Lakeland Catholic School Division is proud to announce that Sofia Bouchard, teacher at École Notre Dame High School, has been named a 2025–2026 Excellence in Catholic Education Award recipient through the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta (CCSSA).

The CCSSA is a community of servant leaders committed to guiding and strengthening Catholic education across Alberta. Each year, the Excellence in Catholic Education Award recognizes teachers who have made an extraordinary contribution to the formation of students as faithful, engaged, and compassionate Catholic citizens.

Sofia exemplifies this mission through her authentic witness to the Catholic faith and her unwavering commitment to student success. She lives her faith openly and joyfully within the school community, ensuring that Catholic education is not only taught, but truly lived.

As Superintendent Sheldon Germain stated,

“Sofia’s leadership reflects the heart of Catholic education. She leads with faith, integrity, and a genuine love for students. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom.”

Sofia plays an active role in strengthening the spiritual life of École Notre Dame High School. She leads retreats, supports Mass and liturgies, teaches Religion with depth and relevance, and guides initiatives such as the Order of Christian Initiation of Teens and the IGNITE student faith leadership team. Her advocacy for integrating French connections within liturgical life further enriches the faith experience of students.

In the classroom and beyond, Sofia fosters holistic growth — nurturing students spiritually, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. She builds respectful relationships, creates safe and inclusive learning environments, and consistently sees Christ in every person she encounters. Her patience, compassion, and attentiveness to individual needs help students grow in confidence, resilience, and faith.

In recognition of this provincial honour, Sofia will participate in this year’s S.P.I.C.E. (Sharing Purpose in Catholic Education) Retreat, held this spring in Kananaskis, Alberta. The annual retreat brings together Catholic educators, trustees, clergy, and faith leaders from across the province to collaborate and reflect on the shared purpose of Catholic education. During this gathering, Sofia will officially receive her award alongside fellow recipients from Catholic school divisions throughout Alberta.

Lakeland Catholic extends heartfelt congratulations to Sofia on this well-deserved recognition and gives thanks for the faithful leadership she brings to students, staff, and the broader Catholic school community.