OFSAA’s Character Athlete Award celebrates the efforts of the exceptional student-athletes in Ontario who best exemplify the characteristics that OFSAA is founded on.
Nominations come to the OFSAA office detailing the exceptional character of student-athletes from across the province. This year’s recipients inspire those around them with their involvement on the playing field and in the classroom, in both school and community.
To learn more about the award and the process to apply please go to https://www.ofsaa.on.ca/recognition/scholarships/character-athlete-award
Selecting just two females and two male winners from the over 200 submissions is not an easy task, but these four individuals stood out for their commitment to OFSAA’s values of leadership, equity, respect and sportsmanship. Each winner will receive a $500 grant from Baron Rings, a commemorative plaque and a Baron ring to recognize this outstanding achievement.
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Le Prix d’esprit sportif de la FASSO récompense les efforts d’élèves athlètes exceptionnels en Ontario qui incarnent les valeurs fondamentales de la FASSO.
La FASSO reçoit des mises en candidature détaillant le caractère exceptionnel d’élèves athlètes de partout en province, qui inspirent leur entourage par leur participation aux sports scolaires et leur implication scolaire et communautaire.
Sélectionner seulement deux femmes et deux hommes gagnants parmi plus de 200 candidatures est une tâche difficile, mais ces quatre personnes se sont démarquées par leur engagement envers les valeurs de leadership, d’équité, de respect et d’esprit sportif de l’OFSAA.
Merci à notre commanditaire, Baron Rings, d’avoir décerné une bourse de 500 $ à chacun de nos deux lauréats.
2024-25 Female Recipient: Charlotte (Char) Ailey
Charlotte “Char” Ailey is an exceptional Grade 12 student-athlete whose inclusive leadership, strong moral character, and extensive contributions to both school and community make her a deserving recipient of the OFSAA Character Athlete Award. Char consistently demonstrates the values of leadership, commitment, respect, equity, and growth—both in sport and in life.
Throughout her time at Superior Collegiate & Vocational Institute (NWOSSAA), Char has been a driving force in athletics. A dedicated multi-sport athlete, she has represented her school in cross-country running, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, basketball, soccer, track and field, and curling. She has qualified for OFSAA in cross-country every year and earned recognition through MVP titles, All-Star selections, Coaches Awards, and Academic-Athletic achievement. As team captain of the cross-country running, skiing, and mountain biking teams, she is known for her supportive presence and inclusive leadership—leading warmups, orienting new athletes to trails, and uplifting teammates with kindness and encouragement.
Char’s resilience was on full display in Grade 10 when a cancelled flight to OFSAA cross-country meant her team had to drive 16 hours overnight. Despite the circumstances, she stayed positive, rallied her teammates, and placed an impressive 25th. This unwavering optimism and determination is a hallmark of Char’s leadership.
Beyond competition, Char is deeply committed to mentorship and empowerment, especially for girls and marginalized youth. As a Women on Skis Group Leader and Fast and Female volunteer, she has led over 50 young participants through skill stations, games, and team-building activities. She’s a regular volunteer with the Black Sheep Mountain Biking Club, teaches young skiers through the Jackrabbit program, and serves on the NWOSSAA Sub Executive Council, helping shape regional sport policy with an equity-focused lens.
Char’s influence also extends far beyond athletics. She is a Fridays for Future climate activist, co-led an art show fundraiser that raised $1,855 for student support initiatives, and volunteers at a wide range of school and community events, including the Iftar Celebration, Mean Girls play, Gryphon Gala concert, SCVI Open House, and Health Care Vitals booth. Her creativity and advocacy come together in Superior Senses, the student wellness company she founded, focused on mental health and holistic well-being.
A student in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Health Care program, Char has shown deep commitment to learning and service. Even after a Spring 2024 injury, she continued to show up for her track and mountain biking teams—leading warmups with her voice and cheering loudly from the sidelines.
Char also recently exhibited her artwork in a professional gallery show, showing her dedication to growth in all areas of her life. She treats everyone with respect—whether welcoming newcomers to school teams, supporting exchange students, or creating spaces where everyone feels valued.
