PAUL MERCANTECATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE All posts

Community • Accountability • Results • Education

Research Happening in Our Own Backyard: Using Evidence to Help Our Students Succeed

September 28, 2026 • By Paul Mercante

Participants1,450

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Hamilton schools36

Youth, caregivers and educators contributed to local research examining how children learn, grow and experience their school communities.

Some of the most relevant research on student success is happening right here in Hamilton at McMaster University.

McMaster’s Hamilton Youth Study involved approximately 1,450 youth, caregivers and educators across 36 Hamilton schools, with the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board among its partners. The research examines youth health, functioning and the environments in which children learn and grow.

Research using Hamilton Youth Study data has also examined school belonging, loneliness and youth mental health, helping us better understand students’ experiences within their school communities.

McMaster researchers are studying other issues families see every day. Longitudinal research has examined school attendance and academic achievement, while Ontario research has investigated screen time and reading and mathematics achievement. Other McMaster-linked research has explored bullying, mental health and school attendance, as well as school readiness, screen time and sleep.

This is where research connects naturally with CARE: Community, Accountability, Results and Education.

We should listen to our community, use evidence to guide decisions, measure outcomes and focus on helping every student succeed.

World-class education research is happening in our own backyard. We should be learning from it.

Community voicesEndorsements

“Paul Mercante is already a pillar of our community through coaching and encouraging young athletes. His energy, enthusiasm, and dedication would be an asset to our schools and students.”

— Juliette Vrantsis

“Paul Mercante is a dedicated and compassionate community leader who truly cares about the success and well-being of every student. I’m confident that Paul will bring a thoughtful, strong voice and a genuine commitment to supporting families, students, and staff as an HWCDSB trustee.”

— Melissa Dickson, HWCDSB Educator

“My family and I have the privilege of being close friends with Paul Mercante, and his passion, integrity, and compassion for others exemplify Christian leadership.”

— Marina Mancini, HWCDSB Educator

“Coach Paul was an amazing soccer coach for our twin boys. He demonstrated great leadership while creating such a friendly, positive, and welcoming environment for the kids. Our boys always looked forward to showing up to soccer and seeing Coach Paul. They had so much fun, learned a lot, and truly enjoyed every practice and game. We are very grateful for the time, encouragement, and positive energy he brought to the team.”

— Amanda Pimenta

“I am proud to endorse Paul Mercante for Catholic School Board Trustee in Wards 12 and 13. Throughout my career as a social worker, therapist, and senior leader in the child welfare sector, I have worked alongside children, families, and educators. Those experiences have taught me that effective leadership begins with listening, thoughtful decision-making, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of young people. In getting to know Paul, I have come to appreciate his dedication to family, community, and Catholic education. He understands that a trustee’s role is not simply about governance. It is about ensuring that students feel supported, families feel heard, and schools remain strong, welcoming communities where young people can thrive. Paul brings a collaborative approach, sound judgment, and a sincere desire to serve others. I believe he will be a thoughtful advocate for students, parents, educators, and Catholic school communities. Paul Mercante has earned my confidence and my support, and I am pleased to recommend him to the voters of Wards 12 and 13.”

— Rocco Gizzarelli, MSW, RSW

“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Paul Mercante for more than 25 years, both personally and professionally. Over that time, I’ve come to know Paul as someone of tremendous character and integrity; a thoughtful, driven leader who genuinely cares about the people and community around him. He brings the same energy, sound judgment, and commitment to everything he takes on, whether in business, with his family, or in service to others. As a lifelong Hamiltonian, I have every confidence that Paul will bring those qualities, along with a collaborative and practical approach, to serving our students, families, and Catholic school community.”

— Vince Raso, CPA, CA, CBV

“My family and I have known Paul for over 20 years. He’s a person of integrity who truly cares about family, community, and education. I know Paul will be a strong voice for our students, families, and schools. I wholeheartedly support Paul!”

— Eugene Mazzuca, Haleon National Account Manager

“Paul is a great leader and very personable. He is highly respected in our community and is very approachable when wanting to discuss anything.”

— Chris Piano, HWCDSB Educator

“I am proud to endorse Paul Mercante for School Board Trustee for Wards 12 and 13. I have known Paul for more than 35 years, and throughout that time I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the kind of person he is. Paul is a man of the highest integrity, strong character, and genuine commitment to his community. What has always stood out to me about Paul is that he leads by example. He is honest, dependable, hardworking, and someone who treats people with respect. He is the kind of person who listens, follows through on his commitments, and does what he believes is right—even when it isn’t necessarily the easiest thing to do. I believe these qualities will serve him extremely well as a School Board Trustee. Our schools and our children deserve representatives who will listen, work collaboratively, stand up for what is right, and make decisions with integrity. After knowing Paul for 35 years, I have no hesitation in saying that he is exactly the kind of person I would want representing our community and advocating for our children and families. I strongly encourage residents of Wards 12 and 13 to support Paul Mercante for School Board Trustee.”

— Joel Campbell, Atos, Cybersecurity Executive

“Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of working closely with Paul Mercante through Ancaster Legacy FC, and I can say without hesitation that he is someone of outstanding character, integrity, and genuine commitment to serving others. As one of our volunteer Legacy Kids coaches, Paul has consistently gone above and beyond for the children he coaches. He creates an environment where players feel supported, encouraged, and excited to return each week. In fact, many of the families who have experienced Coach Paul specifically ask to have their children with him again, a reflection of the positive impact he has on young people and the trust he builds with parents. What has always stood out to me is that Paul understands youth development is about far more than teaching soccer. He believes, as I do, that we develop the person first and the player second. He leads with patience, respect, accountability, and kindness while helping children build confidence, resilience, and a love for being part of a team. Paul is also someone I deeply value because of his commitment to volunteerism. He willingly gives his time, energy, and experience because he genuinely cares about making our community stronger. He believes in creating positive environments where children can learn, grow, and succeed, and he has been an important supporter of the values and culture we continue to build at Ancaster Legacy FC. Having worked alongside Paul, I know him to be thoughtful, dependable, and someone who always puts the needs of young people first. Those are qualities that extend well beyond the soccer field and are exactly the type of leadership our community should value. I am proud to support Paul Mercante in his campaign for Catholic School Board Trustee and wish him every success. I have no doubt he will bring the same dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving students and families that he has demonstrated throughout his years of volunteering with our club.”

— Chris Markou, Director of Operations & Community Engagement, Canada Soccer Technical Director Diploma, Ancaster Legacy FC

“I am proud to support Paul Mercante for School Board Trustee in Wards 12 and 13. Paul is a dedicated family man whose values, integrity, and commitment to helping others are evident in everything he does. Through his involvement in youth sports and extracurricular activities, he has consistently invested his time and energy in supporting young people and strengthening our community. I am confident he will be a strong advocate for students, families, and educators.”

— Anthony Di Nardo, HCDSB Educator

“I have seen Paul consistently give his time and support to local fundraisers and initiatives that matter to patients and families in Hamilton. His willingness to be present, contribute, and advocate for the health of our community is why I personally support his candidacy for school board trustee.”

— Dr. Eugene C. Maida, MD, MBA, CHE, FRCPC

“Paul Mercante is as genuine as they come. He leads with integrity, puts people first, and truly cares about the community and the people around him. Paul is the kind of person who listens, shows up, and follows through—not because it’s expected of him, but because that’s simply who he is. His character, work ethic, and commitment to doing what’s right have earned my respect. I’m proud to stand behind Paul and support him.”

— Jason Herd, TradeTraks Founder/CEO, Fairway Electrical, Hamilton-Halton Construction and Ancaster Minor Hockey President