The St. Charles College Percussion Ensemble hit a high note this year, capping off a remarkable season defined by exceptional musicianship, dedication, and leadership.

The ensemble’s successful run began at the Sudbury Music Festival, where their precision, artistry, and performance skills earned them a Gold Standing performance from impressed adjudicators. Their accolades continued at St. Andrew’s Place, where they were awarded a scholarship at the Stars of Excellence Awards Ceremony in recognition of their outstanding contribution to music education and commitment to excellence.

As a result of their remarkable success, the ensemble received a personal invitation to represent the Sudbury region at the Ontario Music Festivals Association Provincial Competition, one of the highest levels of music competition in the province. Competing against some of Ontario’s finest young musicians, the Percussion Ensemble delivered an exceptional performance and earned First Place in Ontario, an achievement that reflects countless hours of rehearsal, perseverance, and teamwork.

“I am incredibly proud of the students and Ms. Demore, whose immense dedication made this outstanding achievement possible,” stated Morris Hucal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Chief Education Officer (CEdO), for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. “Music is such an important subject in school, as it fosters collaboration, deepens personal expression, and nurtures the mind, body, and spirit within our learning community. The hard work and passion demonstrated by this ensemble are a true reflection of the excellence we strive for every day in our Catholic schools.”

Instrumental Director and teacher at St. Charles College, Ms. Patty Demore says “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with this remarkable group of young leaders. Their dedication to excellence, positive attitude, and unwavering commitment to the music program have left a lasting impact on our school music community. They have represented our school with Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge and have set a standard of excellence that will inspire future generations of musicians.”

Congratulations to our 2026 Percussion Ensemble on an incredible year of achievement and provincial recognition! To learn more about the programs and opportunities available at St. Charles College, please visit: https://scc.sudburycatholicschools.ca/

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On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the St. Charles College (SCC) Cardinal’s football program was celebrated at the 55th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Dinner, where they were officially presented with the prestigious Norm Mayer Dynasty Award.

Morris Hucal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Chief Education Officer (CEdO) for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, St. Charles College Principal Aaron Barry, and Vice Principal Lori Holden were all in attendance to celebrate this monumental achievement for the school’s athletic community.

“Receiving the Norm Mayer Dynasty Award is a tremendous honour that reflects over 75 years of grit, passion, and community spirit at St. Charles College,” said Morris Hucal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Chief Education Officer (CEdO). “This award is about so much more than championships; it’s a celebration of a deeply rooted legacy that has shaped generations of student-athletes, coaches, and families. We are incredibly proud of the football program’s historic past, and we look forward to watching future generations of Cardinals carry this legendary tradition forward.”

As the city’s most successful high school football program, St. Charles College features a dedicated hallway showcasing over 75 years of gridiron achievements. The program’s incredible legacy was on full display at the event, which brought together former players and supporters spanning six decades of SDSSAA football to celebrate the enduring Cardinal spirit.

The team’s historic timeline includes capturing the Copper Cliff Jeweller’s Trophy as SDSSAA senior boys football playoff champions 21 times, alongside earning the Birks-Ellis-Ryrie Cup 15 times as junior playoff title holders. Furthermore, when the Cardinals captured the NOSSA senior boys football crown in 1969, they established a remarkable milestone, marking the final time a team representing the SDSSAA would capture the championship title for over half a century.

Over the decades, St. Charles College has built a strong tradition of moving athletes into the university ranks and professional leagues, including Canadian Football League (CFL) standouts Randy Fournier and Mike Derks. The school’s rich football culture is also exemplified by legendary figures like Mike Fabiilli. A former student who returned to dedicate over 30 years as a teacher and football coach, Fabiilli transitioned from a stellar high school career to play linebacker for the Ottawa Gee-Gees, where he earned CIAU Rookie of the Year honors in 1982.

