Awards

The Governor General’s Academic Medal was first awarded in 1873 by the Earl of Dufferin. This medal is awarded to the student graduating with the highest academic average. The average includes all grade 11 and grade 12 courses as listed on the student’s official Transcript of Grades issued by the Ministry of Education. It is presented by the educational institution on behalf of the Governor General. It is one of the most prestigious awards that a student in a Canadian educational institution can receive.

The A. W. Rowe Memorial Scholarships are awarded to the male and female student who have the top academic marks based on their calculated grade 12 average. In addition, these students have demonstrated a good work ethic in their two senior years.

Doug Lauson was born in South Africa in 1950 and came to Canada in 1973. He taught at the Convent of the Sacred Heart and at Notre Dame High School before becoming principal at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 1980. he served as principal until1985. Under his tenure the school population increased to 240 students with two classes at each grade level. He implemented a computerized school administration program and was instrumental in the establishment of the Computer Science Program. In 1985, he was appointed the Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Vancouver and, from 2007-2015, he was the Superintendent.

Sister Marcelle Lavigne (Sister Louise) was born in Edam, Saskatchewan in 1923. In 1939, she entered the Sisters of the Child Jesus. Sister Marcelle spent 37 years of her life teaching in Saskatchewan and B.C. She taught at St. Thomas Aquinas High School from 1959 – 61 and was Principal from 1964-68. From 1979 to 1982, she taught at St. Anthony’s Elementary School in West Vancouver. In 1982, she travelled to the Ivory Coast in Africa where she was a missionary for seventeen years, returning to Canada in 1999. Sister Marcelle passed away in Coquitlam in September, 2016.

The Sister Marcelle Lavigne Award records the name of the student with the highest academic standing in the graduating glass (recognized since 1993 as the Governor General Medal winner). This trophy was donated by St. Anthony’s CWL in 1977.

Mrs. Leila Lalani was a very respected English and History teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas High School from 1976-1999 and from 2000-01. In addition to teaching, she trained the Public Speaking Teams. In 1991, she was awarded an Excellence in Teaching Award by the B.C. Ministry of Education. Mrs. Lalani retired in 2001 and resides in North Vancouver.

2024 – Melissa Sayyad & Harrison Taylor  2023 – Dana Montoya & Ashley McLeary
2022 – Adelina Popa & Yebin Kang
2021- Grace Haines & Sofia Serrano
2020 – Alyssa Almerling & Veronica Zoleta
2019 – Kiana Burran
2018 – Chanelle McPhee & Natasha Nock
2017 – Carlos Battistini & Dominique Slowey
2016 – Lauren Diego & Natasha Harland
2015 – Jordan Flanigan, Lily Moric & Megan Poon
2014 – Michelle Poon
2013 – Leena Kim
2012 – Ross Ryken & Ashley Lee
2011 – Alexandra Kobza & Natalie Wagorn
2010 – Vanessa Conzon & Diana Foxall
2009 – Ola Bella
2008 – Mary Leong & Alex Jordan
2007 – Melanie Zapf
2006 – Sasha Parvani & Jacklyn De Leon
2005 – Giancarlo Cusano
2004 – Carly Wignes & Joey Muzzin
2003 – Clio de la Llave
2002 – Kasia Celler
2001 – James Blasina
2000 – Khaled Shariff
1999 – Christina Park
1998 – Candace Asconi
1997 – Amy Thayer
1996 – Vanessa Dwyre
1995 – Maeve Ryan
1994 – Taryn Bennetto
1993 – Jennifer Jamieson
1992 – Kathleen Steele
1991 – Ilonka Oszvald
1990 – Goldie Stinson
1989 – Pamela Dimapilis
1988 – Gwendolyn Mahon

2024 – Kai-Yu She  2023 – Matthew Dwyer
2022 – Kandie Lazaro
2021- Graydon Baker
2020 – Daela Dalzell
2019 – Raphael Plana
2018 – Rachel Cruz
2017 – Ysabelle Tumaneng
2016 – Samantha Watson
2015 – Camilo Trujillo Sanchez
2014 – Kristen Hutton
2013 – Bradley Kuban
2012 – Ashley Lee
2011 – Monica Sumulong
2010 – Teague Carvalho
2009 – Anthony Park
2008 – Cameron Golinsky
2007 – Carmen Ho
2006 – Sasha Parvani
2005 – Julian Doczi
2004 – Zack Singer
2003 – Josie Maio
2002 – Kelsey Singer
2001 – Valene Ledesma
2000 – Sarah Topley
1999 – Sonia Abraham
1998 – Matthew Horner
1997 – Carolyn Park
1996 – Stacy Tom Yew & Anna Ramza
1995 – Romana Vuk
1994 – Taryn Bennetto
1993 – Kara James
1992 – Felix Wong
1991 – Joel Aquiton
1990 – Janine Gloumeau
1989 – Jelena Bagaric
1988 – Beverly Horner

2024 – Koorosh Nejati  2023 – Rachel Chong
2022 – Mike Kwak
2021- Grace Haines & Chloe Taylor
2020 – Dayton Bowen & Christine Weiss
2019 -Jeffery Eo
2018 – Michael O’Keefe
2017 – Madeline LaBreche
2016 – Danielle Harrington
2015 – Megan Poon
2014 – Amanda Ryken
2013 – Rachel Han
2012 – John Paul Flores
2011 – Alexandra Kobza
2010 – Sean Haley & Nicole Lane
2009 – Anthony Park
2008 – Leanne Wheeler
2007 – Claire Wheeler
2006 – Hanna Rebane
2005 – Marco Cusano
2004 – Sun-Jeng Kang
2003 – Shannon Bunn
2002 – David Sparrow
2001 – Sean Rooney
2000 – Kelsey McLarnin
1999 – Christiana Roman
1998 – Sonya Vrtacic & Michael Gajo
1997 – Jessica Metcalfe
1996 – Stacey Tom-Yew
1995 – Ewa Lesinska
1994 – Warren Paolucci
1993 – Alan Leung
1992 – Jeffrey Florendo
1991 – Elaine Willman
1990 – Sean Wong
1989 – Charlene Lim
1988 – Wendy Choy
1987 – David Chiu
1986 – Robin Mui
1985 – Vivian Kwok
1984 – Roger Fung
1983 – Tomik Yaghoobian
1982 – Homayon Sohrabi
1981 – Christopher Tam
1980 – Teddy Che
1979 – Gabriel Sotres
1978 – Francis Rainey & Paul Sung
1977 – Edward Leung, Daniel McDonnell & Linda Weaffer

