Inclusion Excellence Awards

At Empower Simcoe, we stand by the belief that “Kids Belong Together”, whether in physical classrooms or virtual learning spaces.

Annually, we honor those remarkable individuals from the Simcoe County District School Board and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board who go above and beyond.

Our esteemed awards are dedicated to educators—be they teachers, educational assistants, or principals—who demonstrate unwavering compassion, innovative thinking, and a commitment to inclusion for students with intellectual disabilities. Simultaneously, we spotlight students who actively dismantle barriers, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding for all.

Join us in celebrating those who not only see the potential in every student but also work tirelessly to ensure that everyone can contribute meaningfully to our community.

Inclusion Excellence Award recipients
Inclusion Excellence Award recipients
Inclusion Excellence Award recipients
Inclusion Excellence Award recipients
Inclusion Excellence Award recipients
Inclusion Excellence Award recipients
Inclusion Excellence Award recipients

Empower Simcoe recognizes exceptional professionals in education who:

✓ Show compassion and respect for students with intellectual disabilities;
✓ Display innovation and is a creative thinker;
✓ Sees possibilities and opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities:
✓ Sets an example;
✓ Fosters an atmosphere of inclusion within their school environment;
✓ Promotes understanding of exceptionalities;
✓ Shows a genuine desire to see all students explore their strengths and interests so that they might become contributing members of the school community and the community as a whole.

Empower Simcoe recognizes exceptional professionals in education who:

✓ Show compassion and respect for students with intellectual disabilities;
✓ Display innovation and is a creative thinker;
✓ Sees possibilities and opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities:
✓ Sets an example;
✓ Fosters an atmosphere of inclusion within their school environment;
✓ Promotes understanding of exceptionalities;
✓ Shows a genuine desire to see all students explore their strengths and interests so that they might become contributing members of the school community and the community as a whole.

Empower Simcoe also recognizes students that:

✓ Break down barriers for students with exceptionalities;
✓ Increases understanding;
✓ Betters the school environment;
✓ Helps students with intellectual disabilities be a part of school life;

inclusion-excellence-award-winner
Rachel Vieira from Maple Grove Public School is presented with her 2021-2022 Inclusion Excellence Award by Empower Simcoe's Jamie Hall
Group picture
Chris Samis, Simcoe County District School Board Superintendent of Special Achievement and Special Education, and Empower Simcoe's Jamie Hall, present Special Education Consultants Heather Barker and Hailey Mills Knapp with their 2021-2022 Empower Simcoe Inclusion Excellence Awards
group photo
Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board Inclusion Excellence Award recipients: (l-r) Holy Trinity Catholic High School students Claudia Capicotto and Abigail Roman, Viktor Zajkowski from St. Joan of Arc, St. Antoine Daniel School Education Assistant Kathy Robitaille, St. Joan of Arc teacher Christina Borelli, and St. Bernard's Catholic School Principal Leah Smith

1. Empower Simcoe is looking for an exceptional professional who is employed by the:

a) Simcoe County District School Board; and/or
b) Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board. This individual (teacher, educational assistant, principal etc.):

This Individual (teacher, educational assistant, principal, etc.):

✓ Shows compassion and respect for students with intellectual disabilities;
✓ Displays innovation and is a creative thinker;
✓ Sees possibilities and opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities:
✓ Sets an example;
✓ Fosters an atmosphere of inclusion within their school environment;
✓ Promotes understanding of exceptionalities;
✓ Shows a genuine desire to see all students explore their strengths and interests so that they might become contributing members of the school community and the community as a whole.

2. Empower Simcoe is also looking for a student within the:

a) Simcoe County District School Board; and/or
b) Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board.

This Student:

✓ Breaks down barriers for students with exceptionalities;
✓ Increases understanding;
✓ Betters the school environment;
✓ Helps students with intellectual disabilities be a part of school life;

Now Accepting Nominations for 2024
To submit a nomination please fill out the form below.

Nomination Submitted By:

Nomination Details

Please provide all relevant details and attach additional information if necessary. For educator nomination, please indicate which District School Board, which school and in what capacity the nominee is employed. For students, similarly indicate which school and which grade the student is attending. The information you provide in this section will assist the Selection Committee with its task.