On June 3, staff, families, friends, nominators, and managers gathered at Earl Haig Secondary School to celebrate the recipients of the 2026 TDSB Excellence Awards.
Each year, the Excellence Awards recognize individuals and teams whose dedication, innovation, and commitment make a meaningful difference.
The Claude Watson Boys’ Choir performed as part of the celebrations for Excellence Awards recipients.
This year marked the launch of refreshed Excellence Awards categories, and more than 300 nominations were submitted, the highest number in the history of the Excellence Awards. Each nomination highlighted stories of professionalism, compassion, collaboration, and impact, demonstrating the remarkable work taking place every day across schools and central departments.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients and nominees! The stories shared through the Excellence Awards shine a light on the extraordinary staff whose work helps students achieve, belong, and thrive.
2026 Excellence Award Recipients
Excellence in Teaching
- Theodor Steipe (New Teacher Subcategory), Kâpapâmahchakwêw – Wandering Spirit School
Recognized for creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that connect students to science, environmental stewardship, and culturally responsive learning opportunities.
- Nate Brighty (Experienced Teacher Subcategory), Maurice Cody Junior Public School
Recognized for his exceptional commitment to student learning, classroom community, and teaching excellence, as reflected in nominations from students, families, and colleagues.
- April De Melo (Experienced Teacher Subcategory), Selwyn Public School
Recognized for her leadership in digital learning, STEM education, mentorship, and equity-focused practices that have supported students and educators across the TDSB.
- Karrin Huynh (Experienced Teacher Subcategory), Nelson Mandela Park Public School
Recognized for transforming school culture through equity-focused leadership, community engagement, and innovative teaching practices that strengthen student achievement and belonging.
- Anh Lam (Experienced Teacher Subcategory), Westview Centennial Secondary School
Recognized for her lasting impact as an educator, mentor, and resource developer whose influence continues to support generations of students and colleagues.
- Maria Paonessa (Experienced Teacher Subcategory), Heather Heights Junior Public School
Recognized for her leadership in experiential learning, mentorship, community partnerships, and initiatives that foster belonging, student voice, and inclusive school communities.
Excellence in Student Support
- Holly Evenden, Special Needs Assistant, Dovercourt Public School
Recognized for her compassionate and proactive support of students, including leadership of initiatives that promote inclusion, accessibility, student well-being, and food security.
- Rave Harrinarine,Head Caretaker, Eastview Public School
Recognized for creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive school environment through outstanding operational leadership, mentorship, and commitment to student well-being.
- Janice Holsmer, Special Needs Assistant, Cliffside Public School
Recognized for her dependable and collaborative approach to supporting student success, inclusion, and well-being through individualized care and school-wide contributions.
Excellence in Leadership
- Dyan Roy (New Leader Subcategory), Child & Youth Counsellor, Eastview Public School
Recognized for advancing Truth and Reconciliation, equity, and culturally responsive practice through transformative leadership that has strengthened learning communities across multiple schools.
- Linette Ballantyne (Experienced Leader Subcategory), K–12 Learning Coach, Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement
Recognized for her leadership in advancing culturally responsive teaching, literacy innovation, and educator development, creating lasting impact for students and staff across the system.
Excellence in Service & Operations
- Dani Carnevale, Heritage Co-ordinator, Learning Transformation & Equity
Recognized for strengthening Heritage Month initiatives across the TDSB through exceptional leadership, cultural responsiveness, and a steadfast commitment to amplifying diverse voices and reducing barriers to participation.
- Donald Nambiar,Disability Case Administrator, People & Culture
Recognized for leading the successful implementation of modernized Health, Wellness and Abilities processes and technologies, improving service delivery, operational consistency, and the staff experience.
Excellence in Teamwork
- Parent, Caregiver & Community Engagement Workers (FOS 5): Babak Nikmard, Omar Omar, David Forrester, Parminder Dhillon, and Praveena Soundararajan
Recognized for their collaborative leadership of PEARL (Parent and Caregiver Engagement and Resources Link), strengthening connections between families, schools, and communities through inclusive and responsive engagement.
- Cynthia Kelly and Chiang-Su Chang: York Mills Collegiate Institute
Recognized for developing innovative environmental initiatives and partnerships that fostered student leadership, sustainability, experiential learning, and community engagement.