Alumni Honorees Inspire Sixth Form Students

Students at the Sixth Form Awards Assembly received an added bonus during the ceremony on the eve of their graduation—heartfelt advice and encouragement for their journey ahead from Canterbury’s 2025 Alumni Award recipients. 

When the standout Saints—Thomas J. Sheehy III Distinguished Alumni Award honoree Barron Collier ’75 and Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient Christina Milano-Damaskos ’09—gratefully took the stage to accept their awards, they were just as pleased to share their thoughts and support with the soon-to-be graduates.

Society of Alumni Vice President Victoria Bundonis Rovin ’81 took a moment to congratulate the Class of 2025 before introducing Barry and Christina. “The day you started as a student here, you also became a treasured member of the Canterbury family,” she told them. “Today, you finish your chapter as a student, and tomorrow, you become a lifelong member of the Society of Alumni, which is dedicated to connection, mentorship, and support of our graduates. You are now part of more than 5,000 Saints who have taken their experiences at Canterbury to go make their mark on the world.” 

Victoria was joined on stage by Canterbury’s fifth Headmaster, Thomas J. Sheehy III P ’92, ’98, ’04, to present his eponymous award to Barry, a noted entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Partner in The Barron Collier Companies. During his acceptance remarks, Barry encouraged the Sixth Formers to always be mindful of what they learned at Canterbury. “Remember the moral compass that was instilled in you and the importance of making good decisions,” he said. “Embrace each new day as an opportunity. There are so many wonderful things to learn out there. Shut the TV off, get rid of the negative news, and look for the positives. Canterbury taught you critical thinking. Do not always accept what you are being told; make sure those things jell with what you believe.” 

Barry also reminded students how Canterbury taught them the value of service to others. “Please continue to share your time, talent, finances, or whatever it is that would make this world a better place,” he said. “Make people glad to have met you. Smile often. It doesn’t cost you anything, and it may make somebody who is having a rough day feel better.”

Christina is the Co-Founder and CEO of Athlon, a company dedicated to helping kids build healthy habits. After accepting her award, she told the Class of 2025 that there are three parts to every achievement. “The first is God—what this school is built on. Without God placing a special, unique talent in each of us, we would not have the gifts and abilities to accomplish things,” she said. “The second piece is where you are nurtured with the foundations that help you grow. The good news for graduates is that you have completed this part at Canterbury. So, the third piece is, where do you take it? How do you persevere with the grit and endurance to keep going when things are hard and not be overwhelmed? Go back to parts one and two. With God and a strong foundation of support, you can find a way through.”

She concluded: “Now you get to start your life and figure out what your career calling is. I cannot wait to watch all of you grow further and learn what you are meant to be doing after Canterbury.”

Barry and Christina have each found their calling and accomplished amazing things, and we are proud to honor them with two of our most prestigious alumni awards. 

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