented to the Kiwanis Clubs of the Ottawa Valley in recognition of their longstanding commitment to supporting OCSB students and families.
Accepting the award on behalf of the organization was Glynn Kneebone, President of the Kanata-Stittsville Kiwanis Club.
When students and families faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kiwanis Clubs of the Ottawa Valley stepped forward to help. In April 2020, just weeks after the pandemic was declared, Kneebone launched the Kiwanis Computers for Kids program. Working alongside 15 Kiwanis chapters across the Ottawa region, the initiative brought together funding, community partnerships, and volunteers to provide more than 100 Chromebook packages to students in need.
The impact extended well beyond online learning. The devices helped families stay connected, access important services, navigate virtual appointments, and remain engaged during a time when technology became an essential link to education and community.
What began as a response to an immediate need has grown into a valued and on-going partnership. Today, the Kiwanis Clubs continue to create opportunities for OCSB students through initiatives such as the Kiwanis Kids for Kids Talent Festival, now hosted at Sacred Heart High School, where students can share their talents, build confidence, and connect with the wider community.
“The Kiwanis Clubs of the Ottawa Valley have demonstrated what is possible when community organizations and schools work together to support students,” said Vice-Chair Cindy Simpson. “Their generosity during the pandemic helped ensure students could continue learning and remain connected during a challenging time. Their on-going partnership continues to create meaningful opportunities for our students, and we are deeply grateful for their support.”
Through their generosity, leadership, and commitment to helping others, the Kiwanis Clubs of the Ottawa Valley have made a lasting difference in the lives of OCSB students and families.
Celebrating Service That Shapes Our Community
The stories of this year’s recipients differ, but they are united by a shared commitment to helping young people flourish.
Whether inspiring students through music, strengthening the connection between families and schools, or creating opportunities through community partnership, MaryAnn Dunn, Steven Boucher, and the Kiwanis Clubs of the Ottawa Valley have each made a lasting contribution to Catholic education. Their dedication has opened doors for students, strengthened school communities, and enriched the lives of countless families across the Ottawa Catholic School Board.
“These awards recognize individuals and organizations who have made a lasting difference in the lives of our students,” said Board Chair Mark Mullan. “Their contributions remind us that Catholic education is strengthened by the relationships, partnerships, and shared commitment that exist throughout our community. We are honoured to celebrate their achievements and thank them for their service.”
Their examples remind us that strong school communities are built through relationships, generosity, and a shared commitment to helping young people thrive. Every day, volunteers, educators, families, and community partners help create the conditions for students to learn, grow, and discover their God-given gifts.
Congratulations to MaryAnn Dunn, Steven Boucher, and the Kiwanis Clubs of the Ottawa Valley on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for the difference you have made, and continue to make, in our schools and communities.
