News
Announcing the 2026 Volunteer Service Award Winners
We are deeply grateful for the time, talent and heart our volunteers put into supporting BSS. They are essential to our mission to empower girls through education, inspiring students daily through their leadership, voice and service.
At last night's Evening of Appreciation for volunteers, we were thrilled to recognize the 2026 Volunteer Service Award recipients. This year’s honourees have made a lasting impact on our community by fostering lifelong connections through music, coordinating meaningful parent-led school events, and championing international alumnae networks. They have created welcoming and inspiring spaces for students, families and alumnae, exemplifying the traits of the Signature of a BSS Girl.
Deb Piotrowski
Deb Piotrowski
An accomplished musician who holds a Master of Music from the University of Toronto, Deb Piotrowski enjoyed a renowned career at BSS as a music teacher, conductor and Head of Music. Though officially retired, her steadfast devotion to the school has never missed a beat. For nearly a decade, Deb has volunteered countless hours to lead and conduct the BSS Alumnae Choir. She meticulously sources music, coordinates rehearsals and unites alumnae spanning more than 50 graduation years. Whether preparing the ensemble for annual events like Nativity and Reunion, and milestones like the Chapel Centenary, or generously providing after-hours coaching for individual singers, Deb leads with high standards, infectious energy and profound care. She ensures that the gift of music remains a lifelong bridge connecting generations of the BSS graduates.
Karen Gautam
A proud BSS parent of Jaya ’25 and Aahna ’29, Karen Gautam is known for her deeply collaborative, kind and inclusive spirit, consistently stepping forward whenever her community needs her. She was a vital architect of reconnection following COVID-19, serving as an Event Coordinator on the Parent Association Executive and co-chairing successive welcome back events. Whether streamlining and reorganizing the Pre-Loved Uniform Sale to better serve families or lending hands-on support to Under the Stars, Diwali celebrations and the Bishop Bash, Karen is the ultimate community champion. Her trademark approach of shared leadership ensures that every volunteer feels valued, creating a warm and welcoming environment for all.
Jane WONG ’04
Karen Gautam
A proud BSS parent of Jaya ’25 and Aahna ’29, Karen Gautam is known for her deeply collaborative, kind and inclusive spirit, consistently stepping forward whenever her community needs her. She was a vital architect of reconnection following COVID-19, serving as an Event Coordinator on the Parent Association Executive and co-chairing successive welcome back events. Whether streamlining and reorganizing the Pre-Loved Uniform Sale to better serve families or lending hands-on support to Under the Stars, Diwali celebrations and the Bishop Bash, Karen is the ultimate community champion. Her trademark approach of shared leadership ensures that every volunteer feels valued, creating a warm and welcoming environment for all.
Jane WONG ’04
Jane arrived at BSS as an international boarding student from Hong Kong in Grade 11. She fully immersed herself in school life, earning the prestigious Colours Award for her sportsmanship, commitment and integrity in athletics, arts and academics. Today, she is a successful finance professional, serving as Associate Director of Product Delivery and Governance at Manulife in Hong Kong. Guided by a strong belief in the spirit of giving, Jane has served as the dedicated Chair of the Friends of BSS in Hong Kong since 2019. For seven years, she has been the driving force behind the annual New Students Tea, thoughtfully managing every detail to welcome incoming families. Furthermore, Jane has championed local charity initiatives (including community walks supporting women's shelters and marginalized groups), embodying the fearless, kind and community-minded spirit of a BSS alumna.
