The Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (NPSC) is proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural Barbara McCool Student Leadership Award - a special honour created to recognize students who embody the spirit of service, compassion, and perseverance.

This meaningful award pays tribute to Barbara McCool, a dedicated Catholic School Trustee who served our NPSC community with extraordinary commitment for an outstanding 47 years until her retirement in 2023. Throughout her decades of service, Barbara was a passionate advocate for student inclusion and demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the Board and its broader community. She devoted her life to addressing the needs of children and adults with disabilities to improve their quality of life. Her role in advocacy for students resulted in the development of the first integrated and specialized program for children with Special Education needs at NPSC.

To honour her lifetime of advocacy, compassion, and unwavering service, the Barbara McCool Student Leadership Award was established by the NPSC Board of Trustees. This award recognizes students who demonstrate:

• Service to others through Catholic education

• Care for the most vulnerable

• Resilience in the face of adversity

We are pleased to celebrate the first three student recipients of this distinguished award. Their actions reflect the values that defined Barbara McCool’s service and exemplify what it means to lead with faith, integrity, and heart.

Chynno Fernandez - Mother St. Bride Catholic Elementary School

Pictured left to right: Lori Schlueting, Principal, Mother St. Bride Catholic Elementary School; Chynno Fernandez, Barbara McCool Student Leadership Award recipient; Barbara McCool, retired NPSC Catholic School Trustee; David Dunkley, NPSC Catholic School Trustee.

Rachael Carmichael - St. Victor Catholic Elementary School

Pictured left to right: Jacques Bégin, Vice-Chair, NPSC Catholic School Trustee; Paula Mann, NPSC Director of Education; Rachael Carmichael, Barbara McCool Student Leadership Award recipient; Shawn Fitzsimmons, Chair, NPSC Catholic School Trustee.

Chloe Daigle - Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School

Pictured left to right: Dan Seguin, Principal, Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School; Chloe Daigle, Barbara McCool Student Leadership Award recipient; Paula Mann, NPSC Director of Education.

This award will continue to be presented on a cyclical basis at NPSC schools as a way to recognize and encourage the next generation of compassionate leaders in Catholic education.

Congratulations to our inaugural recipients, and thank you for inspiring us all.