It is exciting to see the impact that technology is having across K-12 education and on the future of fundamental learning.
We’re proud of our role in education technology innovation and recognize and appreciate the invaluable efforts our volunteers contribute to the work that we do. We’re pleased to acknowledge and celebrate our volunteers through ECNO awards.
The nominees for our awards showcase leadership, expertise, and dedication in their work, and demonstrate how technology can have a positive effect on education technology. These awards are presented, when appropriate, at the Annual ECNO Conference.
Dan Cousineau Award
The ECNO Community named the award after Dan to recognize members that exhibit his qualities and dedication to furthering education in Ontario. The 2026 recipient was Jason Hillier, Executive Information Technology Officer, Avon Maitland District School Board, who is a visionary leader in educational technology whose contributions have significantly shaped Ontario’s K–12 ICT landscape. Jason’s dedication to collaboration, problem-solving, and knowledge sharing exemplifies the spirit of the Dan Cousineau Award, making him a truly deserving recipient.
Dan Cousineau played a key role in directing computer technology in Ontario school Boards. Those who crossed paths with Dan respected his abilities as a visionary and leader. Those who didn’t know Dan saw the impact of the mark he made in technology in school Boards.
Past Dan Cousineau Award Winners
2001 – Frank Mastronardi & Sheila Rennick
2002 – Rick Hughes
2004 – Rick Gelinas & Kari Packalen
2005 – Wayne Toms
2006 – Adrienne Lemieux
2007 – Christine Downey
2008 – Sandra Quehl
2010 – Sheila Kalapacz
2011 – Frank Mastronardi
2012 – Cathy McCabe
2013 – Del Schmucker
2014 – Mike Kirby
2015 – Greg Elliott
2016 – Ron Plaizier
2017 – Steve Young
2018 – James Proulx
2019 – Francis Mailloux
2022 – Jerry Lu & John McCormick
2023 – Chris Dale
2024 – Brent McDonald
2025 – Chris Demers
Sandra Quehl Award
The fourth winner, announced at the 2026 conference, Sandy Owens, Executive Officer, Technological Services at Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, is a trailblazing leader in educational ICT, whose decades-long commitment to equity, mentorship, and innovation has left a lasting impact for women in Ed-tech. Her legacy of service, advocacy, and professional excellence exemplifies the spirit of the Sandra Quehl Award. we congratulate her on receiving this honour!
To many of the women leaders in K-12 IT in Ontario, Sandra was a mentor and role model. She lived a life and shared the virtues of equity, diversity, and the role of women in leadership. The ECNO Community named the award after Sandra to recognize outstanding female Leadership in K-12 IT in Ontario.
Past Sandra Quehl Award Winners
2023 – Paulla Bennett
2024 – Carolyn Glaser
2025 – Cathy Thier