Local real estate agent Marco Dias is a proud alumnus of Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Bradford.
This year, he introduced his first award—The Eagle Leadership Award—honouring one exceptional student for their remarkable contributions.
The award was presented to Celine Handal, recognizing her outstanding leadership throughout the year.
“As a student at Holy Trinity, those four years truly shaped my future and prepared me for the road ahead,” says Dias. “The teachers’ dedication to their students was unmatched. They made learning engaging and relatable, shared invaluable life stories, and invested countless extra hours in extracurricular activities like sports, music, and drama. Their unwavering commitment went above and beyond, ensuring we had every opportunity to succeed.”
The REALTOR® also remembers that when graduation approached, teachers helped with scholarships and preparing them as best as possible for the next stage of their lives.
“I was incredibly fortunate to receive several scholarships, which immensely supported my post-secondary education,” says Dias. “Holy Trinity shaped me in countless ways, and I am deeply grateful for my time there.”
An inspiration during a difficult time
“In 2022 my mom passed away in late August. As anyone who has lost someone close to them can appreciate, it was a difficult year to traverse. As a REALTOR®, our business is very fluid and our clients require our expertise to help navigate them to their desired goals. As professionals, even when personal events occur, we are their trusted representatives and they rely on our expertise during the sale or purchase of their home and to achieve their aims,” says the agent.
The following year, he was honoured with the Eagle Award at his brokerage, Keller Williams Referred Urban Realty. “I was both surprised and deeply grateful for this prestigious recognition,” says Dias. “The experience left a profound impact on me and fueled a strong desire to offer others in the community the same sense of achievement and inspiration.”
The value of leadership
Leadership is like a muscle, Dias says; it requires consistent training to grow and strengthen.
Giving back has always come naturally to him. Over the years, he watched his family and close friends help one another, whether it was some food from the garden, help with a project, giving their time or even their love and support. “It made a lasting impact on me,” he says.
“For several years, I have been involved in Holy Trinity’s co-op program, empowering grade 11 and 12 students with real-life work placements. Having participated in the program myself as a student, I know firsthand how transformative and valuable this opportunity can be,” he says.
“I am always amazed at the resilience of young adults, their curiosity and ability to adapt and be agile. Their energy is boundless, as are their dreams, and it is in this spirit that we should also honour them.”
He believes it is the leaders in our schools that help shape our students for their futures and it is the leaders in our communities and industries that shape where we live and how we work.
“Leadership needs to be fostered at a young age,” says Dias. “It is a privilege to be part of the Holy Trinity community, where recognizing students who exemplify leadership both within the school and in the broader community is imperative. Their influence is vital, and their impact is felt far and wide.”
For advice on selling your home or making your next purchase, visit The Dias Group or call 905-716-5026. You can also follow them on Facebook.