When I heard of the passing of Julianne Miszk this past Saturday, I was overwhelmed with a sense of sadness, thinking of all the trials and tribulations Julianne faced in the 22 years she graced us with her presence.
Born with Dubowitz syndrome, a rare condition that has only about 140 cases reported worldwide since 1965, Julianne had to deal with a learning disability, an uncommon bone disorder called fibrous dysplasia, surgeries and infections.
If all these challenges weren’t daunting enough, cancer struck.
In November 2016, Julianne had surgery in which a section of her fibula (calf bone) was used to replace a cancerous part of the bone in her jaw.
She spent two weeks in hospital following a 10-hour surgery and had to fight off multiple infections. Sadly, doctors discovered there was still cancer present at the margins of her jaw.
Following chemotherapy, Julianne underwent another 10-hour surgery in July 2017. Doctors took a piece of her scapula (shoulder blade) and put it in her jaw.
In June 2018, doctors determined the cancer had returned inside Julianne’s reconstructed jaw bone. They planned to take the fibula from her other leg, reconstruct with a nerve ending from the top of her foot and follow up with five weeks of radiation. Four hours into the surgery, they discovered so much scar tissue that it was too dangerous to proceed.
Saint Michael’s athletic award winners
Matt Wedler was named Saint Michael’s senior boys athlete of the year.
Madd Wedler and Mackenzie Dever were named Saint Michael’s senior male and female athletes of the year.
Recognized as the Niagara Falls high school’s junior athletes of the year were Jaime Manlow and Ethan Goyetche.
Below are the rest of the school’s athletic award winners:
Junior boys football: James Zarafonitis, Rock Award; Eric Kariuki, Mustang Award
Senior boys football: Matt Wedler, Mustang Award; Carson Gilbert, Rock Award.
Cheerleading: Mya McDonough, Leadership Award.
Junior girls basketball: Jaime Manlow, outstanding performance; Sophia Iuliano, outstanding contribution.
Senior girls basketball: Zylyn Leyritana, outstanding performance.
Tennis: Trinaty Carter, MVP; Josh Dagan and Keegan Curnow-Bond, most dedicated.
Golf: Cameron Woods, MVP.
Pre-Ordered Uniform Pick-up July 15
Future Mustangs...your pre ordered uniforms are ready for pick up on July 15th from 10 a 1:00 p.m. Be there!!!
NCDSB: Announcing our new Director of Education!
The Niagara Catholic Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Camillo Cipriano has been selected as Niagara Catholic’s next Director of Education, effective Tuesday, September 1, 2020. The appointment follows a comprehensive search that attracted strong candidates from across Ontario led by the Board of Trustees and executive search firm Promeus. Mr. Cipriano was endorsed by Niagara Catholic’s Board of Trustees during a Special In-Camera Meeting of the Board on Friday, June 26, 2020.
Mr. Cipriano comes to Niagara Catholic with 23 years of leadership and experience as a teacher and administrator in Catholic education. He most recently held the position of Superintendent of Education with the Halton Catholic District School Board. Mr. Cipriano has extensive knowledge about Ontario’s education system, with a particular focus on student mental health.
“Mr. Cipriano is widely respected throughout Ontario’s education community for his commitment to leadership and innovation in Ontario schools,” said Frank Fera, Chair of Niagara Catholic’s Board of Trustees. “The Executive Search Committee was extremely impressed with Mr. Cipriano’s commitment to Catholic education. Mr. Cipriano is regarded for his innovative approach to education, which is crucial as we continue to navigate through the challenges and opportunities presented by distance learning due to COVID-19, and welcoming new members to our senior team. The Board of Trustees looks forward to working with Mr. Cipriano, as we continue to build upon Niagara Catholic’s strong foundation of excellence in Catholic education in the future. “I would like to thank outgoing Director of Education John Crocco for his years of service to Catholic education in Niagara. His strong leadership, along with the dedication and commitment of all staff across Niagara Catholic, has positioned the Board to continue the excellence in Catholic education our students and families expect and deserve.”