Niagara Catholic District School Board Director of Education Camillo Cipriano is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of the Niagara Catholic Education Award of Distinction.
Jim Marino
Current trustee and Executive Director of the Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education Jim Marino, and late Catholic teacher and long-time OECTA Niagara Elementary President Joseph McDonald were chosen by the selection committee earlier this month. Their selection was shared with trustees at the February 10 Committee of the Whole Meeting.
Public nominations for the Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education opened last fall. Consideration was given to nominees who have made a notable, significant, and positive contribution to Catholic education.
Trustee Marino and Mr. McDonald both championed Catholic education for decades and are part of the strong foundation supporting the system today.
"Jim Marino is a man of great character and great faith," said Director Cipriano. "I first met him through the Foundation's support of students during the pandemic. Through his commitment, students who otherwise may not have had a way to access online learning received devices that allowed them to get online with their peers. Jim comes into the office several times a week, tirelessly seeking donations to support students with their needs. His faith guides him to focus on the good in everyone and to give back to the community in any way he can. In his role as trustee, he exemplifies grace, wisdom, and compassion in his thoughts and his actions.
"I did not have the privilege of knowing Mr. McDonald," he continued. "However, the passionate nomination clearly depicted who he was; faith-filled, principled, and committed to Catholic education. Both Jim and Joseph McDonald are truly worthy recipients of this prestigious award."
Chair of the Board Danny Di Lorenzo also offered his congratulations to Mr. Marino, and the Mr. McDonald's family.
"Jim Marino is a true champion of Catholic education," said Chair Di Lorenzo. "And I am truly blessed to work with him in my capacity as Chair of the Board of Trustees, and as a member of the Foundation's board. Jim is thoughtful, tenacious, and dedicated to serving Niagara Catholic. He dedicates hours of his time to the service of Niagara Catholic's students and families, and Niagara Catholic as an organization. He is a familiar face across the system, regularly attending events and celebrations, and has a positive word for everyone.
"Like Camillo, I did not know Joe McDonald personally, but the nomination brought forward told the story of a Catholic educator committed not only to his students, but also to his faith, who led by example in all that he did."
"On behalf of the Niagara Catholic District School Board's Board of Trustees, I am pleased and proud to congratulate Jim Marino and the family of the late Joseph McDonald for their years of service, commitment, and support of Niagara Catholic and Catholic education."
Joseph McDonald
Tickets are still available for the Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education's Annual Benefit Gala, taking place at Club Roma on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Order tickets online by clicking here.
Backgrounder : Biographies of the 2026 recipients
For more information
427 Rice Road
Welland Ontario
Canada L3C 7C1
niagaracatholic.ca
