Filling every row of the Isabel Bader Theatre, proud parents, relatives and friends watched and clapped enthusiastically as one student after another went up to the stage to pick up an award – or two - for their academic or co-curricular achievements.
The event was the 2024 Student Awards Reception hosted by the University of Toronto Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) to celebrate both undergraduate and graduate students who have gone above and beyond in the classroom and outside.
“The impressive number of awards we’re seeing tonight is just one more testament to our students’ excellence,” said Gretchen Kerr, professor and dean of KPE. “As an alumna, professor and dean of the Faculty, I know the hard work and dedication that goes into being a student at U of T, Canada’s most prestigious and academically rigorous higher education institution.
“It’s not easy to balance your studies and extra-curriculars with your home life, social life and, in some cases, work, but these students manage to pull it off with incredible grace and leadership and that’s certainly something to celebrate.
“Their commitment and perseverance will serve them well as they continue their studies - and well after they graduate.”
Students were awarded for their marks and presentations, research ability and publications, leadership skills and community contributions … The list was long and the awards were many, but all reflected the Faculty’s commitment to advancing healthy living through inclusive movement. 
J'mi Worthen, seen here posing with her mom, picked up the KPE Inclusive Excellence Award
Graduate student J’mi Worthen was awarded the KPE Inclusive Excellence Graduate Scholarship award, presented to a student in the Faculty’s graduate program, who identifies as Canadian First Nations, Metis, Inuit and/or Black, on the basis of academic excellence.
Worthen said she felt humbled, privileged and honoured to receive the award and was inspired to fulfill her potential at the Faculty.
Standing by her daughter beaming with pride, Worthen’s mom summed up her feelings in just a few words: “J’mi’s been a star since birth! I am so proud to see her soar, challenge and push herself to new heights.”
Undergraduate student Melina Lavasidis, third from left, and PhD candidate Nicki Pourhashemi , second from the right, are flanked by family members after getting their awards. Lavasidis won the Kirk Wipper leadership award for her involvement in outdoor projects, while Pourhashemi picked up the Glenn H. Carter fellowship in exercise intervention and disease prevention, and the Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport (TISS) scholarship.
Pride was the word most often heard throughout the evening, but one parent upped the ante by describing himself as feeling “ecstatic” to see his daughter pick up two awards. Michael Merante’s daughter Francesca won the KPE Alumni Scholarship, awarded to students in each year who attain the highest academic average based on a recognizable, full-time program of study. She was also inducted into the R. Tait McKenzie Society, an honour bestowed on students who are in the top ten in their academic year and achieve an “A” average based upon a full course load.
“I feel very honoured,” said Merante, now in her second year of undergraduate studies. “I won some awards in high school, but coming into university I wasn’t sure I’d be able to keep it up. I’m very proud that my hard work has paid off.”
Graduate students Margaret Harrington and Ikeade Charles Adeyinka attended an international conference with their scholarship funding
A number of students were awarded funds for experiential learning, among them Margaret Harrington, who got the Peter Klavora International Conference Award presented to students in the KPE undergraduate or graduate programs in support of a research presentation at an international academic conference.
Harrington, a PhD student in the Faculty specializing in biomechanics, used the funds to attend an international conference in Barcelona, Spain. Not only did she have the opportunity to present her research and learn from other experts in the field, the international networking opportunities resulted in an offer to do research work this fall in Bologna, Italy.
“Our Faculty is committed to developing, advancing and disseminating knowledge about the links between physical activity and physical and mental health – and these awards honour students who reflect that commitment,” said Kerr. “They excel in the classroom and they go above and beyond through co-curricular activities here on campus and volunteer work in their communities.
“We’re proud to celebrate them.”