2024 – Lydia Jones  2023 – Stephanie Kostamo & Elizabeth Urbani
2022 – Ewan MacNeil
2021- Jazz Day
2020 – Ryan Mo & Danet Spadavecchia
2019 – Andre Male Armida
2018 – Jonathan Tubeo
2017 – Mary Miiller
2016 – Mallory Thorpe
2015 – Nick Luckwell
2014 – Victor Martinez
2013 – Olivia Santacroce & Siobhan Ward
2012 – Emmy Livesy & Emily Jukich
2011 – Katie Edwards
2010 – Vanessa Conzon
2009 – Julie O’Connell
2008 – Zachary Robertson
2007 – Thomas Dvorak
2006 – Sarah Volpatti
2005 – Jack Finn
2004 – Frances Cabahug
2003 – Christina Newman
2002 – Kasia Celler
2001 – Neal Carswell
2000 – Sarah Topley & Shaun Pang
1999 – Yaa-Hemaa Obiri-Yeboahi
1998 – Greg Chapman
1997 – Cassandra Vukorep
1996 – Sarah Collings
1995 – Lambert Ma
1994 – Miranda Ortiz & Warren Paolucci
1993 – Erwin Yap
1992 – Sarah Poh Lin Teh
1991 – Greg Trpin
1990 – Guy Miller
1989 – Kelly Robertson
1988 – Karen Voon
1987 – Talge Goyarzu
1986 – Dabera Yu
1985 – Wendy Yu
1984 – Jacinta Lawton
1983 – Moira Magee
1982 – Harold Ho
1981 – Cindy Tang
1980 – Winnie Wong
1979 – Annalisa Fumagalli
1978 – Paul Sung
1977 – Lorraine Smith

Sister John Joseph was born in Quebec in 1917 and joined the Sisters of the Child Jesus in 1934. She started her teaching career in North Battleford, SK before coming to North Vancouver. Sister John Joseph taught at STA from 1959-63, and from 1965 -66 and served as the school’s second Principal in 1962-23.  During her time at STA, she taught religion, math, biology, literature and composition, and economics. She stepped away from STA to teach at Notre Dame University in Nelson from 1963-65. In 1966 she left Canada to teach in Liberia in West Africa, returning to North Vancouver in 1997. Sister Joseph passed away on January 24, 2002.

This award recognizes outstanding achievement in Religion 12 and strong involvement in Campus Ministry.

2024 – Sara Altamirano & Rebecca Bond  2023 – Stephanie Kostamo & Caiden Oko
2022 – Abraham Wang & Kandie Lazaro
2021- Carmel Dear & Meghan Dahl
2020 – Diego Altamirano & Christine Weiss
2019 – Julie Wheeler & Thomas Thordarson
2018 – Maria Altamirano
2017 – Madeline LaBreche & Mary Miiller
2016 – Nat Marilley-Bodner
2015 – Pauline Correa, Lily Moric & Paul Miiller
2014 – Kaya Radjah
2013 – Daniel Capacio & Christina Gee
2012 – John Paul Flores, Sara Trujillo Sanchez & Kiera Van Der Sande
2011 – Daniel DeBiasio
2010 – Vanessa Conzon & Michael Embuido
2009 – Daniel Bragagnini
2008 – Carey Kwok-Choon & Brian Tancredi
2007 – Cindy Achtemichuk
2006 – Kristen Ferma
2005 – Joseph Valdez
2004 – Frances Cabahug & Sarah Johnson
2003 – Josie Maio
2002 – Byron Cline
2001 – James Blasina
2000 – Giuliana Galvani
1999 – Yaa-Hemaa Oberi Yeboah
1998 – Monica Karpinska & Michelle Laroya
1997 – Jessica Metcalfe
1996 – Vanessa Dwyre
1995 – Louise & Lydia Teh
1994 – Jamie Mackey
1993 – Jennifer Jamieson
1992 – Jeffrey Florendo
1991 – Ilonka Oszvald
1990 – Michael Chase
1989 – Charlene Lim
1988 – Karen Voon
1987 – Roswell Wei & Debbie Alessa
1986 – Dabera Yu
1985 – Wendy Lee & Claudia Lira
1984 – Jacinta Lawton
1983 – Paige Garvey
1982 – Marnie Wiederhold & Joanne Kouwenhoven
1981 – Angela Chan
1980 – Sarah Stannus
1979 – Gabriel Sotres
1978 – Francis Rainey
1977 – William Kouwenhoven & Catherine Storey

Father Ian Charles Stuart was Principal of St. Thomas Aquinas from 1976 to 1980. After leaving STA he worked as an educational consultant with the Catholic School Board and then studied for the priesthood. Upon ordination he served as pastor at several parishes, including of St. Francis Assisi in Vancouver and St. Anthony’s in West Vancouver. In 2007 he moved to the Victoria Diocese. Presented to a student who has contributed to the development of the liturgical life of the school and who has displayed Christian values as a member of the student body.

