The University of Toronto Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) recently hosted the annual Dean’s Student Leadership Awards. Established in 2004, the awards celebrate U of T students who have shown outstanding leadership and made significant contributions to KPE’s mission of advancing and disseminating knowledge about the interactions of physical activity and health – through academics, sports or community engagement.
Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of KPE, congratulated the students on all their accomplishments, saying she’s continually impressed by the passion and commitment they have for their academic and leadership pursuits.
“On top of your busy academic schedules, you have all found time to get involved and use your position of privilege as university students at the most prestigious university in the country to take on leadership positions and share your knowledge and skills with others,” said Kerr. “You’ve made a difference to the lives of others and to our programs and services here in the faculty."
KPE Associate Professor Kelly Arbour-Nicitopoulos
Associate Professor Kelly Arbour-Nicitopoulos, an expert in physical activity and disability, gave remarks about the significance of community engagement.
“Community engagement is by no means easy work,” said Arbour-Nicitopoulos, whose research and practice has involved working alongside individuals experiencing disability, Special Olympics and para sport coaches, parents of children experiencing disability and organizations invested in accessible sport and play. “It involves relationships that are built on trust and respect - rather than being built on assumptions -, shared decision-making, being flexible in one’s thinking and doing, and upholding open and responsive communication.
“These are principles that have guided my community engaged research and practice and likely many of the work that you have been actively engaged in as U of T students.”
Friends and families of the awarded students were out in full force to show their support. Here's Sarah-Grace Chai, who will be going on to law school next year, posing with her main cheerleader, her mom Phonmaly Chai.
The following students were honoured with the 2023 Dean’s Student Leadership Awards:
WILL BROOKS, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
SARAH-GRACE CHAI, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
OLIVIA CHRISTENDAT, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
ALEXA GOVETTE, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
SABRINA MALOUKA, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
SARAH MCGEE, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
JESSICA MUHA, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
MARA OITA, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
JANICE PANG, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
FRANCESCA PRINCIPE, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
MALIEKA SHAHID, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
AMY SUHANIC, Faculty of Arts & Science
ZOË SZABO, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
MANDY WANG, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Mara Oita is flanked by her younger sister Brianna and mom Roxanna. “She is always working really hard, so I’m happy to see her get what she deserves,” said Brianna.
In addition, three more awards were handed out.
JANICE PANG, a second year PhD student of biomedical engineering at the U of T Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, was honoured with the McCutcheon Award, while fifth year KPE student WILL BROOKS received the Hill-Powell Award. The McCutcheon Award and Hill-Powell Award are presented annually to two students of different genders who provide the most valuable contribution to the administration of athletics and recreation programs in the faculty during the during the current year.
As co-chair of the intramural sports council, Pang helped establish the intramural sports program at Graduate House, which has become a foundational program in enabling new residents to stay active and connect with other students. As co-president of the varsity board, Brooks supported student athletes like himself in balancing their academics, team training and competitions. 
Olivia Christendat, middle, poses with Associate Professor Ashley Stirling, vice dean of academics, and her parents and self-declared biggest fans Vivien and Dinesh.
The Kirkwood Award was presented to JESSICA MUHA. The award is presented to a student member of the U of T council of athletics and recreation (CAR), or one of its sub-committees or task forces, in recognition of a substantial contribution to the work of the council and its committees. A first-year graduate student of the Institute of Medical Science (IMS) at U of T’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Muha is co-chair of CAR and sporting director of the IMS student association, helping to promote students’ well-being through physical activity and sports. 
“Proud!” is how Amy Suhanic's parents West and Eduarda described the family mood.
Dean Kerr closed off the evening by wishing all the winners every success in their future endeavors.
“Your accomplishments, experiences and skills will serve you well wherever your ambitions may lead you,” she said.