WATERLOO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
2024 Chair's Award, Community Partner Award and Distinguished Graduate Award Recipients

Community Partner Award: Erick Traplin

Presented annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made by a community partner or agency to the Catholic school system serving the students, staff, and greater community of Waterloo Region.

We are excited to announce Erick Traplin as the recipient of this year's Community Partner Award for his outstanding contributions to children's entertainment. Since 1989, Erick has captivated young audiences with his fun-filled concerts, encouraging participation and sharing his love for music at schools, fairs, libraries, and community events throughout Ontario and Eastern Canada. With his rich voice and engaging delivery, Erick brings a mix of original and traditional songs that delight kids of all ages. His performances at nearly every Waterloo Catholic District School Board school have shared powerful messages of positivity, inclusion, and belonging. Congratulations on receiving the Community Partner Award!

Chair's Award: Terri Pickett

Presented to a person or persons in the school system who has contributed significantly to Catholic Education. It is given annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made to the Catholic school system serving the students, staff, and greater community of Waterloo Region or to the betterment of Catholic Education in Ontario in general.

We are delighted to recognize Terri Pickett for her remarkable contributions during her 23-year tenure at the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, particularly her last seven years as Senior Manager of Facility Services. Terri's most notable achievement is the implementation of the WCDSB Service Quality System (SQS), a groundbreaking initiative that has transformed our schools. Terri's unwavering dedication to our students' and school's success is evident to everyone who has the pleasure of working with her. Congratulations to Terri Pickett for this well-deserved recognition!

Distinguished Graduate Award: Martha Lenio

Presented to a graduate of more than 10 years from our school system who has demonstrated outstanding examples of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. Awarded at the graduation exercises of the recipient's Secondary School or other appropriate public venue.

Dr. Martha Lenio, a graduate of St. David CSS, has charted an inspiring path since high school. With a doctorate in photovoltaic engineering, she founded Mars Green Consulting, offering renewable energy solutions. As Mission Commander for NASA's Mars analogue simulation, she spent eight months leading her crew in a geodesic dome on a Hawaiian volcano to simulate life on Mars. Now, as an Arctic Renewable Energy Specialist with the World Wildlife Fund in Nunavut, she advises the government on renewable energy and collaborates with locals to develop sustainable solutions. Throughout her journey, Dr. Lenio has remained guided by the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. Congratulations to Dr. Lenio on her remarkable achievements!