2024 – Emma Fitzgerald & Daniel Macuroy  2023 – No Award
2022 – Isabel Altamirano
2021- Frank Woodworth
2020 – Diego Altamirano
2019 – Julie Wheeler
2018 – Michael Mora
2017 – Ysabelle Tumaneng
2016 – Chelsea Sarmiento, Jack Coyne
2015 – Stuart Argo
2014 – Ashley Jukich
2013 – Vincent Plana & Christina Gee
2012 – Sam Mok & Emily Jukich
2011 – Ryan Birtch
2010 – Zach Mok
2009 – James Brennan & Sandra Bitelli
2008 – Rachel Samuel & Zachary Robertson
2007 – Carlo Sarmiento & Natasha Knopfel
2006 – Teresa McLarnin & Thomas Brennan
2005 – Sarah Barrett & Meghan Magee
2004 – Anna Brisco & Dylan Drego
2003 – Kristen Campbell & Alisha Meakes
2002 – Michelle Keong
2001 – Valene Ledsma & Amy McLarnin
2000 – Kelsie McLarnin
1999 – Adam Farrell
1998 – Athena Macapagal & Bonnie McLaughlin
1997 – Amelia Aragon & David Cline
1996 – Natasha Bosa & Christine Toplak
1995 – Anamaria Basura & Maria Pucci
1993 – Heidi Nakayama
1991 – Maria Dimapilis
1990 – Michael Chase
1989 – Pamela Dimapilis
1988 – Lorinda Wei
1987 – Yvonne O’Neill
1986 – Susan Kouwenhoven
1984 – Chris England
1983 – Tim McKernan
1982 – Sharon Chidlow
1980 – Lawrence Kouwenhoven

Fr. John Brioux was born in 1942 in Peterborough, Ontario. In 1974, he was ordained a priest in the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI). At the time of his death, Fr. John Brioux was a pastor at St. Paul’s Parish. Early in his career, he served First Nations communities in B.C.’s Shuswap and Chilcotin regions, and was pastor at St. Augustine’s in Vancouver. Fr. John’s personality was open, honest, endearing, welcoming, welcoming, and caring. This award recognizes students who display these characteristics.

2024 – Sofia Schuss & Nathan Canvin  2023 – Luca Caffaro
2022 – Danilo Villa Soto
2021- Noah Labreche
2020 – Adam Pizzolon
2019 – Duncan Ford
2018 – Katie Weinborn
2017 – Thomas Buhler

Monsignor Pedro Lopez Gallo was born in Mexico City on June 27, 1927. He was ordained a priest in 1951. After his ordination, he studied and worked in Rome. He earned a Doctorate in Theology and degrees in Canonical and Civil Law. In 1978, Monsignor Gallo came to Vancouver to work on the Marriage Tribunal, and, in 1983, became the Judicial Vicar for the Archdiocese. From 1986 to 2013, he was the pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church, North Vancouver. He was a strong advocate of Catholic Education and was the main driving force in the establishment of St. Pius Elementary School, which opened in 1996. He celebrated his 68th anniversary of ordination shortly before he passed away in December 2019. The STA community will always be forever grateful for his unwavering support. This award is given to a student who has contributed their time and helped enrich the school community since enrolling at STA. It recognizes the effort to surmount the challenge of living in a different culture.

2024 – Solbi Ahn & Yuyu Li
2023 – Rachel Chong & Steven Qi
2022 – Jinho Kim $ Regina Ahn
2021- Chloe Kim & Elena Ye
2020 – Amir Bagheri & Simon Xia
2019 – Zoe Zhang & Andre Male Armida
2018 – Mary Bao
2017 – Aerith Yin
2016 – Kelly Huang & Sam Wu
2015 – Fiona Zhang
2014 – Jing Jing Lu
2013 – Scarlett Cao & Alex Kim
2012 – Yan Sun
2011 – Jenny Kim
2010 – Da Sol Seo
2009 – Tiffany Chan
2007 – Chris Shin & Monica Shin
2006 – Hyung Min Shin & Jessica Shin
2005 – Edyta Czapla & Can Na Shin
2004 – Hee-Jae Claire Chun & Sun-Jeng Kang
2003 – Izumi Ouchi
1999 – Mari Inoue
1998 – Steve Ho
1997 – Itsuka Fukumura
1996 – Aki Ohno
1995 – Paxson Chan
1994 – Gabriel Li
1993 – Daniel Chan & Perry Chu

Sister Susan Songary, was a First nations Sister from the Cree Nation. She was born on January 11, 1921. She attended Lejac Residential School at Fraser Lake, BC. She left school at the age of 16, in 1937, and went to work as a Nurses Aid at the hospital in Smithers. In 1940, she entered the religious community of the Sisters of the Child Jesus. Sister Susan Songary taught Typing and Art from 1959-63 and again from 1964-65. The first school crest was designed by her. This award recognizes a First Nations student who has captured the true spirit of the school with his/her Christian leadership, always displaying respect and kindness to staff and his/her peers.

2024 – no recipient   2023 – no recipient   2022 – Aryn Wesley Baker
2021- Takaya Gabriel-Guerro & Javen Marchant
2020 – Jerome Baker
2019 – Cyprien Guss
2017 – Brandon Hall
2016 – Raven Grenier
2015 – Violet Antone
2013 – Talisa Antone
2012 – Melvin Jacobs
2011 – Nigel Grenier
2010 – Karlena Antone
2007 – Janelle Tom
2005 – Maria Johnston
2002 – Anthony Nahanee
2001 – Evangeline Nahanee
2000 – Mike Montecalvo
1999 – Shannon Baker
1998 – Sarah Baker & Andrew Thistle
1997 – Chris Nahanee
1996 – Wilson Williams

Sister Giovanna Davis was born in Vancouver in 1930 and, in 1954, she joined the Sisters of the Child Jesus. She taught at STA from 1959-1962 and from 1964-1969. Her teaching responsibilities included English, Socials, Religion and Drama. From 1969-72 she was the school’s Principal. In 1972, she left STA and spent eleven years teaching at Oakalla Prison. She now resides in North Vancouver.

