PEISAA 2025 Awards Banquet - Merit Award

Garth Turtle Merit Award

The Merit Award is an award presented by the Prince Edward Island School Athletic Association. The Merit Award is presented to one active member of the P.E.I.S.A.A. per year to recognize a career of outstanding contribution to P.E.I. school athletics.

Garth Turtle Merit Award – Kellie Steele

The Garth Turtle Merit Award is presented annually to a dedicated member of the PEISAA who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to school athletics in Prince Edward Island. This year, we are proud to recognize Kellie Steele as the deserving recipient.

Kellie has been a passionate and unwavering supporter of school sports for over 30 years. Her journey with the PEISAA began as a student-athlete and evolved into roles as a coach, parent, spectator, and school athletic director. Through each of these roles, Kellie has consistently shown a deep commitment to the growth and development of student-athletes.

Her passion lies in coaching and mentoring, and she has coached nearly every school sport offered, including Provincial Field Hockey teams, always striving to guide her athletes to be their best both on and off the field. She is known for the strong, lasting connections she builds with her athletes, earning their trust and respect through her dedication and support. Her deep connections with students and her ability to motivate and support them have earned her immense respect across the Island.

As an athletic director in the demanding junior high environment, Kellie consistently put sports first. She coordinated schedules and tournaments with fairness and competition in mind, not advantage. Kellie went above and beyond to ensure every athlete had the opportunity to participate, grow, and succeed. She encouraged students to volunteer, host events, and take on leadership roles, helping them gain valuable experience and confidence. She maintained strong relationships with fellow coaches, referees, and administrators, and always handled both victories and defeats with the class and dignity the role demands. Her approach has fostered a strong sense of community and pride in school sport.