The James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School community extends its sincere gratitude to Ben Mulroney and his outstanding producers, Mike and Amy, for featuring alumna Zara Arrindell on The Ben Mulroney Show. Zara, now a first-year law student at York University and a proud graduate of James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School, represented both her school and community with exceptional dignity and purpose.
Her appearance marked a significant milestone—not only for Zara, but for every young person within the Toronto Catholic District School Board who wonders how far their voice can reach when they are believed in, supported, and encouraged to lead.
Zara’s story reflects the very best of what Catholic education strives to cultivate. Growing up in the Jane and Finch community and raised in a single-parent household, she chose a path grounded in academic commitment, service, faith, and leadership. Through perseverance and focus, Zara became an integral student leader at James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School, serving as student manager for all athletics and supporting countless school initiatives.
What makes Zara’s journey exceptional is that she did more than participate—she created.
With the encouragement of her mother, the trust of her former principal, and the mentorship of her former teacher, Zara helped build what would become the Ontario Scholastic Soccer League (OSSL). What began as an idea—that every child deserves consistent access to sport, mentorship, and development beginning in elementary school—has grown into a transformative model for student athletes across the community.
During the podcast, Zara articulated a message rooted in equity and student voice: children should not experience sport only through isolated tournaments dictated by weather or outdated structures. They deserve year-long development, consistent coaching, and environments where passion, character, and skill can flourish from the earliest grades.
Her advocacy aligns directly with the Toronto Catholic District School Board’s mission of nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—while creating inclusive opportunities for every learner, particularly those in underserved communities.
Zara’s story is more than an interview. It is tangible evidence of what happens when a young person from Jane and Finch is given structure, mentorship, and a platform to lead. She reminded audiences that brilliance exists everywhere—and that when we invest in our students, they build the pathways the next generation will follow.
We are incredibly proud of Zara Arrindell. Our school is proud of her. And she has made the entire community proud.