2024 – Marianna Di Rosa  2023 – Rozhin Razeghi & Zemirah Jackson
2022 – Jacob Damery & Andrew Khanansho
2021- Hannah Valdez
2020 – Sara Saffar & Emma Sarvas
2019 – Patrick Slowey
2018 – Arshia Mossannen-Amini & Suraya Pittalwala
2017 – Harrison Clark
2016 – Matthew Somerville
2015 – Zach Jacobs
2014 – Jarred Billesberger
2013 – Bradley Kuban
2012 – Alex Gray
2011 – Erin Donelson & Laurie Williams Paul
2010 – Samantha D’sa
2009 – Ian Holliday & Karolina Mazur
2008 – Alex Jordan
2007 – Adam Boomer
2006 – Allison McGillivray & Declan Murray
2005 – Andrew Holliday
2004 – Morgan Tapp
2003 – Mari Guzman
2002 – Claudia Pace & Andrew Jessiman
2001 – Neal Carswell
2000 – Shane Glanville
1999 – David Edmunds & Quinton Williams
1998 – Mark Curtin
1997 – David Cline
1996 – Roberta Elwin & Adam Spence
1995 – Gyula Oszvald
1994 – Paul Ciccone
1993 – Catherine Nulty
1992 – Karen Taylor
1991 – Clay Long
1990 – Lara Herdman

Father Tim McCarthy was born in 1935 in Cork, Ireland. He was ordained a priest in 1968 and came to Vancouver in 1997.From 1990-2006, as Pastor of St. Anthony’s Parish and later of Christ the Redeemer Parish in West Vancouver, Fr. Tim McCarthy served as the Archbishops’ Representative to St. Thomas Aquinas High School. He was instrumental in the construction of the School Library, the conversion of the Cafeteria, the purchase of the Convent and the building of the Science Wing. Under his direction and guidance, school enrollment steadily grew. Although Fr. McCarthy retired in 2006, he was still involved with the school helping with penitential services and school masses. He passed away in March 2018.

2024 – Eton Stockwell  2023 – Thomas Kennedy
2022 – Luke Frith
2021- Jessica Markic
2020 – Zoe Markwick
2019 – Mayela Rodriguez 2018 – Zora Brough & Trevor Flanigan
2017 – Megan Birtch & Matthew Irving
2016 – Angela Domingo & Patrick Ellis
2015 – Hannah Krutow
2014 – Kaleigh Barton
2013 – Michelle Zunino
2012 – Ashlyn Battista
2011 – Katrina Chin & Jennifer Parente
2010 – Gabrielle Cotton
2009 – Gio Orendain & Julia Smyth
2008 – Adeah Iabarra
2007 – Tiffany Fong

Sister Rita Tellier was the school’s first Principal when the school opened in September 1959. Her vast teaching experience, coupled with her education – she had her master’s degree – made her the perfect choice for the job. Besides being the school’s administrator, Sister Rita taught French 11 and 12. She was Principal until 1962. She entered the order of the Sisters of the Child Jesus in 1933. In addition to teaching at STA, she taught in Nelson, B.C., and in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. She passed away on August 30, 2007, in New Westminster. This award is given to a graduate who is considerate and responsible and who strongly supports student activities which foster spiritual, intellectual, and physical development, and who also serves as a good role model for fellow students.

2024 – Nate Richardson  2023 – Eliana Woodworth & Michael Hamilton
2022 – Rafaela Oliveira & Kai Lee
2021- Amelia Hunt
2020 – Jessica Clarke & Guia Panopio
2019 – Gianluca Bizzotto
2018 – Valerie Kasabashian & Chanelle McPhee
2017 – Madeline LaBreche & Emma Kent
2016 – Mallory Thorpe & Stephen Bowman
2015 – Samantha Holmes
2014 – Nathan Boppart
2013 – Alex Crestani
2012 – Kimberley Campbell
2011 – Bria Marchenski
2010 – Sean Haley
2009 – Christian Hajen & Giulia De Vita
2008 – Allan Agres
2007 – Calvin Roex
2006 – Jillian Steger & George Pietrusinki
2005 – Sarah Mae Calinisan & Tiffany de la Llave
2004 – Carly Wignes & Joey Muzzin
2003 – Clio de la Llave
2002 – Sarana Susanthan
2001 – Greg Belina & Amy McLarnin
2000 – Claire Shives
1999 – Marie Rowley
1998 – Bonnie McLaughlin
1997 – Lisa Shannon
1996 – Natasha Bosa & Christine Toplak
1995 – Andrea Neuls & Ewa Lesinski
1994 – Rahul Ray
1993 – Kara James
1992 – Erin Mackey
1991 – Joel Aquiton
1990 – Jennifer Jones & Sarah Farrell

Andrea Buhler began Grade 8 at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in September 2004 and passed away in her Grade 12 year. Andrea was a testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit. She faced many challenges throughout her life but never let these challenges defeat her. This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated the same courage and spirit in facing adversity and challenge during their high school years.

2024 – Adrian Chandralingam 2023- Victory Kramer
2022 – Talia Erdman
2021- Grace Haines
2020 – Daniel Zejer
2019 – Alyssa Duro
2018 – Julia Hughes & Teresa La Porta
2017 – Brianna Weston
2016 – Claire & Laine Wishart
2015 – Kristina Clyde
2014 – Jenna Brienza
2013 – David Balun & Alison Legge
2012 – Jeremy Sagadore
2011 – Alexa Buhler
2010 – Margarita Duque
2009 – Alexandra Bella, Asia Giannubilo, Lauren McDonald, Sherilyn Ng & Nadia Pucci

Marilyn Williams was Principal of St. Thomas Aquinas High School from 1987 to 1998. Before coming to STA, she was a teacher and Principal at Holy Trinity Elementary. Under her leadership the school grew to 460 students, with three classes at each grade level. Mrs. Williams was a steadfast supporter of all students and programs in the school and encouraged all individuals to develop their own unique strengths and talents, to strive to achieve their own personal best. Mrs. Williams passed away in September 1998. Awarded to a student who best exemplifies the spirit of STA through outstanding leadership in the academic, extra curricular, religious and social life of the school. This individual serves as a role model for other students.

