From St. Thomas to Public Service: How School, Mentorship, and Creativity Shaped a Career
by Marilyn Santucci
For many graduates, high school is remembered as a blur of classes, friends, and milestones. For St. Thomas High School alumnus Matthew Sancton, those years were the foundation of a career in public service and even the inspiration behind a children’s book.
Reflecting on his time at St. Thomas, Sancton points to both extraordinary opportunities—such as trips to Europe, New York, Washington, and the Canadian Student Leadership Conference—and the ordinary, everyday moments with friends and teachers. “More than anything, the most memorable part of my time wasn’t a big trip or a singular event,” he says. “It was the string of routine moments over five years that allowed me to grow as a person and form lifelong friendships.”
A central figure in that growth was Ms. Ditchburn, his drama and leadership teacher. Her dedication extended far beyond the classroom, from facilitating student council meetings to organizing conferences, trips, and school-spirit events. “She saw potential in me and gave me the opportunities to build confidence and grow as a leader,” Sancton recalls. “When I think of the teachers who had the biggest impact on me, she’s the one who always comes to mind.”
That foundation carried into his university years. Initially unsure of his career path, a love of history and politics led Sancton to McGill University, then to a master’s degree in public and international affairs at the University of Ottawa. An internship at the Canadian Embassy in Norway confirmed his calling: the federal public service. Today, he continues that journey at Health Canada. “Public service is something I feel in my bones,” he explains. “I can’t envision myself doing anything else.”
His education didn’t just equip him with academic knowledge—it instilled leadership, collaboration, and communication skills. Growing up in a bilingual environment also proved invaluable. “At the time I didn’t fully appreciate it, but being immersed in both English and French has been a real asset in my work.”
In addition to his policy work, Sancton recently explored a different form of public engagement: writing. Inspired by a friend’s children’s book, global events that weighed heavily on him, and his young niece and nephews, he penned The Ripple Effect. The story emphasizes how small acts of kindness can create positive change in the world. “Regardless of who we are or what we do, we all have the ability to take actions that leave a lasting impact,” he says. With the encouragement of his girlfriend and the artistic partnership of illustrator Alyse Mercey, the project came to life.
Though he has no immediate plans for another book, Sancton remains open to the idea. For now, he is busy promoting The Ripple Effect at local events while continuing his work in government and volunteering with organizations such as the Forum for Young Canadians.
Asked what advice he would give today’s Lester B. Pearson students, Sancton’s message is clear: don’t get caught up in comparisons. “There is no singular path to your destination,” he says. “With persistence and patience, you can always get to where you want to go, even if there are setbacks along the way.”
Proud to call himself a St. Thomas alumnus—his car keys still carry the school’s keychain—Sancton credits his parents, teachers, and classmates with shaping his journey. Whether through policy, mentorship, or storytelling, his goal remains the same: to keep making a difference.
