Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1506618
Starting with a single award in 2008, a second, the Young Alumni of Distinction Award, was introduced in 2014, recognizing the accomplishments of graduates 35 years old or younger. Now a third category will be added in 2023, acknowledging alumni who, through their volunteer work and involvement, have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the school. To date, 32 exemplary alumni have received the awards. OUR LATEST HONOUREES In 2022, Peter Biro '78 was the recipient of the Alumni of Distinction Award, and Celeste Yim '14 the recipient of the Young Alumni of Distinction Award. "Our Alumni of Distinction awards have shone a light on some of our most impressive graduates," said Norman Gaudet, Head of School, at the awards ceremony last fall. "The recipients exemplify the TFS motto of 'individuals who reflect, citizens who act.'" Mr. Biro is a human rights and litigation lawyer, CEO of Newcon Optik, chair emeritus and past chair of the Jane Goodall Institute, a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and the founder of SECTION 1, a think tank dedicated to addressing the challenges of liberal democracies in Canada and around the world. He is also a writer and musician. He lends his expertise and passion to numerous social and environmental causes, ranging from animal rights and wildlife conservation to battling police corruption in major urban centres. Mr. Biro credits Toronto French School co-founder Harry Giles and his parents, current affairs specialist, Erika Biro, and businessman, George Biro, for developing in him a strong sense of civic duty, and exposing him to great writers, major thinkers and the insight that complex problems are best understood and addressed through interdisciplinary inquiry. "TFS taught us all to care about culture, history and civilization," said Mr. Biro. "It instilled in all of us a love of learning, but also a love and a respect for knowledge and reverence for life in all its forms and manifestations." Yim is a staff writer on NBC's Saturday Night Live and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Toronto and a Master of Fine Arts from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Yim credits their time at TFS for helping them develop their literary and comedic talent. "I incorporated writing and comedy into everything I did. I turned every project into some sort of writing project," said Yim. "By the time I went to university, I had already been training to go out in the world and BY RYAN CHURCHILL WITH DISTINCTION ENTRE NOUS 34 Established in 2008, the Alumni of Distinction Awards celebrate the contributions of outstanding TFS alumni. Championed by Nancy Cohen '78, the goal was to increase the profile of our alumni and provide role models for today's students.