An Evening Honouring Excellence: The 2025 Alumni of Distinction Awards
The Alumni of Distinction Awards are a time-honoured tradition at TFS, recognizing graduates whose achievements and service continue to shape communities here in Canada and around the world.
First launched in 2008 and awarded to just one recipient, the Alumni of Distinction program has grown remarkably. Today, with three awards and a dedicated celebration, it stands as a testament to the shared values and aspirations of the TFS community and our collective commitment to making a difference. This year, we proudly recognized Martha Hall Findlay ’77 with the prix de distinction des anciens élèves de TFS; Benjamin Cardarelli ’11 with the prix de distinction des jeunes diplômés; and Charles Knapp ’80 with the prix du service distingué Nancy S. Cohen.
Before the formal ceremony, Martha returned to campus to meet with students and senior leadership, sharing her career journey and providing expertise on topics like sustainability. In lively classroom discussions, she encouraged students to think critically about Canada’s environmental future. One of her favourite moments from that afternoon, she noted, was telling students that TFS taught her to “expand horizons, as opposed to closing off to the world around us.”
“I feel very lucky to be part of these transformations, both as a student then and as a parent now,” Ben shared.
In her own remarks, Martha offered a message of gratitude: “Un grand merci à l’école pour le cadeau et pour le privilège d'avoir été élève ici.”
As the recipient of the prix du service distingué Nancy S. Cohen, Charles Knapp reflected on the importance of giving back, noting that of all his volunteer commitments, the one that means the most and brings him the greatest joy is mentoring young students.
As the evening drew to a close, his words captured the spirit of the evening: pride in the past, inspiration for the future and the enduring bonds of the TFS community.
Before the formal ceremony, Martha returned to campus to meet with students and senior leadership, sharing her career journey and providing expertise on topics like sustainability. In lively classroom discussions, she encouraged students to think critically about Canada’s environmental future. One of her favourite moments from that afternoon, she noted, was telling students that TFS taught her to “expand horizons, as opposed to closing off to the world around us.”
With the school day drawing to a close, the focus shifted to an intimate dinner with this year’s honourees and their families. Laughter, conversation, warmth and shared pride filled the room. It was a moment to acknowledge the journeys that began at TFS and have since shaped communities near and far.
Finally it was time for the main event. Parents, students, alumni, staff and friends trickled in and, after a reception featuring fresh oysters and lively conversations, the award’s ceremony officially began. Our AOD Selection Chair and Class of 2001 alumna, Lara Brady, was our host for the evening, while Deputy Head of School Jean-Bastien Urfels opened the ceremony by celebrating the many eras of TFS represented in the room. “Although the school has grown and changed tremendously since its founding, there are threads that bind us all together — integrity, mindfulness, intellectual curiosity, free thinkers and a desire to be difference makers in our community and the world.”
One by one, each recipient was introduced, their achievements highlighting hallmarks of a TFS education: enduring curiosity, global awareness and a commitment to service.
Accepting his award, Ben Cardarelli spoke of his experience both as an alumnus and a current TFS parent. He recalled the school’s evolution, from the construction of the soccer field during his student years to the campus transformation underway today.
“I feel very lucky to be part of these transformations, both as a student then and as a parent now,” Ben shared.
In her own remarks, Martha offered a message of gratitude: “Un grand merci à l’école pour le cadeau et pour le privilège d'avoir été élève ici.”
As the recipient of the prix du service distingué Nancy S. Cohen, Charles Knapp reflected on the importance of giving back, noting that of all his volunteer commitments, the one that means the most and brings him the greatest joy is mentoring young students.
As the evening drew to a close, his words captured the spirit of the evening: pride in the past, inspiration for the future and the enduring bonds of the TFS community.
