From skilled trades to national television, from classrooms to community leadership, this year’s recipients of the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board’s Outstanding Graduates program are building meaningful paths and making a difference in the lives of others. Their journeys reflect a shared commitment to service, perseverance, and the use of their gifts to strengthen communities both locally and beyond.

Now in its fourteenth year, this annual initiative recognizes one graduate from each of the board’s nine Catholic high schools. Each recipient has demonstrated excellence in their chosen field while reflecting the values of Catholic education.

Ethan Almeida – Holy Trinity Catholic High School (Bradford, ON)

Autobody technician Ethan Almeida will represent Canada at the 2026 WorldSkills competition after rising through the Skills Canada program.
 

Gabrielle Bouchard – Our Lady of the Bay Catholic High School (Collingwood, ON)
Civil engineer, Action Canada Fellow, and civic advocate, Gabrielle Bouchard has spent her career in the service of stronger, better-connected communities.

Lauren Dabrowski – St. Theresa’s Catholic High School (Midland, ON)

Professional hockey player Lauren Dabrowski overcame multiple childhood surgeries and setbacks to become a First Team All-Canadian defender and pursue her dream of playing professionally.

Ryder Pickles – St. Dominic’s Catholic Secondary School (Bracebridge, ON)

Ryder Pickles turned his commitment to service into a career in policing and has been hired by the Anishinabek Police Service, where he will begin active duty after completing his final stage training at the Ontario Police College.

Tory Fisher – Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School (Orillia, ON)

Educator and cultural leader Tory Fisher advances Indigenous language revitalization and curriculum development while supporting students and communities in the Nipissing First Nation.

Chris Rait – St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School (Tottenham, ON)

Educator and musician Chris Rait composed Catholic Education Week theme songs used across Ontario while building a career in arts education and musical theatre.

Megan MacDonald – St. Joseph Catholic High School (Barrie, ON)

Lawyer and advocate Megan MacDonald supports incarcerated and vulnerable individuals through her work in prison justice and record suspension initiatives.

Veronika Slowikowska – St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School (Barrie, ON)
Comedian and actor Veronika Slowikowska joined the cast of Saturday Night Live for its 51st season after building a successful career in television, film, and online comedy.

Dominique Way – St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School (Barrie, ON)

Singer-songwriter Dominique Way, a St. Peter’s graduate, has signed with Cult Nation Records and is building a music career while inspiring younger students to pursue their gifts.

“These graduates remind us that the impact of Catholic education extends far beyond the classroom,” said Kimberly Dixon, Director of Education. “They’re using their talents in ways that build up their communities, and that’s exactly what we hope for every student who walks through our doors.”

To learn more about this year's Outstanding Graduates or to nominate a graduate for next year, please visit www.outstandinggrads.ca.