Scott Luck has been named as one of just seven recipients across Canada for the National Award for Teaching Excellence in Physical and Health Education presented by Physical and Health Education Canada

Whether it’s leading high-energy gym classes or helping students discover their passion for physical activity, PhysEd Specialist at École Central Middle Scott Luck has always focused on getting kids moving – and now, he’s being recognized for his efforts on a national level.

Scott has been named as one of just seven recipients across Canada for the National Award for Teaching Excellence in Physical and Health Education presented by Physical and Health Education Canada. The award honours exceptional teaching and leadership in promoting wellness and physical literacy in schools.

“I didn’t know that I was being nominated – I was extremely surprised when I was told I was a recipient,” said Scott. “I just go about doing my day-to-day and for others to consider me in that type of category is a big honour.”

While he had not met the other recipients before the awards ceremony, Scott said he was humbled to be in their company.

“To be grouped together with the other recipients is such an honour. They are all amazing individuals who do amazing things,” he said.

Scott’s journey to education wasn’t typical. Initially being accepted into a combined PhysEd and Education degree right out of high school, he was steered away from the field. Years later in his 20s, he returned to his calling and earned his After Degree in Education from the University of Alberta. He landed his first teaching job at the age of 28.

He began his career in Edmonton and quickly came to Red Deer teaching at Hunting Hills High School before joining École Central Middle, where he’s spent the past eight years helping students discover the joy of movement.

“I love being active. I love seeing kids be active, and figure out what they are good at. It’s extremely rewarding,” said Scott.

He believes physical and mental wellness are key to student success. “In order for a student to excel academically, they have to be well. Wellness for me is all about the balance between being physically active, mentally well, and the pursuit of happiness,” he said.

Amanda Wilson, Principal at École Central Middle, said Scott is an exceptional Phys Ed teacher who creates inclusive, high-quality programs that cater to widely diverse student needs.

“He adapts lessons using translation tools, tactile clues, auditory signals, and specialized equipment, ensuring all students, regardless of ability or challenges, can participate and experience success,” she said. “Scott goes above and beyond regularly for his students and for our school in the classroom as well as with extracurricular activities. He is instilling a lifelong love of physical activity, and transforming his students’ lives with his dedication and creativity and we are incredibly fortunate to have him at CMS.”

From left are Teacher Alayne Baggaley, Grade 11 student Ejhisen Tabilisma, Grade 12 student Colten Kilpatrick and Teacher Dan Mills.

The Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School Esports Club is making waves, with its students climbing the global ranks of Rocket League – one of the world’s most competitive video games.

Colten Kilpatrick, a Grade 12 student, Ejhisen Tabilisma and Ethan Kuhn, both Grade 11 students, are proving that gaming isn’t just for fun – it’s a battleground for skills, strategy and success.

“I’m currently in the top 500 in Canada and the top 3,000 in the world,” said Colten, adding that Rocket League currently has approximately 90 million active players.

Rocket League, a high-octane fusion of soccer and rocket-powered cars, demands precision, teamwork, and split-second decision-making in which players control flying, boosting, and flipping vehicles to score goals in gravity-defying fashion. More than just a game, it fosters critical skills like strategic thinking, teamwork, effective communication, problem-solving, and resilience – qualities that extend far beyond the virtual field.

The Lindsay Thurber Esports Club, coached by Teachers Dan Mills and Alayne Baggaley, competes through Generation Esports, an international organization that runs competitive leagues and tournaments for schools that have students competing against other teams/students from across North America. To date, the teams have competed against players all over the United States, Canada and Mexico. The club not only provides a platform for competition, but also strives to foster and develop leadership, teamwork and STEM skills. Students in the club are also actively encouraged to maintain a balanced approach to their school work and classes with an emphasis on successfully completing their classes and course work.

Their achievements have drawn comparisons to elite athletes. “What these students are accomplishing is the equivalent of playing on an NHL team while still attending high school,” said Dan, adding the team has competed in nine international tournaments this year and have claimed first place in eight of them.

For Ejhisen, joining the Esports Club was a natural expression of his passion for gaming. Colten, on the other hand, was hooked from the moment he started playing. His dedication has landed him a spot on Nat 5, a professional esports team in Canada. “We recently played in the North American qualifier with 1,100 teams – and we placed 100th,” he said. The North American Qualifier sends the top 64 teams to compete for a position at the RLCS World finals which awards a prize pool of more than $1.1 million annually.

Colten’s esports success has also opened doors for his future. This fall, he will head to Spring Arbor University in Michigan on a scholarship, where he’ll compete on a collegiate Rocket League team while studying graphic design. Ejhisen has big plans, too – after graduating in 2026, he will pursue a career in medicine.

With their talent, drive, dedication and ambition, these Lindsay Thurber esports students are proving that gaming is more than just a pastime – it’s a pathway to a successful future.