PEISAA 2025 Award Winners

PEISAA Administrator’s Award

The “School Sport Administrator’s Award” is an Annual Award presented by the Prince Edward Island School Athletic Association. This Administrator’s award is presented to an active member of the P.E.I.S.A.A. to recognize the outstanding contribution of the nominee to school sport within the PEISAA mandate.

2025 recipient is Karen Aucoin Smith

Karen Aucoin-Smith, a tireless advocate for school sport and a dedicated leader at Souris Regional School. Karen first stepped into the role of Athletic Director in 2003 as a temporary fill-in — but by 2008, she had officially taken on the position full-time, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Karen oversees both Intermediate and Senior athletics, consistently championing opportunities for student-athletes, especially in smaller schools. Her dedication ensures that every student, regardless of school size, gets the chance to compete, grow, and succeed through sport.

In addition to her role as Athletic Director, Karen wears many hats: she coaches basketball and badminton, helps run and judge track and field events, and is a constant presence at school competitions — making sure things run smoothly for athletes, coaches, and officials alike.

Her commitment extends beyond the walls of the gymnasium or the sidelines of the field. Karen works hard not just for her students, but for the entire Souris community, bringing heart, leadership, and excellence to everything she does.

Garth Turtle Merit Award

The Merit Award is an award presented by the Prince Edward Island School Athletic Association. The Merit Award is presented to one active member of the P.E.I.S.A.A. per year to recognize a career of outstanding contribution to P.E.I. school athletics. The Garth Turtle Merit Award is presented annually to a dedicated member of the PEISAA who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to school athletics in Prince Edward Island. This year, we are proud to recognize Kellie Steele as the deserving recipient.

Kellie Steele embodies the spirit of the Garth Turtle Merit Award, an honor truly earned through years of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to school sport in Prince Edward Island.

Kellie has been a passionate and unwavering supporter of school sports for over 30 years. Her journey with the PEISAA began as a student-athlete and evolved into roles as a coach, parent, spectator, and school athletic director. Through each of these roles, Kellie has consistently shown a deep commitment to the growth and development of student-athletes.

Her passion lies in coaching and mentoring, and she has coached nearly every school sport offered, including Provincial Field Hockey teams, always striving to guide her athletes to be their best both on and off the field. She is known for the strong, lasting connections she builds with her athletes, earning their trust and respect through her dedication and support. Her deep connections with students and her ability to motivate and support them have earned her immense respect across the Island.

As an athletic director in the demanding junior high environment, Kellie consistently put sports first. She coordinated schedules and tournaments with fairness and competition in mind, not advantage. Kellie went above and beyond to ensure every athlete had the opportunity to participate, grow, and succeed. She encouraged students to volunteer, host events, and take on leadership roles, helping them gain valuable experience and confidence. She maintained strong relationships with fellow coaches, referees, and administrators, and always handled both victories and defeats with the class and dignity the role demands. Her approach has fostered a strong sense of community and pride in school sport.

Charlie Ballem “Builders” Award

The “Builders’ Award” is an Annual Award presented by the Prince Edward Island School Athletic Association. This Builders’ Award is presented to a former member of the P.E.I.S.A.A. to recognize an outstanding contribution towards the promotion and development of School Athletics in Prince Edward Island.

Dedication to students, athletes, and the broader community has spanned decades.

Peter has worn many hats over the years: a passionate educator, a dedicated volleyball coach, and a highly respected basketball referee. Through each of these roles, he’s left an enduring impact—teaching not only skills and strategy, but values like discipline, respect, and perseverance.

In the classroom and gymnasium, Peter was known for creating a space where students felt seen and supported. On the volleyball court, he built strong, unified teams that competed with integrity. And as a basketball referee, he earned admiration for his fairness, calm demeanor, and deep knowledge of the game.

What makes Peter truly exceptional is not just his experience, but his character. He never looked for recognition—he simply showed up, gave his best, and made those around him better. His influence can be seen in the lives of countless students, athletes, and colleagues who carry his lessons forward every day.

