NIAGARA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Eileen McCarthy and Peter Ferren 2018 Award of Distinction recipients

Eileen McCarthy, a long-time teacher, counsellor and social justice advocate at Notre Dame College School and Peter Ferren, President of the Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education and former Director of Education for one of Niagara Catholic's predecessor Boards, have been selected as the 2018 recipients of the Niagara Catholic Education Award of Distinction.

Eileen spent 36 years as a teacher at Notre Dame College School, and embraced the principles of the school's founding Holy Cross Fathers, teaching the virtues of education in faith, academic excellence and commitment to social justice.She recognized that a teacher's personal faith journey had a profound impact on students and sought to ensure all teachers had the opportunity to continue to grow in faith, and sought ways to bring social justice to life for her students.

Eileen passed away in December 2011 at the age of 70.

Peter Ferren was the founding President of the Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education, serving in that capacity since the Foundation was incorporated in 1996. In addition to his more than 20 years of service to the Foundation, Peter left an indelible mark on Catholic education in Niagara and throughout Ontario as Director of Education for the Welland County Roman Catholic Separate School Board. Peter was the driving force behind a number of innovations in Catholic education in Ontario, including leading the only transfer of three schools from a public board to a Catholic board, which allowed Catholic high school students to be able to receive a Catholic secondary school education in their communities. Under his Directorship, the Spiritual Centre and Outdoor Education Program (SCOEP), now known as Journey Retreat, was formed.

Niagara Catholic Board Chair Father Paul MacNeil credited both Eileen McCarthy and Peter Ferren for their long-standing contribution to Catholic education in Niagara.

"Catholic educators are at the very heart and soul of Catholic education, and in both Eileen McCarthy and Peter Ferren, we see people who dedicated their lives to ensuring outstanding Catholic educational opportunities across Niagara Catholic," said Chair MacNeil. "Their servant-leadership is truly an example to those of us who are actively involved in Catholic education today. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank Peter and Eileen - through her family - for being two of the pillars of Catholic education in Niagara." 

Director of Education John Crocco made note of the very personal way in which each brought their faith to life for students and staff.

"We are truly honoured to recognize the late Eileen McCarthy and Peter Ferren as the 2018 recipients of the Niagara Catholic Education Award of Distinction," said Mr. Crocco. "Eileen was one of the most exceptional examples of a person who lives their faith through their actions as you would see. She exemplified all that Catholic education is meant to be - true to her faith, passionate about spreading the Word of God and a true servant-leader. Peter has also been a tireless advocate for Catholic education, devoting much of his career to ensuring Catholic students in Niagara could attend a Catholic school close to home, and then, through his retirement, serving to better the lives of current students through his leadership on the Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education. Through their unique gifts and talents, Eileen and Peter each played integral roles in ensuring a solid foundation for Catholic education in Niagara today. On behalf of the students, staff, family and alumni of Niagara Catholic, we thank them for their decades of service, and pledge to honour their legacy by continuing their good work now and in the future."