The Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) has recognized longtime educator Dante Dalia for his decades-long commitment to student service and faith-based learning through mission trips across North America.
At the board’s meeting on March 25, Trustee Bill Chopp delivered a formal tribute to Dalia, crediting him with leading 28 mission trips since 1997 and giving more than 500 students hands-on opportunities to engage in community service rooted in Catholic values.
“Coordinating and leading these trips took vision, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the values of Catholic education,” said Chopp. “Dante has demonstrated all of this and more, ensuring that students don’t just learn about their faith, but live it in meaningful ways.”
Dalia’s first mission trip brought students to Winnipeg in the aftermath of the Red River flood. Over the years, his leadership has taken students to communities across Canada and the United States, where they have volunteered in shelters, built homes, and served marginalized populations.
“These mission trips have not only allowed students to serve others,” Chopp said, “but have also deepened their understanding of compassion, social justice, and the importance of giving back.”
The program’s continued success has also relied on community support, including significant contributions from Brantford philanthropist Kent Dixon, which helped ensure equitable access for all participating students.
Dalia’s work reflects BHNCDSB’s broader commitment to Catholic education and student development.
The board serves approximately 13,000 students from Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the counties of Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk, as well as the City of Brantford.
It employs 1,700 full- and part-time staff and is guided by a focus on Belonging, Teaching and Learning, and Wellness for All.
BHNCDSB is uniquely situated within three Catholic dioceses—Hamilton, London, and St. Catharines—and is located within a one-hour radius of Toronto, London, and Kitchener-Waterloo.
As part of its mission, the board partners with families and local agencies to create inclusive and supportive environments where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
The Board of Trustees extended its deep gratitude to Dalia for his service and mentorship, calling his contributions a lasting legacy.
“His dedication has not only empowered young people to serve with humility and compassion but has also enriched our school communities with a living example of faith in action,” Chopp said.
