The UTSC Walk with Excellence

The Walk with Excellence was first established in 2013 by Itah Sadu, community leader, owner/founder of A Different Booklist, educator and award-winning children’s book author, in collaboration with the Blackhurst Cultural Centre, Toronto District School Board principals and high school leaders, the York University-TD Community Engagement Centre, and A Different Booklist. This annual event celebrates the achievements of graduating students from local high schools in Toronto's Jane and Finch community, signifying the beginning of their journey to post-secondary education. 

In 2017, the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) hosted its first Walk with Excellence. This ceremonial walk celebrated students' success transitioning from high school to post-secondary education and began at West Hill Collegiate Institute, culminating in the Meeting Place at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus. 

 This year, the Walk with Excellence returns to UTSC four the fourth year, featuring the launch of the inaugural UTSC Black Flourishing Award.

Event Schedule

10:30 a.m. - Walk with Excellence ceremony commences at West Hill Collegiate Institute

11:45 a.m. - Student begin walk to UTSC (1265 Military Trail Toronto, ON)

12:15 - 12:30 p.m. - Welcome and celebration at Highland Hall Event Centre, UTSC featuring campus leadership and community leader, Camesha Cox

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Lunch

1:30 - 3:00 p.m. - Further celebration, campus exploration/engagement for students, community service provider booths

3:15 p.m. - End of event

Invitation to Participate

As students and community members arrive at UTSC from West Hill CI, we hope to welcome them with the energy and enthusiasm that defines our campus. We are seeking volunteers to assemble along the celebration route (starting at the intersection of Military Trail and Ellesmere Rd, moving south-east towards the Highland Hall Event Centre) to greet and celebrate students with signs, encouragement, and school spirit. Students are anticipated to arrive between 12:30 – 12:45 p.m. (arrival times may vary).

We kindly ask that volunteers are available to participate from 12:15 to 1:00 p.m. on the day of the event. If you are available to volunteer, please visit the link below to confirm your participation by 5pm on Monday, May 11, 2026.

We welcome you to share this opportunity with any students, staff, faculty, librarians, and alumni who may be interested in participating in the 2026 Walk with Excellence.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and your help in creating a warm and memorable welcome for the students.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Celine Gibbons-Taylor (celine.gibbons.taylor@utoronto.ca) and/or Denise Lopes (denise.lopes@utoronto.ca).