For more information on St. Charles College, visit https://scc.sudburycatholicschools.ca

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On April 7, 2026, St. Charles College (SCC) was honoured as a top donor in support of cancer care with the presentation of a diamond on the donor wall at the Shirley and Jim Fielding Northeast Cancer Centre at Health Sciences North (HSN), recognizing the school’s achievement of a $100,000 giving milestone. 

This significant accomplishment is driven largely by the ongoing efforts of SCC’s Student Leadership Committee through its annual Cards Crush Cancer event. Now entering its eighth year, the carnival‑style fundraiser has become a cornerstone of the school’s commitment to supporting patients and families receiving cancer care in Northern Ontario. The next Card Crush Cancer event will take place this May. 

“On behalf of HSN Foundation, we are so proud to celebrate St. Charles College and their incredibly generous support over the years,” said Chelsea Parent, Community Engagement specialist with the HSN Foundation. “Through initiatives like Cards Crush Cancer and so many others, their school community has helped raise vital funds to enhance cancer care for patients close to home. We truly rely on the support of our community to fund essential equipment and advance research, and we are so grateful for everything they’ve done. Reaching the $100,000 milestone is an outstanding achievement and a reflection of their compassion, leadership, and commitment to making a difference.”  

Students also participated in a guided tour of the centre, where they were introduced to specialized equipment and materials used daily in cancer care at Health Sciences North. Through hands‑on demonstrations, students gained a deeper understanding of how their fundraising efforts directly support patient treatment, reinforcing the meaningful contribution they continue to make to cancer care in the region. 

Students involved in the initiative reflected on the significance of the milestone and the meaningful role their efforts play in supporting cancer care within the community. 

“This is huge, in my opinion, to have raised this much money,” said Alexa Roy, a Grade 12 student at SCC. “Being recognized by HSN shows all of us that our hard work has gone toward an amazing cause and made a meaningful contribution.” 

“This means a lot to me personally because my grandmother went through cancer,” said Max Larch, a Grade 9 student. “Being here and helping raise this money shows that we can support so many people who are facing the same thing.”  

School leadership also emphasized the deeper significance of the achievement, noting how the Cards Crush Cancer initiative reflects the values, faith, and sense of service that define the St. Charles College community. Principal Aaron Barry praised both students and staff for their ongoing dedication to stewardship and meaningful engagement. 

“I am continually inspired by the students of St. Charles College and the meaningful strides they continue to make within our community,” said Mr. Barry.  

“Their care, dedication, and sense of responsibility are evident in the way they consistently show up and invest their time, energy, and leadership into initiatives like Card Crush Cancer. Year after year, our students are not engaged by chance, but through a deep commitment to stewardship and service that reflects who we are as a Catholic school community.” 

“This is made possible by the incredible educators who lead by example and demonstrate what it means to be a leader, an engaged community member, and truly, what it means to be a Cardinal. I extend my sincere gratitude to Mrs. J. Demore, Mrs. Montgomery, and Mrs. Humphrey for their dedication in helping our students reach this remarkable achievement.” 

At the board level, Director of Education, Morris Hucal, highlighted how the collective efforts of students, educators, and school communities across Sudbury Catholic continue to foster compassion beyond the classroom. 

“In a world where cancer continues to impact so many lives, the call to serve others has never been more important. It is deeply moving to see our students and staff within the Sudbury Catholic District School Board respond with such compassion and purpose,” said Mr. Hucal.  

“Having St. Charles College recognized on the donor wall at Health Sciences North is an extraordinary honour for our entire Catholic school community. This milestone is a powerful testament to our students’ faith in action, as they live out the Catholic Graduate Expectations by leading with empathy, service, and a profound commitment to the dignity of every person. Their efforts remind us of the incredible difference young people can make when they are guided by faith, goodwill, and a strong desire to serve others. Well done St. Charles College!” 

For more information on the Cards Crush Cancer Campaign, visit https://www.sudburycatholicschools.ca/blog/2025/05/28/the-story-behind-cards-crush-cancer-a-tradition-of-heart-hope-and-community-at-scc/.  

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