Supportive Community

Community Awards

Celebrating Accomplished SMLS Community Members

In recognition of the dedicated service and accomplishments of our community members, SMLS honours members of the school community with three prestigious awards.

Outstanding Alumna Award - recognize an alumna who has made significant achievements in their field and have made a positive impact on the local, national or global community.

The Nadine Farran-Gatti Distinguished Service Award - recognize an individual who has provided outstanding volunteer service to the school over a number of years.

The Life Governor Award - honour the extraordinary achievements of an individual who has demonstrated the values of SMLS, had a longstanding commitment to the school, is an excellent role model and ambassador for the school, and has made a difference in the lives of others.

Nominations are now closed. Stay tuned for this year's award winner announcement coming soon

For questions or more information, please email advancement@smls.on.ca

Life Governor

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Life Governor Award

The Life Governor Award, which is the school’s highest honour and is awarded bi-annually, honours extraordinary achievements of individuals who have demonstrated the values of SMLS, have had a longstanding commitment to the school, are excellent role models and ambassadors for the school, and have made a difference in the lives of others.

Donna Cossitt has been named the recipient of the 2026 Life Governor Award.
For nearly four decades, Donna Cossitt has been an integral part of St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School, serving in roles including Secretary, Admissions Coordinator, Admissions Liaison, and Advancement Liaison. A trusted presence for generations of students, families, and colleagues, Donna has played a foundational role in shaping the culture of warmth, belonging, and connection that defines SMLS. Often the first face prospective families encountered, she approached admissions not as a process, but as a relationship rooted in trust, care, and advocacy.

Joining the School during a pivotal period of growth and transformation, Donna helped guide SMLS into a new era while preserving its spirit and traditions. Frequently described as the “walking archive” of the School, she carries nearly forty years of institutional knowledge with humility and generosity. Her unwavering commitment, integrity, and deep belief in the mission of girls’ education make her a most deserving Life Governor.
Please note that the Life Governor Award is presented bi-annually and will be awarded again in 2027-28.
Life Governor Recipients

2026 - Donna Cossitt
2024 - Daniela Morra Hampton-Davies '89
2022 - Caroline Hogwood
2020 - Colleen McMorrow
2018 - Ann Veale
2016 - Mother Emily Ayckbowm (posthumously)
Ruth Lightbourn (posthumously)
Sister Anita Cook CSC
June Cockwell
Donald Pangman

Outstanding Alumna

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Outstanding Alumna Award

The Outstanding Alumna Award is awarded annually and recognizes alumnae for significant achievements in their field and positive impact on the local, national or global communities, while upholding the principles and values of SMLS.

The 2025-26 recipient is Dr. Anita Zijdemans-Boudreau ’76.
Dr. Anita Zijdemans-Boudreau ’77 is an accomplished educator, scholar, and international leader whose career reflects innovation, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to equity in education. A former boarder, Prefect, athlete, and arts participant at SMLS, Anita went on to build a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in Canada, the United States, and beyond. Most recently serving as Director of the School of Learning and Teaching at Pacific University in Oregon, she has mentored graduate and doctoral students, launched transformative academic programs, and advanced pathways to diversify the educator workforce.

A recognized leader in the integration of technology and systems thinking in education, Dr. Zijdemans-Boudreau’s work centers on preparing educators to meet the needs of increasingly diverse communities. As the daughter of an inspirational single mother of colour, she forged her path through spaces where barriers were real, becoming the first woman of colour to serve as a page and guide in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Her legacy is defined not only by professional accomplishment, but by her enduring commitment to education as a force for inclusion, leadership, and positive societal change.
Outstanding Alumna Recipients

2026 - Dr. Anita Zijdemans-Boudreau ’76
2025 - Dr. Melanie Woodin '91
2024 - Miranda Plant Byers '03
2023 - Natalie Jenner '87
2022 - Sarah Baeumler '95
2021 - Suzanne Duncan '79
2020 - Dr. Lauren TRIBE Briens '87
2019 - Dr. Karolyn SMARDZ Frost '75
2018 - Joanne BEAUCHAMP Stacey '78
2017 - Olwen BARROW Davies '58
2016 - Marion Bethel '71
2015 - Dr. Emily Moore '87
2014 - Christie Henderson '89
2013 - Janet Stewart '60
2012 - Melanie Aitken '84

Distinguished Service

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Distinguished Service Award

The Nadine Farran-Gatti Distinguished Service Award celebrates and honours SMLS volunteers for their significant contributions over many years to our school community. Nadine Farran-Gatti was a member of the SMLS Board of Governors, parent of an SMLS alumna and longtime volunteer who passed away suddenly on October 23, 2021. Nadine was a recipient of this award in 2017 and embodied all that this award celebrates. In recognition and appreciation of all that she gave to the SMLS community, this award is proudly named in her honour. Her memory and legacy lives on at SMLS as we honour her contribution to the school through this award each year.

The 2024-25 Nadine Farran-Gatti Distinguished Service Award recipient is Tanya Brown.
Tanya Brown has demonstrated exceptional volunteer leadership and dedication to the SMLS community over nearly a decade of service. From PA Liaison to Vice President and Parent Association President — including leading during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic — Tanya has brought steadiness, integrity, and compassion to every role she has undertaken. Her leadership has strengthened partnerships between families and the School while fostering connection during times of uncertainty.

Beyond her executive roles, Tanya has contributed meaningfully across numerous initiatives, including co-chairing Blue Jeans & Bling, expanding the Used Uniform program to increase accessibility and sustainability, serving on the Food Service Committee, and sharing her professional expertise as a Registered Dietitian with students. She exemplifies respect, commitment and courage — always serving not for recognition, but from a deep belief in the mission and community of SMLS.
Distinguished Service Recipients

2026 - Tanya Brown
2025 - Ashley McNabb '04
2024 - Jackie Maunula
2023 - Doug Jenkinson
2022 - Kenneth Rogerson
2021 - Stephanie Kennedy '02
2020 - Penny Olson
2019 - Cara Garvey
2018 - Amanda Ashton-Aquino
2017 - Nadine Farran-Gatti
2016 - Dr. Gilbert Lai
2015 - Judith Nunn
2014 - Dianne Lemieux
2013 - Karen Holloway
2012 - Cherilyn Carson
2011 - Janet Pickell
2010 - Andra Carpino