Durham Catholic District School Board Honours Shawn O’Hare with the 2025-2026 Distinguished Catholic Leader Award
The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is proud to announce that Shawn O’Hare, Principal of Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, is the recipient of the 2025-2026 Distinguished Catholic Leader Award. This recognition honours Principals and Vice-Principals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to Catholic education, leadership, and service to faith-filled school communities. The award was announced following a system-wide Mass on May 4, 2026, which also recognized Durham Catholic Distinguished Educators from each school and department across the board, and employees who have completed 25 years of service in Catholic education.
A lifelong member of the Durham Catholic learning community, Shawn O’Hare is a graduate of St. John the Evangelist Catholic School and has dedicated more than three decades of service to Catholic education. His career began in 1993 as an Educational Assistant, laying a strong foundation for student support and inclusion, before moving into the classroom where he served as both an elementary and secondary teacher. At the secondary level, he taught Physical Education, Religion, and English, supporting students in their academic achievement and faith formation.
Shawn O’Hare went on to serve 13 years as a Vice-Principal across a variety of school communities before becoming a Principal. He is currently in his fifth year as a Principal, which includes serving as Principal for the past four years at Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, a particularly meaningful return as it is the school where his administrative career began.
Beyond his school leadership, Shawn has been a long-standing advocate for student athletics and well-being, serving on the Lake Ontario Secondary School Athletics (LOSSA) Executive for 22 years, as well as contributing to numerous board committees and the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario (CPCO) Executive. His system-wide involvement reflects a deep commitment to collaboration, leadership development, and the holistic growth of students.
“Having had the privilege of serving in schools across the Durham Catholic District School Board, from east to west, and across elementary, secondary, and continuing education, I am deeply grateful to be part of such a welcoming and faith‑filled system,” said Shawn O’Hare. “The DCDSB has been a significant part of my life, and I am thankful for the colleagues, students, and families who have walked alongside me on this journey.”
“Throughout his career, Shawn has consistently modelled servant leadership and a deep commitment to student success,” said Gerard Winn, Director of Education. “His impact has been felt across the Durham Catholic District School Board - from the classroom to school leadership to system-level contributions. We are proud to honour him with this well-deserved recognition.”
The Distinguished Catholic Leader Award celebrates Principals and Vice-Principals whose lives and careers reflect excellence in leadership, service, and faith. The Durham Catholic learning community congratulates Shawn O’Hare on this outstanding achievement and thanks him for his continued service to Catholic education.