2024 – Nicolas Delgado  2023- Stephanie Kostamo
2022 – Anna Gawronski
2021- Meghan Dahl
2020 – Diego Altamirano
2019 – Hunor Szabo
2018 – Dante Agosti-Moro
2017 – Matthew Purkiss
2016 – Nat Marilley-Bodner
2015 – Lily Moric
2014 – Joey Moric
2013 – Monica Mastrantonio
2012 – Briana Mussatto
2011 – Kaitlin Crawford
2010 – Dennis Bastillo & Natalie Botteselle
2009 – Ola Bella
2008 – Danielle Brassington
2007 – Robert Harmer
2006 – Helen Dougan
2005 – Adrianna Golinski
2004 – Danielle Fecko
2003 – Alisha Meakes
2002 – Michelle Keong
2001 – Valene Ledesma
2000 – Sarah Topley
1999 – Yaa-Hemaa Obiri-Yeboa
1998 – Athena Macapagal
1997 – Carolyn Park
1996 – Frances Macapagal & Jonathan Vendargon
1995 – Brook McLaughlin & Teresa Campbell
1994 – Alisa Aragon
1993 – Iolanda Freschi
1992 – Jennifer McGucken
1991 – Greg Trpin
1990 – Eric Ho
1989 – Tristan Jutras

2024 – Natalie Kyle 2023 – Estefania Santos
2022 – Channah Dalisay
2021- Jasmine Gong
2020 – Weicheng Xu
2019 – Alyssa Duro

The Friesens Award recognizes outstanding involvement in the Media Arts course and production of the school yearbook.

2024 – Natalie Kyle 2023 – Aubrey Ventura
2022 – Adelina Popa & Kevin Calindas
2021- Carmel Dear & Tristan Watts
2020- Isabella Galat
2019- Grace Lee & Pasley Vandermye
2018- Ann Joby & Maria Altamirano
2017- *No Award
2016-Regan Sherry
2015- Rebecca Lunn
2014- Michaela David & Marcela Zuniga-Frigolet
2013- Bryn Dalton-Morgan & Laura Pickard
2012- Grace O’Connell
2011- Michelle Lim

The Holy Trinity Parish Council of the Catholic Women’s League offers a scholarship to be presented to a practicing catholic student attending St. Thomas Aquinas High School who has worked to their full academic capacity and shown commitment and dedication in serving both the school and the community.

2024 – Andrea Rodriguez 2023-Sophie Cox
2022 – Kandie Lazaro
2021- Ella Kennedy
2020 – Isabella Cesareo
2019 – Olivia Thorpe

The Life and Justice Award recognizes student involvement in and witness to life issues.

2024 – no recipient 2023 – no recipient 2022 – Isabel Altamirano
2021- Carmel Dear
2020 – Christine Weisss
2019 – Laura Harris

Cambridge Uniforms has generously donated towards a scholarship for a graduate student who displays citizenship, is a positive role model for his/her peers and has good academic standing.

2024 – Mikhail Lipnitskiy
2023 – Yasmin Mueller
2022 – Adelina Popa
2021- Cara Bauermeister

Dr. Jennifer Tong started her teaching career at Corpus Christi Elementary school where she was a Grade 2 and Learning Assistance Teacher from 1986 – 89.In 1995, she became the Special Education Consultant for Catholic Independent Schools of Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA). From 2004 to 2018, she was the Director of Learning Support (Special Education) with the Superintendent’s Office at CISVA. In recognition of her dedication to Catholic Education and her strong support to STA, this award was created in her honour. It recognizes a graduating student for their efforts in facing challenges, yet still achieving to the best of their abilities. Dr. Tong passed away in October 2022.

2024 – Lauren Cratchley 2023 – Seti Sharghiyazdi
2022 – Arianna MacNeil
2021 – Anni Steverding
2020 – Mia Zadeiks & Veronica Zoleta
2019 – Rebecca Clarke & Katie Zhang

Ian and Paul Carruthers were students at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Ian from 1991-1994 and Paul from 1999-2004. They both passed away at an early age; Ian in 1997 and Paul in 2017. This bursary was established, by their family, in their memory and is awarded to a student who will be pursuing a career in a specialized field.

2024 – Daniel Macuroy 2023 – Estefania Santos
2022 – Jayron Buno
2021 – Declan Freckelton
2020 – Heian Ayat
2019 – Raphael Plana
2018 – Emily Kwok-Choon
2017 – Brenson Soberano
2016 – Ryan Scalabrino
2015 – Brendan Soberano
2014 – David Miiller
2013 – Farley Peck
2012 – Zandy Canedo
2011 – Chelsea Tibayan
2010 – Thomas Roughley
2009 – Kymberly Eppich
2008 – Simon Pertile
2007 – Marysol Lopez
2006 – Nicole Mofrad
2004 – Maureen Watt
2003 – Mary Guzman
2002 – Daniel Mendoza
2001 – Martin O’Mahoney
2000 – Michelle Diaz
1999 – David Edmonds
1998 – Anne Mercado
1997 – Michelle Bikic

This bursary is awarded to a student with good academic standing who plans to pursue post-secondary studies.

