St. Dominic Catholic High School student Stephanie Sembaliuk has earned the prestigious provincial Archbishop Catholic Education Student Leadership Award.

Sembaliuk joins two other RDCRS students honoured with the award: Mark Liggayu of St. Joseph High School and Cameron Schatz of École Secondaire Notre Dame High School — both of Red Deer.

The Rocky Mountain House student was recognized for her six-year dedication to youth ministry at Red Deer Catholic Schools and St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, where she transitioned from a middle school participant to a trusted high school leader.

Known for her quiet servant heart, she regularly leads SEARCH retreats and Confirmation Formation, mentors younger peers, and volunteers behind the scenes for parish breakfasts and library organization. Her leadership also extends to Our Lady of Victory Camp, where she serves as a counsellor and is training for the summer leadership team.

“We are excited to celebrate Stephanie, Mark and Cameron for receiving this prestigious provincial honour,” superintendent Dr. Rhonda Nixon said. “Their outstanding academic achievements and deep commitment to youth ministry and parish life showcase the transformative power of Catholic education. They truly serve as exceptional spiritual role models for our entire division.”

Grade 12 student Mark Liggayu was recognized for his exceptional service and commitment to living out Gospel values. Deeply rooted in his faith, Mark serves as a dedicated altar server at Sacred Heart Parish and is an active leader within the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Fraternity. Academically distinguished, he maintains an 86 per cent cumulative average in his high school religion classes. RDCRS officials noted his articulate understanding of Catholic teachings and thoughtful reflection on his faith which earned him selection as one of only two students from his school to serve on the provincial Archbishop Student Advisory Council.

Nominated by youth minister Jeannette Manser, Cameron Schatz was recognized for his humility, academic excellence and deep commitment to Christ. Cameron marked a major milestone in his faith journey this past Easter by receiving the Sacraments of Initiation and entering the Catholic Church. An active member of St. Mary’s Parish and a regular participant in youth groups, Cameron also served as an Our Lady of Victory Camp counsellor. Academically, he achieved marks of 97 per cent in Religious Studies 15 and 98 per cent in both Religious Studies 25 and 35.

The following students were honoured:

• Braedan De Marco – Gr. 12, Christ the King, Leduc
• Julia Keller – Gr. 12, Christ the King, Leduc
• Olivia Webb – Gr. 12, Holy Trinity Academy, Drayton Valley
• Mark Liggayu – Gr. 12, St. Joseph, Red Deer
• Cameron Schatz – Gr. 12, École Secondaire Notre Dame, Red Deer
• Stephanie Sembaliuk – Gr. 12, St. Dominic, Rocky Mountain House
• Lexuz Morana – Graduate of 2025, Holy Redeemer, Edson
• Danielle Pedneault – Graduate of 2025, Holy Redeemer, Edson
• Malaynie Steffler – Gr. 12, Holy Redeemer, Edson
• Teresa Corrigan – Gr. 12, St. André Bessette, Fort Saskatchewan
• Luisa Land – Gr. 12, Saint Carlo Acutis, Camrose
• Ernie Assen – Gr. 12, J.H. Picard
• Sophia Jayobo – Gr. 12, Fr. Michael McCaffery
• Gabriel Michalski – Gr. 12, Archbishop MacDonald
• Timothy Landry – Gr. 11, St. Peter the Apostle, Spruce Grove
• Marish Solomon – Gr. 12, Fr. Gerard Redmond, Hinton
• Mark Delos Santos – Gr. 11, École Secondaire St. Albert
• Peter Sheedy – Gr. 12, École Secondaire St. Albert
• Valentina Corredor – Gr. 12, Holy Rosary, Lloydminster
• Francis Ekwunife – Gr. 12, Holy Rosary, Lloydminster
• Milena Kokonas – Gr. 12, Holy Rosary, Lloydminster
• Jhon Bandoy – Gr. 12, Blessed Sacrament, Wainwright
• Mhairi MacDonald – Gr. 12, School of Hope, Vermilion