Amanda Belluz – St. John Bosco Catholic High School, Guelph, Ontario

Principal of St. John Bosco Catholic High School, Amanda Belluz has gone above and beyond to make students feel welcome and to give them the tools necessary for their success, according to her nominator, Oluwamisimi Oluwole (BNSc’26), who transferred to Ms. Belluz’s previous school, Bishop MacDonell Catholic High School in Grade 11 during the pandemic.

“She changed how I see myself as a learner and what I believe I am capable of achieving. She instilled in me a love of learning, pushed me toward academic excellence, and helped me believe that I belonged in higher education. I am nominating her because her impact did not end when I left her classroom. It continues to shape who I am today.”

Gary Hwe Shen Seow – Michael Power St. Joseph High School, Etobicoke, Ontario

Gary Seow is a Computer Science teacher, role model, and champion of student success. His nominator, Erhowvosere Otubu (BASc’26), credits Mr. Seow for teaching him how to believe in himself when it feels impossible, which has been a source of motivation in his academic and extracurricular pursuits.

“Beyond academics, Mr. Seow modeled integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to student success, often going above and beyond by checking in on students’ wellbeing and creating space for conversations about our futures... Since being here at Queen’s, he continues to motivate me and provide guidance whenever I need a mentor, proving that his commitment to his students doesn’t end after high school.” 

Riley McMullen – Tagwi Secondary School, Avonmore, Ontario

Riley McMullen teaches Indigenous Studies, English, Drama, Leadership, and Guitar. His nominators Vienna Wiens (BAH’26) and Alex Leroux (BScH’26) emphasized that throughout online learning during the pandemic Mr. McMullen continued to bring energy, rigour, and a leadership style that built communities.

“Mr. McMullen leads by example in everything he does. His dedication, positivity, and belief in his students have had a lasting impact on my journey.” - Alex Leroux

“He didn't just want students to get into university; he wanted us to thrive there. Now I am graduating from the very university he encouraged me to consider, and I give him much credit for where I am today.” - Vienna Wiens

Shannon Sinclair – Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute, Scarborough, Ontario

Shannon Sinclair’s Nutrition classroom was a community, according to her nominator Scarlett Rushowy (BScH’26). Ms. Sinclair brought life skills and teamwork into academics and created an inclusive and safe space that was noticed and appreciated by her students.

“To this day, she still keeps in touch with a number of us; and in my first year, she met two of us attending Queen’s for coffee when she was in town. I cannot speak highly enough of Ms. Sinclair, not only as an educator and mentor, but also as an extremely kind and caring person who truly exemplifies the best of a teacher who takes a holistic approach; she became the “one caring adult” to so many of us, with her positive guidance and support throughout school and beyond.” 

Sarah Gallah – St. Joseph’s Morrow Park, North York, Ontario

A Science, Geography, and French teacher, Sarah Gallah is an exceptional educator who cares deeply for students. Her nominator, Jonathan Adams (BScH’26), stated that the moment he joined Ms. Gallah’s class, he found himself in an environment where exploration and inquiry were encouraged, and where learning was not all about grades, but about approaching the unknown with curiosity and confidence.

“The high standards she set for me in high school have continued to guide the academic excellence I strive for in my university studies. Now as I complete my undergraduate degree and apply to MSc programs in medicine and research related fields, I continue to follow the path she helped me envision so many years ago. A path that combines scientific exploration with a desire to improve human health and wellbeing.”

Brad Clapp – Ecole Olds High School, Olds, Alberta

Brad Clapp, who recently retired after 30 years teaching English Language Arts and Social Studies, encouraged academic excellence with a rigour that always co-existed with care, according to his nominator Jenna Martens (BAH’26), who participated in the Academic Team program spearheaded by Mr. Clapp.

“Mr. Clapp often reminded us to “be profound”, not only in our writing but in how we moved through the world. He encouraged us to think deeply, speak thoughtfully and take our ideas seriously. This expectation taught me to value depth over convenience in both my academic work and personal life... The confidence, discipline, and intellectual curiosity I carry with me today are a direct result of his influence."

Adrienne Coddett – Black Youth Forum, Ottawa, Ontario

Adrienne Coddett, who founded the Black Youth Forum in 2017, is credited by her nominator Kasai Major-Browne (BAH’26) with changing his life. Ms. Coddett provided a space where Black students could find community, identity and opportunities to make change, and celebrate Black culture.

“I am still in contact with Ms. Coddett to this day, and she will forever serve as a mentor to me. I look up to her impact and the way she carries such a powerful yet caring demeanour. Ms. Coddett has been a transformative member of the Ottawa community for many decades. Her work is invaluable, and I will always praise her for the profound impact she has had on my journey.”

Learn more about the Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching on the Student Affairs website.