2024 – Luciana Mastrangelo & Jervin Torrillo 2023 – Diego Bernardez-Lai
2022 – Daniela Purvica
2021- Ericka Costales

Michelle Robertson graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 1979. In 1999 she became a Teaching Assistant at the school. From 2004 – 2015, she was the Campus Ministry Coordinator. In recognition of her dedication and commitment to the Campus Ministry Program, the scholarship presented to the students who have shown Christian leadership and service in Campus Ministry was named in her honour.

2024- Sara Altamirano, Rebecca Bond, Emma Fitzgerald, Sophia Concepcion & Daniel Macuroy 2023- Sophie Cox & Sadie Marte
2022 – Janelle Concepcion & Michael Purkiss
2021- Carmel Dear & Graydon Baker
2020 – Diego Altamirano & Chritine Weiss
2019 – Jessie Cabada & Julie Wheeler
2018 – Katsy Conceception & Jonathon Tubeo
2017 – Ysabelle Tumaneng & Matthew Purkiss
2016 – Nat Marilley-Bodner & Paul Oducayan
2015 – Neil Gatpandan
2012 – Sophie Markwick & Elizabeth Hughes
2009 – Mara MaCauley
2006 – Eirene Cloma
2004 – Anna Brisco & Conor Topley

Recognizes a student who demonstrated Christian leadership and service in our community, commitment to their parish and has high academic standing subjects.

2024 – Nathan Canvin 2023 – Eliana Woodworth
2022 – Grace Ong
2021- Frank Woodworth
2020 – Ava Kero
2019 – Thomas Rieder
2018 – Jonathan Tubeo
2017 – Phillip Kosy
2016 – Mark Davidson & Nathan Chua
2015 – Nicholas Cann
2014 – Paul Seo
2013 – Rachel Han
2012 – Vita Sackville Hii
2011 – Vanessa Zarbl
2010 – Zach Mok
2009 – Mark Ventura
2008 – Zachary Robertson
2007 – Jamie Roberts
2006 – Rachel de Vita
2005 – Patrick Murry
2004 – Tae-Joon Yi
2003 – Leo Savino
2002 – Byron Cline
2001 – Alexandra Wieland
2000 – Allison Cline
1999 – Tony Valente
1998 – Michelle Laroya
1997 – Amelia Aragon
1996 – Natasha Bosa
1995 – Michael Boetzkes & Karen Wilson
1994 – Jane Labreche

Established in 2019, by the Parent Association. These awards recognize students of good character, who work to the best of their ability, are helpful, supportive and are good role models to others.

2024 – Gabrielle Arcilla, Pablo Larrea & Kyara Ghezzi-Fagyas
2023- Maddie Clarke, Isabella Dy & Isaac Fediw
2022 – Kevin Calindas & Marcus Kam
2021- Paige Cox & Jack Blake
2020 – Madison Heffring & Katy Stockwell
2019 – Kiana Burran & Emily Shaughnessy

The STA Achievement Awards recognize promising and deserving students who are pursuing post-secondary education.

2024 – Kai-Yu She, David Hisole & Koorosh Nejati
2023- Rachel Chong, Diego Islas, Kelsey Themens & Elizabeth Urbani
2022 – Dylan Dick, Dominik Marusak, Alex McLennan & Lucas McLennan
2021 – Allyssa Eng, Josh Heuchert, Hudson Nock, Mackenzie Themens
2020 – Daela Dalzell, Ben Mariilley-Bodner, Isabella Parente & Erik Sanoria
2019 – Rozelle Abad & Nathan Corvera & Rebecca Krohman & Michelle Nock
2018 – Verinica Asi-Porras, Ann Joby, Dianna Pavel & Michelle Senense
2017 – Mary Miiller
2016 – Lauren Diego, Timothy Lin & Olivia Martin Wirta
2015 – Karissa Abad, Andrew Harris & Gillian Savage
2014 – Kaya Radjah
2013 – Danielle Knopfel
2012 – Lori Poredes
2011 – Elizabeth Holiday
2010 – Shanon Weatherstone

The Dr. Tom Moonen Scholarship recognizes a student who has been an orthodontic patient of Dr. Moonen. Applicants must have demonstrated high academic achievement, school and community service and participation.

2024 – Alessa Pestes
2023 – Anthony Hunter
2022 – Janelle Concepcion
2021 – Saketh Poori
2020 – Samantha Scalabrino
2019 – Josh Cox
2017 – Jordan Schneider

The Kiwanis Club of North Vancouver is a worldwide service organization which recognizes the student who has made a contribution in the area of community service and earned a high level of academic achievement.

2024 – Zak Sharp
2023- Alexandre Panicker
2022 – Brandon Cruz
2021 – Laura Cunningham
2020 – Ryan Mo
2019 – Jasroop Sarana
2018 – Annika Olsen
2017 – Luke Harris
2016 – Sean Docherty
2015 – Jordan Flanigan
2014 – Carolina Trujillo
2013 – Maddy Mahoney
2012 – Ashley Lee
2011 – Maciej Siwocha
2010 – Michael Barrett
2009 – James Brennan
2008 – Amanda Cunningham
2007 – Melanie Zapf
2006 – Hanna Rebane
2005 – Joseph Valdes
2004 – Fiona Rayher
2003 – Cristina Newman
2002 – Deidre Booth & Kasia Celler
2001 – Alicja Zientara & Caroline Bilesky
2000 – Sherman Pang, Shaun Pang & Michelle Chapman
1999 – Marie Rowley & Christina Park
1998 – Mark Curtain & Monika Karpinska
1997 – Robert Klein & Cassandra Vukorep
1996 – Nick Neuls & Andrea Wildeman
1995 – Damon Campbell & Nicky Beckett
1994 – Peter Edgett & Alissa Aragon
1993 – Natasha Michalas & Iolanda Freschi
1992 – Rachel Brooksbank
1991 – Mandy Bebahany & Tanya Macek
1990 – Sasha Starosta & Goldie Stinson
1989 – Jinny Rodrigo & Teresa Willman

Archbishop James Carney was born in Vancouver in 1915. He was ordained a priest in 1942. In 1966, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Vancouver and then in in 1969 Archbishop. He was known for his strong commitment to Catholic Education. He passed away in September 1990. This award recognizes a male and female Catholic student who best combine Christian example to their peers through their own witness and involvement in the school and parish community. They have high academic standards, particularly in Christian education.

