Radics, Jarotski earn major kinesiology 2026 graduate awards

The most outstanding graduate must demonstrate leadership and participation within the college, on campus, and in their community, with academic performance also taken into consideration. Making a difference on campus, in her college, and in the community, earned Radics the honour for 2026.

“I feel very honoured and grateful to be named the most outstanding graduate of 2026,” she said. “From the second I stepped foot in the PAC on my first day as an undergraduate, I knew I was right where I was meant to be. To be recognized by a college that I have always been so proud to be a part of, with a mission that I am very passionate about feels very special.”

Radics was born and raised in Saskatoon, and chose to pursue a degree in kinesiology because she has a passion for movement and for helping others be able to move and achieve their greatest physical potential.

“Movement and the ability to be active is something that can be taken for granted, and growing up I had people who taught me to always appreciate this ability I had to move around and do the activities I love,” said Radics.

Throughout her time in the College of Kinesiology, Radics immersed herself in leadership, mentorship, volunteerism, and hands-on learning opportunities. She served four years as a class representative with the Kinesiology Students’ Society, where she helped plan community events, attended weekly student council meetings, and participated in monthly meetings with college leadership. Through this role, she strengthened her confidence as a leader and advocate for student experiences within the college.

“My time as a student has been filled with opportunity and support. There were countless opportunities available for me to grow, from getting to be involved with the Kinesiology Student Society Council, to becoming a peer mentor, to getting to be a student trainer, to becoming an honours student and having the opportunity to work with dedicated faculty who guide you through the research process.”

As a third- and fourth-year student, Radics took on the role of Huskie Health student-trainer with the Huskie women’s basketball team, dedicating more than 660 hours of service. Through the experience, she developed valuable leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while applying the knowledge she gained throughout her kinesiology degree. Her time with the program also led to opportunities to represent the college at the national level on two occasions, including a national championship this past season.

“Where there are opportunities, there are also faculty and mentors there to help support you along the way. I am so grateful for the professors, faculty, and physical therapists that I have been able to learn from and that have supported me throughout my time spent in the college.”

One of Radics’ most meaningful experiences outside the classroom came through volunteering with the Physical Activity for Active Living (PAAL) program, in which her sister is an active participant. Through PAAL, she became involved with Spirit Flyers, an inclusive dance program that creates opportunities for individuals with cognitive and/or physical impairments to participate in dance and be celebrated for their abilities. That experience later introduced her to Wheels in Motion, a wheelchair dance program designed specifically for dancers who perform in wheelchairs.

“Being involved in these programs was incredibly meaningful to me. They reminded me of the importance of inclusion, community, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued and supported.”

Looking back on her university experience, Radics said the relationships and opportunities she found within the College of Kinesiology will stay with her long after graduation.

Next fall, Radics will be entering her first-year in the USask Physical Therapy program. 

“I have a special interest in neuroscience and aspirations to work in neurological rehabilitation in the future, so I am looking forward to all of the things I will get to learn in this next step of my journey.”

If she could tell incoming freshman one thing it would be, “Do not to be afraid of being uncomfortable. Putting yourself in situations that you feel uncomfortable in sometimes is what you need to grow, so don’t shy away from opportunities just because you feel like you won’t be good at them right away.”

The second kinesiology award presented at Spring Convocation is the Dean’s Medal, awarded to the graduating student with the highest grade-point average. Jarotski was thrilled to be this year’s recipient. 

“I feel extremely honoured to be awarded the 2026 Dean’s Medal and am incredibly grateful for all the support I have received throughout my academic journey,” she said. “Receiving this award reflects not only my own work, but also the encouragement of my family, friends, classmates, and professors who have helped me along the way.”

Jarotski grew up in Saskatoon, and as a dancer, was looking for a program that would support her interest in health and movement. She had heard great things about the College of Kinesiology as an academic program but also, its tight-knit community and extensive learning opportunities. 

“The friends I’ve met have been a true highlight and I will always cherish the times we’ve spent together chatting between classes, working on group projects, or getting together outside of school is one of my favourite memories.”

Her time in the college has been defined by the knowledge she has gained and the strong community of people she has come to know. Through her involvement in various classes, the Kinesiology Student Society, the Honours program, and volunteering with different initiatives, she has had the opportunity to work alongside incredible individuals who have all contributed to her positive social experience within the college.

“These relationships have also fostered my understanding and application of course materials, as collaborating with my peers and learning from my professors has been integral to helping me grow academically.”

Her time in the Honours program and the opportunity to conduct a research project under the guidance of Dr. Kevin Spink (PhD), alongside Radics — her Honours partner — was especially meaningful to her. The experience allowed her to explore her research interests, gain a deeper understanding of the research process, and work closely with a wonderful team of individuals who made the experience even more rewarding.

Her advice to incoming students: “There are so many opportunities available to you through this college, so try to take advantage of as much as you can. You’ll never know what might interest you until you try it, so get involved, make connections, and approach each experience with curiosity and an open mind.”

And to her fellow graduates, “Congratulations! We’ve all worked incredibly hard to reach this moment and we should be very proud. I’ve truly enjoyed getting to meet and work with so many of you throughout our time together in this college. I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours.”

After graduating in June, Jarotski will begin her studies at USask’s College of Medicine in the fall of 2026, having already been accepted into the program.