A Toronto Catholic secondary school teacher and two elementary students have been honoured at the 2026 Council for Exceptional Children Toronto Chapter 56 Annual Awards Dinner, with recognition for accessibility work and student achievement.
Angelo Tocco, a teacher at Dante Alighieri Academy Catholic Secondary School, received the 2026 Teacher of the Year Award, according to the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Davielle Z., a Grade 7 student at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, and Chyan B., a Grade 8 student at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, each received a Yes I Can Student Award.
The board said Tocco was honoured for his work on accessibility, inclusion and equity in education. That work has extended from his classroom to his school and the wider Toronto Catholic District School Board.
Drawing on his own lived experiences, Tocco has worked to make learning environments more inclusive, the board said. His accessibility work has also reached beyond the school system.
According to the board, Tocco has contributed to accessibility initiatives and advised the Government of Ontario on accessibility standards. The board said his advocacy began when accessibility and inclusion received less attention.
Students recognized for learning achievements
Davielle's award recognized her achievement and participation in the PAST Program. Through that program, she worked toward goals involving social thinking, communication and self-regulation, the board said.
Chyan was recognized after achieving an average above 75 per cent while taking part in the Thinking Math Classrooms program. The program involved students working together in groups to solve complex mathematical problems.
The two student awards recognized accomplishments in different areas: Davielle's work toward communication and self-regulation goals, and Chyan's academic achievement in a collaborative mathematics setting.
The annual Ontario Council for Exceptional Children honours educators, paraprofessionals and parents for their dedication to supporting children with exceptionalities, according to the board's account of the event.
Its student awards recognize achievement across several areas, including academics, the arts, technology, community involvement, self-advocacy and student transition. The Toronto Chapter 56 dinner brought together recognition of staff contributions and students' accomplishments.
