We are thrilled to announce the newest recipients of the Catholic Educators in BC Scholarship, an award dedicated to supporting the ongoing theological development of Catholic educators throughout BC. This scholarship covers full tuition for up to three foundational graduate-level courses and is designed to enhance the theological and pastoral skills of educators working within the dioceses of Kamloops, Nelson, Prince George, and Victoria.

The scholarship allows recipients to grow both personally and professionally as they join a community of adult learners at St. Mark’s College at UBC who are engaged in faithful and effective ministry. St. Mark’s graduate courses are available through weekly, synchronous (live), virtual classes, allowing students throughout BC and Canada to complete graduate degrees.

Through these courses, students will deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and strengthen their ability to serve in an increasingly diverse and complex educational landscape.

Meet the 2025 Recipients

• Elena Amos – St. Joseph’s Elementary (Victoria, Diocese of Victoria)
• Claire Cacchioni – Holy Cross School (Penticton, Diocese of Nelson)
• Amanda Gilmore – Sacred Heart Elementary (Williams Lake, Diocese of Kamloops)
• Stephanie Howie – ASCEND Online (Kamloops, Diocese of Kamloops)
• Mark Kulchar – Sacred Heart Elementary (Prince George, Diocese of Prince George)
• Michele Sanders – St. Andrew’s Regional High School (Victoria, Diocese of Victoria)

These exceptional educators will join the previous year’s scholarship recipients.

Previous Scholarship Winners

• Claire Gramlich – Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary (West Kelowna, Diocese of Nelson)
• Janel Manerikar – St. John Paul II School (Port Alberni, Diocese of Victoria)
• Mollyo Nordine – Holy Cross School (Penticton, Diocese of Nelson)
• Kathryn Perez Martell – St. Patrick’s Elementary (Victoria, Diocese of Victoria)
• Melodie Van Der Meer – St. Mary’s Catholic School (Prince George, Diocese of Prince George)

These educators are already making an impact by not only engaging in professional development but also contributing significantly to their communities. Many of them go above and beyond in their roles—running summer Bible camps, volunteering as Faith Representatives in their schools, and enriching the lives of those they serve.

The Catholic Educators in BC Scholarship is an investment in the future of Catholic education throughout British Columbia. This scholarship has been made possible by a ‘Moving Forward in Mission’ Grant received from the Association of Theological Schools’ (ATS) Organizational and Educational Models Project.

We are proud to support these dedicated teachers as they continue to grow in their ministries and serve the needs of their students and communities. Congratulations to all recipients!