KPE's annual Reception for Scholars celebrates the academic achievements of its undergraduate and graduate students and recognizes the donors who contribute to their success. On November 21, the award winning students came together with their donors, who looked on proudly as the students picked up their scholarships and shared their plans for future success.
Viiu Kanep (left) chats with Zerada Slack Leadership Award recipient Emily Hickey (middle) and her friend
Sophia Masterson-Pinedo was in grade ten when she injured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in her knee. After surgery, she went through physiotherapy, which only intensified her fascination with how the body works.
“I would read the posters around the hospital room and learn about different parts of the body and their common injuries,” she says. “My surgeon explained the procedure and my physiotherapist explained the purpose behind each exercise.”
The experience led her to the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at U of T.
“I was especially interested in the fact that we would have the opportunity to participate in cadaver labs. Even after just three months, I one hundred per cent believe I made the right choice coming here,” she says.
Masterson-Pinedo came to KPE as a top scholar with 97.3% on her eight grade 12 courses and 97.8 on her top six, with 100 per cent on biology. She and four other KPE first year students won the President’s Scholar of Excellence Award earlier in the year and on November 21, she picked up her Wenda Kwong Entrance Scholarship at the Faculty’s annual Reception for Scholars. The event celebrates the academic achievements of its undergraduate and graduate students and recognizes the donors who contribute to their success.
Our Faculty shows it's also colour coordinated: From left to right, former KPE Professor and donor Peter Klavora, Associate Professor and Vice-Dean of Academic Affairs, Ashley Stirling, graduate student and recipient of the Peter Klavora scholarship award, Joseph Gurgis, and Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Research, Luc Tremblay
“Our students excel in the classroom with outstanding commitment and they go above and beyond through co-curricular activities here on campus and volunteer work in their communities,” said Professor Ira Jacobs, dean of KPE. “They are bright, engaged and talented leaders and we are proud to call them our own.”
Jacobs also expressed his appreciation for the generous alumni and friends who support the Faculty and make a profound impact on the lives of students, such as Masterson-Pinado.
“Because of dedicated friends like you, the Faculty is able to fund an annual scholarship program that recognizes dedication to academics and leadership,” he said.
First year KPE student Naqeebullah Barak (right) poses with a friend
Masterson-Pinado was among the 82 student recognized this year. Among them was Naqeebullah Barak, a U of T Scholars Program recipient. Barak’s parents emigrated from Afghanistan to Canada, an experience he credits for his motivation to one day help people around the world as a physician. The eldest of five children, Barak has always strived to be a role model for his siblings.
“My parents are not as educated as I have come to be, so I’ve had to do many things on my own. I hope my post-secondary education at the University of Toronto will lead me to becoming a leader, someone who can make change happen for people who don’t have the same privileges that we have, such as access to health care,” he says.
Barak describes himself as a competitive person who has always strived for the top, despite growing up in one of the least wealthy areas of Toronto.
“I taught myself to never give up, no matter how many attempts it takes to achieve my goal.”
For now that means making the most of his four years of undergraduate education in kinesiology, a program that brings together his love of science and extra-curriculars.
Masterson-Pinedo also dreams of going into sport medicine eventually, although she is keeping her options open.
“KPE is such a tight knit Faculty and extremely encouraging to first years to get involved. I’m really looking forward to growing and learning within this community,” she says.