As schools throughout Ontario celebrate graduation ceremonies, the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) is recognizing some of its outstanding graduates from previous years with the 2026 YCDSB Distinguished Alumni Award.
Every year, this award celebrates how publicly-funded Catholic education helps young people to use their God-given talents to have successful lives and to contribute to their communities. Members of the public nominated the award winners for being examples of the Catholic School Graduate Expectations, for being inspirations to others and for integrating Catholic values into their daily lives.
The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award winners are featured on posters that are now on display in all YCDSB schools. During this graduation season, the example set by these individuals will inspire another generation of students to work hard and achieve their dreams.
“Our 2026 Distinguished Alumni prove that a YCDSB education prepares students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose,” said Interim Director of Education Jennifer Sarna. “Congratulations to this year’s award winners and to the YCDSB’s Class of 2026 who will follow in their footsteps.”
The YCDSB is pleased to announce its 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award winners:
Nicolina Bozzo Singer
Nicolina Bozzo is one of Canada’s most compelling new voices in pop music. She first captivated audiences with her emotionally charged TikTok covers, where her powerhouse vocals and raw authenticity resonated with millions worldwide.
In 2022, Nicolina gained international recognition as a top five finalist on season 20 of “American Idol,” becoming the furthest-advancing Canadian contestant in the show’s history. She continued her rise in 2025 as a finalist on “Canada’s Got Talent” season four. Her debut EP, “Rearview,” showcased her signature blend of soaring vocals, poetic lyricism and modern pop production.
Nicolina’s music can be heard on popular radio stations around the world. With over two million followers across social media platforms and 100+ million video views, Nicolina is an artist to watch.
Nicolina attended St. Jerome CES in Aurora and is a graduate of St. Elizabeth CHS in Thornhill.
Dr. Amelia Ciofani Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist
Dr. Amelia Ciofani is a cardiologist and electrophysiologist, which is the study of the heart’s electrical system, at Brampton Civic Hospital – William Osler Health System (WOHS) and St. Michael’s Hospital. Dr. Ciofani earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and a Medical Degree at the University of Toronto.
As an electrophysiologist, Dr. Ciofani performs life-saving surgeries, such as pacemaker and defibrillator implants, as well as ablations, which correct arrhythmias or abnormal heartbeats. Over the past 10 years, Dr. Ciofani has led the development of the device implant and cardiac arrhythmia program at WOHS, bringing specialized cardiac device surgeries into the Brampton community. She is currently working towards opening an electrophysiology laboratory and cardiac ablation program at WOHS, with hopes to provide specialized ablation procedures close to patients’ homes.
She attended St. John Bosco CES and St. Joan of Arc CHS in Vaughan.
Ryan Nembhard NBA Player
Ryan Nembhard is a professional point guard for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He had a stellar college career at Creighton University and Gonzaga University, including leading the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in assists in his senior year. The Mavericks signed him to a two-way contract, and Ryan wasted no time proving he belonged. In December 2025, he scored 28 points in a win against the Denver Nuggets. By March 2026, Dallas had signed him to a multi-year contract. Then on April 12, 2026, Ryan dished out 23 assists against the Chicago Bulls—a Mavericks rookie franchise record that broke one previously held by his coach and Hall of Famer, Jason Kidd. His older brother, Andrew, is also an NBA player and 2023 YCDSB Distinguished Alumni.
Ryan attended St. Jerome CES in Aurora.
Father Alvin Joys Priest
Fr. Alvin Joys was born in India and moved to Canada in 2000 at the age of four. Raised in a devout Catholic household, he developed a deep connection to his faith through his parents. Fr. Alvin was involved in parish life growing up both as an altar server at St. Padre Pio and St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Cathedral, and through his involvement with Jesus Youth. Fr. Alvin pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo, and after completing it in 2018, he entered seminary formation. In 2025, he was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Toronto and now serves as Associate Pastor at St. Clare of Assisi in Woodbridge.
Fr. Alvin attended St. Stephen CES and graduated from St. Jean de Brébeuf CHS in Woodbridge.
Linda Shin Superior Court Judge
Justice Linda Shin is an Ontario Superior Court judge in Toronto. The daughter of Korean immigrants, she received a B.A. from Queen’s University and a LL.B. from the University of Toronto. She was admitted to the Bar of Ontario in 2000.
Justice Shin began her career as a civil litigation associate at McCarthy Tétrault law firm. She joined the Ministry of the Attorney General in 2006 where she served in various roles, including as an Assistant Crown Attorney prosecuting criminal cases and Chief Counsel to Ontario’s Deputy Attorney General. At the time of her appointment, she was General Counsel at the Crown Law Office – Criminal, where she conducted trials and appeals on complex criminal matters. Justice Shin has been an articling principal, a mentor to law students and sat on the board of the Korean Canadian Women’s Association.
She attended St. Charles Garnier CES and St. Anne CES in Richmond Hill, and graduated from St. Robert CHS in Thornhill.
Congratulations to the new YCDSB Distinguished Alumni.