A St. Joseph-Scollard Hall Catholic Secondary School (SJSH) program that originated in 1999 as a social justice group seeking to serve as the “hands and feet of Christ” within the school community has gained local recognition for its far-reaching impact.
On November 18, 2025, during a ceremony at the YMCA, the SJSH Bears Who Care were awarded the YMCA Peace Medal for their tremendous dedication to fostering a more compassionate and inclusive community, exemplifying the values represented by the PEACE acronym:
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- Participate in building community
- Empower others
- Advocate for inclusion
- Celebrate diversity
- Empathize with others
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The YMCA awards its two Peace Medals — one for an individual and one for a group —during YMCA Peace Week, and the esteemed recognition honours those who demonstrate a deep commitment to helping others.
Reflecting on the honour, Mme Lauzon shared, “Being recognized reminds us that small acts of kindness can create a big impact. Our students feel proud knowing their efforts truly make a difference in our community.”
A Program Built on Over 25 Years of Servant Leadership
Today, the 60 SJSH students who compose the Bears Who Care carry a legacy of servant leadership with them. For over a quarter century, students in the program have led impactful, Christ-centred initiatives alongside SJSH teachers Mme Krista Lauzon and Mme Suzanne Menard, who founded the program and have witnessed it blossom into what it is today.
“We started small, with just a few enthusiastic students,” explained Mme Lauzon. “Our early initiatives included clothing drives, Christmas caroling, and preparing bed kits for children in need. From those humble beginnings, the spirit of service and compassion has continued to grow into the program we are proud of today.”
Student-Led Initiatives That Shape the School Year
From the beginning of the year, all the way to the end, the Bears Who Care can be found in action, leading several campaigns each month. Each year, two Grade 12 student leaders are selected to direct initiatives. They represent the group at Student Advisory Council meetings, generate ideas during weekly lunch-hour sessions with Mme Lauzon, and help set agendas for the after-school Bears Who Care meetings.
Empathy at the Heart of Every Initiative
Mme Lauzon highlighted the role of empathy in everything the group does. In their roles as members of Bears Who Care, students listen to one another, support their peers, and consider the needs of the communities they serve. “Together, these PEACE values embodied in the YMCA Peace Medal shape a compassionate, action-oriented environment that encourages students to grow as leaders and global citizens,” she said.
Guided Leadership and Student Ownership
Mme Lauzon also explained that, at group meetings, she and Mme Menard act as guides and supporters, letting students take the lead. “Our student leaders run the meetings, and they take responsibility for ensuring the success of every event, from planning and coordination to the implementation of each project.”
But it’s truly the result of collaborative effort that the Bears Who Care thrive. “All members play an active role in our initiatives,” said Mme Lauzon. “They contribute ideas, volunteer their time, and help create meaningful impact in our school and community.”
Partnerships That Strengthen Community Impact
The social justice group often partners with local organizations, like Catholic Charities, to amplify their reach and support the community’s needs on a larger scale.
Just earlier in May, the Bears Who Care partnered with Knowledge Keeper and community partner George Couchie as well as the Ontario Provincial Police for the Ignite Your Spark campaign, collecting baby items for communities in Northern Ontario. The group concluded the effort with an Ignite Your Spark assembly, where students shared their talents to celebrate community, culture, and giving back.
Celebrating Students and Their Contributions
Teachers Mme Lauzon and Mme Menard affirm that it’s important to recognize each student’s actions and abilities through their work. “Celebration is woven into our culture,” said Mme Lauzon. “We take time to acknowledge achievements — big or small — such as reaching donation goals or witnessing a student step outside their comfort zone to contribute.”
A Positive Influence Felt Beyond the School
The impact of the Bears Who Care’s efforts is felt well beyond the walls of the school community. Their ongoing commitment to service continues to inspire staff, families, and community partners alike.
“Our team at NPSC is deeply grateful to our Catholic educators, Mme Lauzon and Mme Menard of St. Joseph-Scollard Hall, who have served as models for our students, guiding the Bears Who Care since its inception,” said Paula Mann, NPSC Director of Education. “We are equally proud of our students, whose dedication and compassion bring the PEACE values to life, demonstrating our respect for the dignity of the human person and our care for the most vulnerable in our communities.”
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
“Our students continually inspire us with their creativity, compassion, and drive to make a difference,” said Mme Lauzon. Their work, recognized with the YMCA Peace Medal, reflects a community built on empathy, inclusion, and service. This legacy continues to grow with each new generation of student leaders.