Coach Award

The “Coach Award ” is an Annual Award presented by the Prince Edward Island School Athletic Association. This award is presented to one active member of the P.E.I.S.A.A. per year in recognition of a significant contribution coaching contribution made to team or teams in the PEISAA. It is the position of the Awards Committee that this Award emphasize the “humanitarian aspect” and not necessarily focus solely on “competitive success”.

A coach whose name has become synonymous with discipline and tradition in high school basketball in PEI. But aside from basketball, he has also been deeply involved in developing athletes in a plethora of sports including volleyball, cross country, badminton, and track and field—often coaching from September to June and across 2 different schools during the same year, his presence is felt in plenty of PEISAA venues.

After 17 seasons at the helm of TOSH AAA men’s basketball, he is stepping down. This coach didn’t just lead a team—he ran a regimented program. A strict system. A demanding culture. You didn’t show up late. You didn’t slack off and you worked.

He was a firm, authoritative leader. Practices were precise, expectations were high, and excuses were few. But behind that hard edge was a relentless drive to make players better—on and off the court. He didn’t coddle. He challenged. And year after year, his teams reflected that toughness: disciplined, focused, and ready for battle on the court.

He leaves the game with multiple provincial championships and tournament victories—but more than that, he leaves with the respect of the hundreds of athletes he has coached over the years. And now, tonight, he receives this provincial Coaches Award—recognizing not just success in coaching, but the character, conviction, and clarity that it took to build it.

His voice may fall silent, but his influence will echo in every gym his players walk into.

Brodie McCarthy Award

This award is very special to us here at the PEISAA. Given to a student in Grade 12 and meeting requirements to graduate in the current year.

This is not an academic award, however it is a “Student Athlete” award and therefore the student must have an average over 70% during their Grade 12 year.

The student must have participated in at least 2 (two) PEISAA sanctioned sports during their Grade 12 year, individual or team sports.

Students must have at least a 70% average in grade 12. Participation in PEISAA sanctioned activities during their grade 12 year. Outstanding display of “Being a Good Sport” when participating in PEISAA events. Involvement in other activities within their school. Involvement in the community, volunteer work, etc.

Ashley is a very high achieving student with marks that reflect that and was on the student council. She played numerous PEISAA sports and excelled at each including golf, cross country, soccer (Captain), basketball (Captain), power lifting, badminton, rugby, high school hockey, and Track and Field. She also excelled outside of school in her community by volunteering at the Western Hospital, coach youth basketball and flag football and referee soccer as well as serve on STOMP a group to eliminate youth vaping as well as participate in the choir.

PEISAA Official’s Award 

The “Officials Award” is an annual award presented by the Prince Edward Island School Athletic Association. This Officials Award is presented to one active member of a PEI Officials Association per year in recognition of a significant contribution to the officiating of PEISAA sanctioned events Officials and recognize an individual who goes above and beyond in their commitment to school sport through officiating. This year, we are proud to recognize Jeff Thompson — a dedicated official whose passion, integrity, and work ethic have made a meaningful impact on school soccer.

Jeff came into officiating later in life, bringing with him a wealth of experience from years of playing competitive soccer and supporting his children from the sidelines. Despite starting at a stage when many might shy away from learning a new role, Jeff embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and a desire to continually improve his skills.

Over the past few years, he has taken on a significant number of assignments in soccer — a sport where it is increasingly difficult to find officials, especially in the fall. Games often start early in the afternoon as daylight fades, making it particularly challenging for those balancing full-time jobs. Jeff, however, has consistently made the effort to be available, even when it meant rearranging his own schedule.

What truly sets Jeff apart is his willingness to go the extra mile — quite literally. Not only has he taken numerous games in and around Charlottetown, but he has also stepped up to officiate in areas with fewer officials, helping ensure schools across the Island have access to qualified referees.

It’s gestures like these that show Jeff’s integrity, professionalism, and genuine love for the game. He doesn’t just officiate — he helps make school sport better for students, coaches, and communities alike.