Driven by a deep belief that no young learners should get left behind, Amanda Pont-Shanks and Lucia Marchionda (BA ’25, BEd ’25) are dedicated to ensuring all youth experience a healthy, happy childhood.

The two Faculty of Education (FOE) changemakers were honoured this spring with King Charles III Coronation Medals.

Administered by the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, the prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada through transformative community involvement and service.

Pont-Shanks, a final-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECE) student, was celebrated for her significant contributions and advocacy for Métis-led early learning and child care.

As Programs and Services Manager for early learning and child care with the Métis Nation of Ontario, Pont-Shanks has helped better the lives of more than 3,000 Métis children by connecting them to their culture.

“I love being part of the Métis community; this is my life. The early educational years are critical to improve well-being for our community,” she said.

Amanda Pont-Shanks, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education student and King Charles III Coronation Medal recipient (second from left) worked alongside knowledge keeper Jim Tolles at the 2024 Métis Nation of Ontario Fall Family Camp, seen above gifting an Early Learning and Child Care sash to a participating family.

Pont-Shanks develops supports for families related to improving literacy, accessing health care and mental health resources, and finding affordable camps and child care.

Her connection with families begins at the start of live for Métis babies in Ontario, when registered families receive the Baby Bundle program developed by Pont-Shanks and her team.

“We provide baby care items and our original Métis-centred children’s books to help them connect with their culture through literacy as well as information for our programs and services,” she said.

Pont-Shanks sought feedback from her community about what they needed most, notably improving access to child care and physical and cognitive diagnostic assessments for children.

Brock’s BECE program has widened her perspective on the early years, she said, impacting how she thinks about program delivery for young learners.

“The BECE program made me think about what inclusion and accessibility really look like, and how we make sure all Métis children can access what we offer,” she said.

Pont-Shanks said inclusion is a main driver for her advocacy work as a member of the National Advisory Council for Early Learning and Child Care.

“I am advocating for Indigenous children across Canada,” she said. “My approach is through a Métis lens, but we can’t leave any of our cousins behind — every child matters.”

Marchionda, a recent graduate of Brock’s Concurrent Teacher Education program, received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her outstanding dedication to education, community service and youth empowerment.

With thousands of volunteer hours to her name, Marchionda has made a lasting impact in classrooms, churches and community spaces across Hamilton and Niagara.

As Webmaster and Co-ordinator of the Christian Service Program for the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB), Marchionda developed a first-of-its-kind digital platform that fosters purpose-driven service across Ontario by connecting secondary students with meaningful volunteer opportunities.

Brock University Faculty of Education graduate (BA ’25, BEd ’25) Lucia Marchionda was awarded a 2025 King Charles III Coronation Medal this past spring in recognition of her dedicated volunteer and community service across Hamilton and Niagara.

She has also served as Site Supervisor for the HWCDSB’s Focus on Youth summer camp program, run by Rising Stars Athletics and Education, creating safe enriching spaces for children and teens in Hamilton’s downtown core while mentoring high school students — many of whom were newcomers or at-risk youth — in leadership roles.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to help create a safe space for children and teens who need it most,” she said.

Marchionda promotes equity and teamwork in her community, overseeing more than 150 volunteers and 600 children in a free soccer league as On-Field Program Coordinator for the ArcelorMittal Hamilton Grassroots Soccer Program and as Communications Coordinator for SportHamilton, where she helps to organize city-wide events and youth initiatives.

A dedicated parish volunteer, Marchionda serves as Minister of Holy Communion and Lead Social Media Coordinator at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church and as Webmaster for St. Anthony of Padua Parish.

In recognition of her efforts, including service to the Hamilton/Stoney Creek Terry Fox Run, McMaster Children’s health initiatives and the Ontario Physical Literacy Summit, Marchionda received the Government of Canada Emerging Leader Award and the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers.

“I just want to help people,” she said. “If you have the ability to help, do it. That’s how I live my life.”

Other 2025 King Charles III Coronation Medal recipients from the Brock University community include:

• Sevag Belian (BA ’23)
• Steffanie Bjorgan (BA ’90)
• Debra Inglis, Director of Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute
• Mike Kirkopoulos (BSc ’00)
• Gary Libben, Professor of Applied Linguistics
• Betty-Lou Souter (LLD ’14)
• Matt Miller (BPhEd ’17, BEd ’23)
• Irene Newtown (BA ’74, MEd ’79)
• Christopher O’Connor (BBA ’13)
• Dan Patterson (LLD ’09)
• Jason Ribeiro (MEd ’15)
• Pamela Sharp (BA ’05)
• Peter Warwick (BA ’83)

Editor’s note: If members of the Brock community are aware of recipients not noted above, please email [email protected] to have the names added to the 2025 King Charles III Coronation Medal recipients list.