CCSTA President Marino Gazzola was honoured at the recent Catholic Principals Council of Ontario Awards and Gala Dinner in Toronto. Joined by family, friends, and colleagues, Marino was presented with the Father John Redmond Memorial Award for advocacy in Catholic Education. Father John Redmond aspired to help others all his life. He was passionate about Catholic education. Through his example of a Christian life and the discipline of sport, he inspired young people to be their best. These same qualities are exemplified in the passion and purpose that Marino Gazzola brings to his work as a Trustee each and every day.
Marino is currently serving in his 15th year as Chair of the Wellington Catholic District School Board and has been a Trustee since 1990. Serving also as President of the Canadian Catholic School Trustees’ Association, a position he has held since June 2016 after being elected to the CCSTA Board of Directors in 2010, his impact promoting and protecting Catholic education is well known provincially and nationally.
Previously, Marino held the office of President of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association from 2012-2014 after being elected to its Board of Directors in 2007.
As a recently retired Staff Sergeant with over 40 years of service with the Guelph Police Service, Marino’s prestigious list of honours includes the Lieutenant Governor General’s 125th Provincial Medal for Community Service (1992), Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association’s Award of Merit (2000), Guelph Police Service Officer of The Year (2002), and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for Community Service (2013) and now the Father John Redmond Award (2018).
A graduate of Bishop Macdonell in Guelph, Ontario, Catholic education has always been important and valued by Marino. Noting that Catholic education sometimes has detractors and that we continue to face challenges, Marino reminded us that, “standing together united in our faith and our beliefs we will overcome those challenges.” Throughout his illustrious career in law enforcement and education, when Marino sees a need for action, he works tirelessly in collaboration with others to help bring forward a solution. Congratulations Marino and deep gratitude for all that you are and all that you do!
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