PEMBROKE — Andy Bray has been selected as the recipient of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association Trustee Award of Merit.
The award recognizes individuals who have provided ‘exceptional service to Catholic education over the years’, and will be presented at the OCSTA AGM and Conference in Toronto at the end of April.
Mr. Bray has served the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board for 33 years as of February 23, 2017, holding the position of chairperson for three terms in the 1990s as well as from 2005 to 2009, and is currently the vice-chair. Over the years, he has chaired every major committee, a number of ad hoc committees and has been trustee representative on the Parent Involvement Committee.
In those years, he also was instrumental in establishing school councils and a leader in implementing training and faith formation for parents within the RCCDSB.
Mr. Bray also served seven years, 2008 to 2015, as Director of Region 10 of the OCSTA provincially.
In his nomination letter to the OCSTA, Dave Howard, RCCDSB Board Chair, noted about Mr. Bray, “His exceptional level of service and unfailing commitment to Catholic education has been authentic, inspiring and unswerving for these many years.”
Mr. Bray demonstrates a deep faith commitment through his contributions to his parish including chair of parish council, Eucharistic minister, reader and usher. He has also been actively involved in his community as a volunteer firefighter, Cub and Scout leader and minor hockey coach.
He is an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2082 in Arnprior.
In outlining Mr. Bray’s exceptional contributions to Catholic Education, the nomination letter states “Andy is a man of integrity… He is a strong witness to the Catholic community and he puts the spiritual and academic growth of each of his students at the forefront of every decision he makes.”
“This is very exciting for our trustees,” said Michele Arbour, RCCDSB Director of Education. “The OCSTA Award of Merit was last presented to an RCCDSB trustee in 1988. Our congratulations to Andy. The recognition of his outstanding leadership and dedication spanning more than three decades is certainly well deserved.”
Mr. Bray, who represents Arnprior, McNab/Braeside Township, and Greater Madawaska Township, says he is humbled to be nominated by his peers and honoured to receive the award.
He said, “Although I am named recipient of this award, I must share credit with many others. My family, who experienced my frequent absence, especially in the early days when there were many more committee meetings. My fellow trustees and the senior administration of our board who shared their expertise and enthusiasm. To all of you, I shall be eternally grateful.”