2024 – Sara Altamirano & Dante Sikich
2023- Sophie Cox & Thomas Kennedy
2022 – Isabel Altamirano & Michael Purkiss
2021- Graydon Baker & Carmel Dear
2020 – Helen Henning & Michael O’Flynn
2019 – Julie Wheeler & Thomas Thordarson
2018 – Isabella Parotta & David Onak
2017 – Ysabelle Tumaneng & Saul Barrales
2016 – Bea Markwick & Paul Oducayen
2015 – Christian Mustapich & Pauline Correa
2014 – Rachel Callaghan & Dominic Keong
2013 – Samantha Goodsell & Daniel Capacio
2012 – Michelle Kim & John Paul Flores
2011 – Nigel Grenier & Raffaella Caffo
2010 – Marie Pearsall & Michael Embuido
2009 – Brandon Greene & Emily Hogan
2008 – Rachel Samuel & Priscilla Correa
2007 – Jeremy Keong & Daina Meakes
2006 – Emilie Feil-Fraser & Sarah Volpatti
2005 – Meghan Magee & Marco Cusano
2004 – Dylan Drego & Sarah Johnson
2003 – Sarah Ruggier & Alisha Meakes
2002 – Katie Chapman & Leonard Park
2001 – Elina Boesen & Scott Maclean
2000 – Kelsie McLarnin & Lynn Sparrow
1999 – Adam Farrell & Sonia Abraham
1998 – Brian Fong & Sonya Vrtacic
1997 – Jessica Metcalfe & Roxanna Ching
1996 – Frances Macapagal & Kristina Comey
1995 – Michael Charron & Ewa Lesinska
1994 – Bridget Witzerman & Dylan Roche
1993 – Jennifer Jamieson

On December 31, 1982, a tragic motor vehicle accident claimed the lives of two young North Vancouver girls: Seanna Strongman, age 15 years; and her sister, Nicole, age 11 years. At the time of her death, Seanna was a promising student at Crofton House School, Nicole was in Grade 6 at Braemar Elementary School in North Vancouver and was to join her sister at Crofton House the following year. In the aftermath of this sad event, the Strongman family established a perpetual fund in the names of their daughters to assist worthy students. Awarded to students who have shown commitment and dedication in the areas of academic achievement, school citizenship, community service, leadership and involvement in athletics and the arts.

2024 – Rebecca Bond & Melissa Sayaad
2023- Athessa Del Monte & Yohan Kwon
2022 – Abraham Wang & Ayden Lum
2021- Gabriel Rhone & Sofia Serrano
2020 – Isabella Galat & Sophia Kostamo
2019 – Laura Harris & Sofia Panzetta
2018 – Nicole Grieg & Gabriel Galat
2017 – Dana Harlos & John Chae
2016 – Danielle Harrington & Kai Sackville-Hai
2015 – Elisa Pharaon & Camilo Trujillo Sanchez
2014 – Natalie Sharp & Julia Figas
2013 – Serafina Liotti & Jennifer Ma
2012 – Rachel Mutsaerts & Sara Trujillo Sanchez
2011 – Michelle Restivo & Colette Goh
2010 – Paul Docherty & Danielle Volpatti
2009 – Michael Lindesay & Anita Restivo
2008 – Leanne Wheeler & Tae-won Yi
2007 – Alejandra Castaneda & Thomas Parente
2006 – Tom Brenna & Christina Paone
2005 – Lydia Shives & Giancarlo Cusano
2004 – Zack Singer & Danielle Thow
2003 – Jo-Ann Wong & Josie Maio
2002 – Kelsey Singer & Sarana Susanthan
2001 – Kyrstle Guieb & James Blasina
2000 – Claire Shives & Melisa Savino
1999 – Kelsey Moore
1998 – Athena Macapagal
1997 – Carolyn Park
1996 – Jonathan Vendargon
1995 – Brook McLaughlin

Presented to a graduate who has completed the Sound Crew Achievement program, and who has provided a substantial number of hours of service to the school and community as a sound technician.

2024 – Kai-Yu She
2022 – Dominik Marusak
2021- Owen MCLachlan & Jack Blake 2020 – Diego Altamirano
2019 – Daniel Goodwin
2018 – Dominic Annen & Ann Joby
2017 – David Achadinha
2016 – Brent Keller
2015 – Neil Gatpandan
2013 – David Balun
2012 – Bani Li
2011 – Sean Mills
2010 – Teague Carvalho
2009 – Anthony Park
2008 – Tyrone Carvalho
2007 – Claire Wheeler
2006 – Christian Vazzaz
2005 – Anthony Fader

The BC excellence scholarship recognizes well-rounded graduates who has demonstrated community service and leadership both inside and outside of their schools as well as commitment and aptitude for their chosen paths. Only 55 students across the entire province are selected to receive this prestigious $5000 scholarship.

