Passing the Torch: St. Clair Catholic Celebrates Student Trustee Leadership

As the school year draws to a close, the St. Clair Catholic District School Board extends sincere appreciation to Student Trustees Cristian Suffi and Katie Murphy for their dedicated service and commitment to representing student perspectives at the Board table.

Throughout their terms, Cristian and Katie served as valued ambassadors, bringing insight and perspective to Board discussions and helping ensure student priorities were reflected in conversations about Catholic education across Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton.

Cristian, a student at Ursuline College Chatham, has demonstrated leadership, academic and athletic passion, and a deep commitment to school and community life. As he begins the next chapter of his journey at the University of Windsor, where he will pursue studies in biomedical sciences, the Board extends its best wishes for continued success.

Katie, a student at St. Patrick’s Catholic High School, has carried out her duties with grace, dedication, and a clear commitment to service. She will return to St. Patrick’s for Grade 12 and once again serve her peers as Deputy Prime Minister on Student Council.

The Board is grateful for the time and care Cristian and Katie devoted to their responsibilities. Their service strengthened the connection between students and trustees and leaves a legacy of leadership, integrity, and service.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend our sincere gratitude to Cristian and Katie for their exemplary service as Student Trustees,” says John Van Heck, Chair of the Board. “They have represented student perspectives with integrity, maturity, and a deep commitment to the values of Catholic education. As they conclude their terms, we offer our prayers and best wishes that God’s light may continue to shine upon their futures and guide them in the paths ahead.”

As Cristian and Katie conclude their service, the Board now looks ahead to the next chapter of student leadership. Incoming Student Trustees Colin McKay of Ursuline College Chatham and Cyndi Rayson of St. Patrick’s Catholic High School will serve during the 2026-2027 school year, bringing strong records of involvement, service, and student advocacy.

Colin, a Grade 11 student at Ursuline College, is involved in jazz band, Reach for the Top, and student council, where he serves as secretary. He also supports younger students as a music theory teacher and mathematics tutor, and brings a thoughtful, service-oriented approach to his new role.

Cyndi, a Grade 10 student at St. Patrick’s Catholic High School, is a dedicated leader with interests in STEM, advocacy, and community service. A longtime science fair participant and ambassador with the Canadian Association for Girls in Science, she also contributes through the Sarnia Shoebox Project, Special Olympics Curling, student council, band, broadcast, yearbook, Reach for the Top, the Irish Miracle Committee, and the chess club she founded.

“We are pleased to welcome Colin and Cyndi as they assume the responsibilities of Student Trustee,” says Chair Van Heck. “Their commitment to leadership, service, and student advocacy will be a valuable contribution to the work of the Board. We look forward to their perspectives and to the important role they will play in ensuring student voice remains central to Catholic education within St. Clair Catholic.”

The Board offers sincere thanks to Cristian and Katie and warmly welcomes Colin and Cyndi as they assume this important responsibility. With gratitude for the leadership that has been shared and confidence in the leadership to come, St. Clair Catholic remains committed to keeping student voice at the heart of Catholic education.