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Announcing our 2025-26 Community Award Recipients

3/3/2026

Each year, SMLS is proud to recognize members of our school community who have gone above and beyond in their contributions to our school, their professions, and the greater community. This year we recognize three such individuals, Donna Cossitt, Tanya Brown, and Dr. Anita Zijdemans-Boudreau ’76.

Life Governor Award Recipient

We are proud to recognize Donna Cossitt as the recipient of the 2025-26 Life Governor Award.

For nearly four decades, Donna Cossitt has been an integral part of St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School, serving in roles including Secretary, Admissions Coordinator, Admissions Liaison, and Advancement Liaison. A trusted presence for generations of students, families, and colleagues, Donna has played a foundational role in shaping the culture of warmth, belonging, and connection that defines SMLS. Often the first face prospective families encountered, she approached admissions not as a process, but as a relationship rooted in trust, care, and advocacy.

Joining the School during a pivotal period of growth and transformation, Donna helped guide SMLS into a new era while preserving its spirit and traditions. Frequently described as the “walking archive” of the School, she carries nearly forty years of institutional knowledge with humility and generosity. Her unwavering commitment, integrity, and deep belief in the mission of girls’ education make her a most deserving Life Governor.

Nadine Farran-Gatti Distinguished Service Award Recipient

We are proud to recognize Tanya Brown as the recipient of the 2025-26 Nadine Farran-Gatti Distinguished Service Award.

Tanya Brown has demonstrated exceptional volunteer leadership and dedication to the SMLS community over nearly a decade of service. From PA Liaison to Vice President and Parent Association President — including leading during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic — Tanya has brought steadiness, integrity, and compassion to every role she has undertaken. Her leadership has strengthened partnerships between families and the School while fostering connection during times of uncertainty.

Beyond her executive roles, Tanya has contributed meaningfully across numerous initiatives, including co-chairing Blue Jeans & Bling, expanding the Used Uniform program to increase accessibility and sustainability, serving on the Food Service Committee, and sharing her professional expertise as a Registered Dietitian with students. She exemplifies respect, commitment and courage — always serving not for recognition, but from a deep belief in the mission and community of SMLS.

Outstanding Alumna Award Recipient

We are proud to recognize Dr. Anita Zijdemans-Boudreau ’76 as the recipient of the 2025-26 Outstanding Alumna Award.

Dr. Anita Zijdemans-Boudreau ’76 is an accomplished educator, scholar, and international leader whose career reflects innovation, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to equity in education. A former boarder, Prefect, athlete, and arts participant at SMLS, Anita went on to build a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in Canada, the United States, and beyond. Most recently serving as Director of the School of Learning and Teaching at Pacific University in Oregon, she has mentored graduate and doctoral students, launched transformative academic programs, and advanced pathways to diversify the educator workforce.

A recognized leader in the integration of technology and systems thinking in education, Dr. Zijdemans-Boudreau’s work centers on preparing educators to meet the needs of increasingly diverse communities. As the daughter of an inspirational single mother of colour, she forged her path through spaces where barriers were real, becoming the first woman of colour to serve as a page and guide in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Her legacy is defined not only by professional accomplishment, but by her enduring commitment to education as a force for inclusion, leadership, and positive societal change.

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