Char Ailey represents the best of student sport: a compassionate leader, tireless volunteer, accomplished athlete, and advocate for positive change. Her legacy is one of kindness, inclusion, and impact. She is a true role model, and an ideal recipient of the OFSAA Character Athlete Award.
2024-25 Female Recipient: Alexa Cormier
Alexa Cormier is a remarkable grade 12 Honour Roll student whose high school journey has been defined by excellence in athletics, academics, and community leadership. A dedicated athlete, she has balanced a demanding training schedule with an unwavering commitment to academic success and service to others, consistently demonstrating compassion, initiative, and resilience.
Throughout her time at Christ the King Catholic Secondary School (GHAC), Alexa has competed at a high level in swimming, soccer, track and field, and rugby, while also excelling in taekwondo outside of school. Her competitive achievements include five OFSAA appearances across eight events in swimming and track and field—an accomplishment that reflects both her athleticism and her dedication. A vital member of the school’s swim team, Alexa has played a pivotal role in the growth of the program, recruiting and mentoring new athletes and helping many of them find success at regional and provincial levels. Her willingness to adapt and take on roles such as relay participation to create opportunities for teammates highlights her selfless nature and team-first mentality.
Alexa’s leadership extends far beyond the pool and track. She is deeply committed to making a difference in her school and broader community. She is the founder of @Masc.r.aid, a pandemic-era initiative through which she sewed and donated over 5,000 reusable masks—contributing more than 1,600 volunteer hours. Her philanthropic spirit is evident in her work organizing and supporting fundraisers such as the Canadian Cancer Society (raising over $1,000), “Cookies for a Cure,” and the ongoing Soap for Hope Drive for third-world countries. She also organized the RePlay sports equipment drive, promoting equity in youth sport access through the donation of gently used gear.
In addition to these initiatives, Alexa has served as a mentor at Christ the King, supported Earth Day community clean-up efforts, and participated in school faith events—reading at liturgies and contributing to the teacher-student Remembrance Day band. She has also shared her leadership and athletic expertise as a taekwondo instructor and camp leader, giving back to the sport that has shaped her. Her commitment to advocacy was further recognized through her involvement with AP Student Voice, where she worked to amplify student perspectives within the academic community.
Her exemplary combination of intelligence, dedication, and compassion earned her the Irene McCauley Memorial Award, recognizing her as a top student-athlete and role model. Whether volunteering behind the scenes or standing at the front of a team, Alexa is a quiet yet powerful force who leads by example.
She is a thoughtful, dynamic, and driven individual who brings out the best in those around her. With a future as bright as her past is impressive, there is no doubt Alexa will continue to make meaningful contributions in society—both in and out of sport.
We are proud to recognize Alexa’s exceptional accomplishments and are excited to see where her compassion and leadership will take her next.
2024-25 Male Recipient: Cole Hulton
Cole Hulton is a standout Honour Roll student-athlete and leader whose impact is deeply felt across his school and community. A recipient of last year’s prestigious B’nai Brith Award—given to the student who best exemplifies sportsmanship and excellence in athletics—Cole continues to embody the core values of leadership, commitment, and respect in everything he does.
Throughout his time at Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School (EOSSAA), Cole has been a driving force on the Varsity Boys Hockey, Senior Football, and Ultimate Frisbee teams. Known for his relentless work ethic and sportsmanlike conduct, Cole leads by example, motivating his teammates and earning the respect of opponents and coaches alike. In hockey, his dedication both in practice and in competition helped his team capture a KASSAA Championship, EOSSAA Gold, and OFSAA Bronze. His teammates look up to him not just for his skill, but for the way he treats the game—with discipline, humility, and heart.
As a captain of the Senior Football team, Cole plays a pivotal role in building team cohesion and guiding his team through adversity. His ability to remain composed under pressure and encourage others to maintain focus and sportsmanship has been key in achieving past team success, including a KASSAA Championship. In Ultimate Frisbee, Cole’s influence shines in his ability to promote accountability and trust among teammates. His passion for collaboration and growth strengthens the team dynamic and exemplifies what it means to be a true leader.
