Athletics & Recreation held their annual Academic All-Stars breakfast Wednesday at Grant Hall, with a record 549 varsity student-athletes being recognized for having earned Academic All-Star status (3.5 grade-point average or higher) in the 2024-25 academic year at Queen's University.

Of the 549 varsity student-athletes recognized, 287 came from the Faculty of Arts & Science, 73 from Health Sciences and Nursing, 71 from Engineering & Applied Science, 69 from the Smith School of Business, 21 from Education, and 28 from Graduate Studies, including Law.

A&R also proudly presented the Nixon Academic Leadership Award to Mary Stewart (Volleyball), Tristan Gazaille (Cross Country & Distance Track), Alyssa You (Artistic Swimming), and Ben Sigurdson (Ultimate).

The Nixon Award is given out to the male and female athletes from both the varsity teams and clubs who have exemplified achievements in academics, community service, and fair play in their sport. These awards are named in honour of Gord and Janet Nixon, two extraordinary benefactors to Athletics & Recreation.

Stewart (Concurrent Education) created an impact that extended beyond the volleyball court during her time at Queen's. Stewart volunteered with youth in lower-income neighbourhoods through a weekly breakfast program and helped organize and deliver holiday support boxes for families experiencing financial hardship, an effort she expanded by rallying fellow athletes to join.

As a teaching student, Stewart contributed beyond expectations by coaching the primary girls' volleyball team at her placement school, sharing her passion for sport and fostering confidence in young athletes.

Stewart also helped coordinate a teddy bear toss and SickKids fundraising initiative with QUCHA for three consecutive years and has contributed to organizations including Kingston Interval House, Queen's Students for Literacy, and Cam's Kids, all while serving on the Varsity Leadership Council.

"During her five-year career with Queen's Women's Volleyball, Mary was named captain for three of those years, exemplifying and modelling true leadership by upholding team standards, strengthening team culture and acting as the voice of her teammates," said Queen's Women's Volleyball Head Coach Shanice Marcelle. "On the court she has always displayed a high level of respect and regard for opponents, officials and teammates in how she communicates effectively as leader of the team and a representative of Queen's."

Gazaille (Health Sciences & Nursing) has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community service, the arts, and youth development throughout his five years at Queen's. As a volunteer with Kingston Health Sciences Centre, he supported delirium-prevention initiatives through the Hospital Elder Life Program, offering therapeutic engagement and mealtime and mobility support to patients over 70. He also contributed to infection-control efforts as a Hand Hygiene Auditor, conducting patient surveys and helping the IPAC team identify areas for improvement.

Beyond his healthcare involvement, Gazaille is a classically trained oboist who serves as principal oboist with the Queen's Wind Ensemble and performs with the Quinte Symphony in his home community. He extends the same dedication to youth as a childcare worker with BGC South East, providing inclusive, developmentally focused programming. Gazaille also volunteers with Queen's Country Country & Distance Track initiatives, including food drives for Martha's Table, Special Olympics events, and coaching young athletes. Across all roles, he consistently leads with integrity, empathy, and a genuine commitment to service.

"Tristan is an incredibly ethical and hardworking person," said Queen's Cross Country & Distance Track Head Coach Mark Bomba. "Whether it is managing various interpersonal decisions and making empathic choices, or his experiences as a university calibre class university athlete, he can be trusted to persevere in any work environment."

You (Health Sciences) distinguished herself as a standout leader within Queen's Varsity Artistic Swimming and beyond. Known for her integrity, sportsmanship, and steady, positive leadership, You consistently elevates those around her. You creates inclusive routines that showcase her teammates' strengths, leads with professionalism in both victory and defeat, and sets a standard of excellence admired across the program.

Her impact extends well past the pool. You is the co-founder and president of the Queen's Clinical Skills Society, an initiative that connects classroom learning to practical healthcare experience through workshops and professional panels. She also volunteers with the Student Association of Geriatric Education, supports the Queen's Exploring Medicine podcast team, and contributes to innovative research through the Youreka Undergraduate Research Program and a clinical placement at SickKids. A national champion and the team's 2024–25 MVP, You also strengthens the sport nationally through her work as a Board Member with Canada Artistic Swimming.

Known for his humility, integrity, and team-first mindset, Sigurdson (Arts & Science) exemplifies leadership both on and off the field. Sigurdson has unwavering positivity, whether helping guide the team to national medals or supporting from the sidelines during injury, and his commitment to the Spirit of the Game, consistently competing with respect, honesty, and intensity.

Sigurdson's community impact is equally impressive. He volunteers with Love and Stockings for Igloolik, helping deliver holiday gifts and essential items to children in Nunavut. As Co-President of the Queen's University Children's Healthcare Association, Sigurdson has led record-breaking fundraising events for SickKids Hospital. He also contributes through Motionball, junior ultimate coaching, and service on the Varsity Leadership Council and Safe Sport committees. Sigurdson also contributes to newborn health research with Newborn Screening Ontario.