Awards

Two awards of $3,000 each. 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.

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.

Chris Campbell (Mr. C) dedicated over four and a half decades to St. Thomas Aquinas (STA), serving as both an administrator and teacher. Throughout his remarkable career, he coached basketball, volleyball, cross-country, softball, swimming, golf and table tennis.

In 2010, his outstanding contributions to school athletics were recognized by BC School Sports. Two years later, in 2012, he received the Supporter of Youth Award from the City of North Vancouver in recognition of his commitment to sport, mentorship, and community.

Most recently, in 2024, the North Shore Secondary Schools Athletic Association (NSSSAA) honoured Mr. Campbell for his more than 40 years of dedicated coaching and leadership in school athletics.

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.

Sr. Denece Billesberger was born and raised in West Vancouver. She attended STA when it opened in 1959 and graduated in 1961. Upon graduation, she entered the Sisters of the Child Jesus. Sister Denece taught at STA from 1969-73 and from 1975-81. Over these years her teaching responsibilities included math, science, PHE, home economics and art. In addition, she was the school counsellor from 1975-81. Sister Denece was a strong supporter of the school’s athletic program. After leaving STA, she taught in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. In 1989, Sister Denece returned to North Vancouver and from 1995-2005 served as Provincial for the Sisters in Canada. Since 2005, she has been the Treasurer for her Order in Canada.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One award of $500. 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.

Two awards of $1,000 each. 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.

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.

One award of $500. 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.

One award of $450. 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.

One award of $300.

Six awards of $1,250 each.

One award of $250. 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.

One award of $1,000. 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.

Two awards of $200, or one award of $400. The Friesens Award recognizes outstanding involvement in the Media Arts course and production of the school yearbook.

One award of $750. 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.

One award of $1,000. 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.

One award of $500. The Life and Justice Award recognizes student involvement in and witness to life issues.

One award of $3,000. 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.

Two awards of $500 each. 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.

Four awards of $1,635 each.

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

Three awards of $1,000 each. 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.

Two awards of $2,000. 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.

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.

Four awards of $750. The STA Achievement Awards recognize promising and deserving students who are pursuing post-secondary education.

Five awards of $3,500 each.

One award of $500. This bursary is awarded to a student with good academic standing who plans to pursue post-secondary studies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.