Cole’s influence extends far beyond the playing field. As a peer tutor in mathematics, he takes a patient and personalized approach to helping fellow students succeed, supporting not just their academic growth but their confidence and resilience. His mentorship is rooted in empathy and a belief in the potential of every student.
In the community, Cole’s leadership shines as a youth football coach for players in grades 2–4. He fosters a safe, inclusive environment where young athletes can build teamwork, discipline, and a love for sport. His impact has been so meaningful that he’s invited back year after year. Cole coaches with the goal of instilling lifelong active habits, no matter what sport these children pursue.
One of Cole’s most notable contributions this year was convening the school’s First Annual Wheelchair Basketball Tournament. As convenor, he ensured the event emphasized inclusivity and accessibility, offering athletes across the city the opportunity to compete, learn, and grow. Thanks to Cole’s dedication, the tournament laid the foundation for what is expected to become a lasting tradition of inclusive sport.
Additionally, Cole serves as Youth Director for the Wolfe Island Horse Association, where he supports the development of young riders and helps set up and run horse shows. A former participant himself, Cole now gives back by promoting fairness, safety, and personal growth within the program. His leadership helps create opportunities for all youth to thrive.
Cole Hulton is more than an athlete—he is a role model. Through his actions, he consistently strengthens the spirit of his school and community. Cole is committed to the Consecutive Bachelor of Education Program at Trent University.
2024-25 Male Recipient: Kabir Nijjer
Kabir Nijjer is an outstanding scholar, athlete, and leader whose impact spans academics, athletics, community engagement, and entrepreneurship. Arriving at Central Peel Secondary School (ROPSSAA) during the post-COVID transition, Kabir began as a quiet, undersized Grade 9 student with no formal volleyball experience. Today, he graduates as a transformative force at CPSS, having led initiatives that shaped the culture of his school and extended far beyond it.
Athletically, Kabir has redefined what’s possible for a public school program. After being cut from his middle school volleyball team, he joined CPSS’s junior squad and, through relentless work, became captain of the senior team. Under his leadership, the program rose from obscurity to win its first-ever Tier 1 regional championship—ending a 60-year drought and earning a berth at OFSAA. He also captains the varsity soccer team and contributes to track and field, baseball, badminton, and ball hockey, earning Junior Athlete of the Year and nomination for Senior Athlete of the Year.
Kabir’s leadership extends throughout the school. He currently serves as Vice-President of the Griffins Athletic Council, Co-President of the CPSS STEM Fellowship, and General Executive of the Financial Leadership Association. He’s also an executive with STEAM IC, a Link Crew Leader, and has represented CPSS at both DECA and FBLA, winning international and national awards. A passionate debater, Kabir is an eight-time award-winning Model UN delegate and member of the school’s Mock Trial and Bail program.
His contributions reach far beyond school walls. As Senior Director of Finance for the Canadian Young Investor Society, he mentors high school students across Canada on financial literacy and entrepreneurship. He is the Curriculum Officer for the Good Eats Project, where he helps students create social enterprise models that benefit local food banks. He also founded the Canadian Youth Diplomatic Initiative, empowering students to engage in international policy dialogue, and serves as Vice-President of the Markham FBLC and Director of Toronto Model United Nations.
Kabir has also gained professional experience typically reserved for university students. He completed a rotational finance internship with ZuraBio and interned at TD Bank’s Global Markets division, trading real assets and commodities—a rare achievement for a high school student.
Academically, Kabir is one of the top-performing students at CPSS. A passionate problem-solver, he combines his love of sports and business to develop real-world solutions. Most recently, he won first place at DECA Provincials for “Swiftsol,” a product he invented to clean dust from the tongue of shoes—an idea born from a slip during volleyball practice. His innovation and strategic thinking earned him a spot at the DECA Internationals, the largest high school business competition in North America.
Kabir will attend Western University and the Ivey Business School this fall, where he plans to continue developing his leadership and entrepreneurial ventures. From coaching at his former middle school to raising $20,000 for Terry Fox and founding national youth programs, Kabir’s legacy is one of lasting, meaningful impact. He is a change-maker whose best is still to come.