2021- Saketh Poori

2024
Art Creelman Memorial Scholarship: Nathan Canvin
Eric & Day Gee Memorial Scholarship: Nicolas Delgado
North Shore College Scholarship: Melissa Sayyad
North Vancouver High School Education Foundation Scholarship: Kai-Yu She

2023 – Diego Bernardez-Lai, Sophie Cox, Declan Cutler, Stephanie Kostamo, Mehrsa Matinrad &Elizabeth Urbani

2022
Jeffrey Harbottle Memorial Scholarship: Anna Gawronski
Art Creelman memorial Scholarship: Marcus Kam
Mickey McDougall Memorial Scholarship: Dylan Dick
North Shore College Scholarship: Brandon Cruz

2020
Jeffrey Harbottle Memorial Scholarship: Sophia Kostamo
Mickey McDougall Memorial Scholarship: Ryan Mo
Margaret Crute McLeod Memorial Scholarship: Christine Weiss
Murray H. Mackenzie Memorial Bursary: Veronica Zoleta
North Vancouver High School Education Foundation Scholarship: Emily Bracken

2019
Art Creelman Memorial Scholarship: Jeffrey Eo
Warren G. Mayo Memorial Scholarship: Thomas Thordarson
*Warren G. Mayo Memorial Scholarship: Steven Brown
Ursula Creelman Memorial Bursary: Raphael Plana
Don Kay Memorial Bursary: Luigi Sammarelli

2023- Sofie Chan, Declan Cutler & Mehrsa Matinrad

2024 – Sophia Concepcion, Ancus Lazaga, Sophia Milone, Oliver Tuey & Tyler Yupangco
2023- Daniel Fernandes, Rumina Genova, Dana Montoya, Carson Park & Aubrey Ventura

2024  Nathan Canvin 2023 Luca Caffaro & Carson Park  2022 Lucas McLennan  & Jordan  Zadeiks 2021 Henry Cromack

2020 Michael O’Flynn
2019 Luigi Sammarelli
2018 Gabriel Galat
2017 Matt Carrion
2016 Kai Sackville-Hai
2015 James Sutherland
2014 Oscar Bulaqui & Mico Carrion
2013 Jeffrey Clements
2012 Matt Bond

2011 Ryan Botteselle
2010 Paul Docherty

2009 Michael Connolly & Richard Johnson
2008 Nathan Neuls
2007 Calvin Roex
2006 Sean Mayhew
2005 Carl Bergstrom
2004 Muzzin Joey
2003 Kyle Berg
2001 Mark Bingham
2000 James Healey & Jesse Wignes

1999 Jesse Wignes
1998 Mark Curtin
1997 Mathew Spence
1996 Jonathan Vendargon
1995 Damon Campbell & Michael Charron
1994 Aaron Dohm
1993 Jonathan Vendargon
1992 David Bernier
1991 Julio Febbraio
1990 Mike Chase

1989 Aaron Bruce
1988 Robert Perdue
1986 Reuben Lim
1981 Homayon Sohrabi
1980 Mark Kusnir
1979 Jerome Genz
1978 David Robertson, Gregory Crane & Kieran Magee
1977 Bill Kouwenhoven
1976 Paul Kouwenhoven & Greg George
1975 John Battista

Sister Jessie Gillis was Principal STA from 1963-64 and from 1972-76. In 1976, she gave up her administrative duties, but continued to teach at STA until 1982. Her retirement from teaching brought to a close a 22 year teaching relationship between the Sisters of the Child Jesus and the STA community. Sister Jessie strongly supported the school’s extracurricular programs and was known for her compassion and generosity. She passed away on December 14, 2010 in Coquitlam.
This award, named in her honour, is presented to the top senior female athlete who demonstrates dedication and leadership while participating successfully in the athletics program at STA.

2024 Elizabeth Purkiss
2023 Sara Altamirano
2022 Gabriella Panzetta
2021 Jordyn Lalanne & Meghan Dahl
2020 Jessica Clarke & Isabella Galat
2019 Olivia Thorpe & Pasely Vandermye
2018 Dazle Gumabao & Carissa Moore
2017 Emma Kent & Amalia Sutherland
2016 Mallory Thorpe
2015 Jordan Flanigan
2014 Vanessa Botteselle & Valarie Schmidt
2013 Emily Thorpe
2012 Rachael Mutsaerts
2011 Vanessa Schmidt
2010 Natalie Botteselle & Keeley McBride
2009 Anita Restivo
2008 Michelle Docherty
2007 Natalie Restivo
2006 Britney Innes
2005 Lydia Shives
2004 Danielle Thow & Lydia Shives
2003 Christina Lee
2002 Christina Lee
2001 No Candidate
2000 Claire Shives
1999 Kelsey Moore
1998 Kelsey Moore
1997 Lisa Shannon
1996 Kim Mayhew
1995 Teresa Campbell & Stacy Dupuis
1994 Jamie Mackey & Marian Andersen
1993 Iolanda Freschi & Karleigh Nemeth
1992 Victoria Wight
1991 Lisa Chase
1990 Lara Herdman
1989 Christina Milakovich
1988 Cynthia Tsang
1987 Yvonne O’Neill
1986 Alessia Freschi
1984 Anita Bien
1983 Julie Freschi
1982 Cathy Grant
1981 Cathy Grant
1980 Michelle Magee & Sarah Stannus
1979 Tara Senft
1978 Tara Senft & Annette O’Shea
1977 Cathy Storey
1976 Tammie Baker & Fiona Walsh

This award is presented to the junior male and female athlete who demonstrates dedication and leadership while participating successfully in the athletics program at STA.

<table style=”width: 375px; height: 352px;”>
h5>Top Junior Male Athlete

Top Junior Female Athlete

• 2024 Gio Panopio
• 2023 Marco Fernandes
• 2022 Nathan Canvin
• 2021 *No Athletic Year
• 2020 Anthony Setticasi
• 2019 Henry Cromack

• 2024 Zoe Walker
• 2023 Alessandra McCready & Annika Stuart-Roca
• 2022 Elizabeth Purkiss & Sara Altamirano
• 2021 *No Athletic Year
• 2020 Gabby Panzetta
• 2019 Jordyn Lalanne
• 2018 Jessica Clarke & Isabella Galat
• 2017 Olivia Thorpe

To be provided