“After graduation, I was fortunate to spend five summers working as a recreation leader. It was a full-circle moment—moving from participant to leader—and it confirmed for me that recreation was not only something I loved, but something I wanted to dedicate my life to. Those summers were the true catalyst that led me to a career as a physical educator, where I could continue fostering the same opportunities for others that I had once been given.” - Mary Lou MacPherson
Recreation Nova Scotia’s most prestigious award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding, significant, and consistent contributions to recreation in Nova Scotia for over 20 years, has left full-time association with the field, and is someone the community wishes to acknowledge publicly. RNS is thrilled to announce that this year’s award will be presented to Mary Lou MacPherson at the 2025 RNS Conference taking place in Sydney, Cape Breton on Wednesday, October 22.
Mary Lou MacPherson’s athletic and professional journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and a trailblazing spirit. Born in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, she first discovered her love of sport in her backyard, playing baseball with neighbourhood kids. When she was barred from Little League due to gender restrictions, she turned that setback into motivation—embracing opportunities offered by the local summer recreation program.
Those programs quickly became the highlight of her days. Each morning, she would run to the ball field for softball, and in the afternoons, she was in the gym, playing basketball, floor hockey, or whatever activity was on offer. These formative experiences not only provided a safe and welcoming place to play but also sparked a lifelong passion for sport, recreation, and community.
Mary Lou went on to shine in basketball, serving as the starting point guard at Nova Scotia Teachers College, where she majored in physical education. She later earned her Bachelor of Education from St. Francis Xavier University before beginning a 40-year career in education with the Northside and Cape Breton-Victoria School Boards. She served as both a physical education teacher and an Active Healthy Living Consultant, making lasting contributions at the school, district, and provincial levels.
Her career highlights include:
• Innovation & Creativity – initiated and established school-wide theme days that became a beloved tradition, fostering creativity and a strong sense of community. Additionally, created unique opportunities for students to participate in activities they might not otherwise have the chance to experience, encouraging innovation and broadening their horizons.
• Student Connections – Built lifelong bonds with students, such as one Primary child who, after initially refusing PE, became a devoted participant and still visits her today.
• Partnerships – As a champion of Health Promoting Schools in the Cape Breton region, was at the forefront of the partnership for many years, supporting schools in reaching healthy living goals along with partners from Public Health, the provincial government (CCTH) and municipal recreation.
• Coaching Leadership – Coached basketball, softball, and soccer at multiple levels.
• Consultant Work (25 years) – Organized the district-wide torch relay and track and field; pioneered the use of iPads in PE; launched a district-wide curling program; introduced Girls Play 2; and championed initiatives such as Mindfulness in Schools, Restorative Practices, and Active Smarter Kids.
• Professional Leadership – Chaired and presented at Teachers Association for Physical & Health Education (TAPHE) conferences, served on the Quality Daily Physical Education (QDPE) National Committee, and co-authored PE and Health curriculum.
Her excellence has been recognized with numerous honours, including the TAPHE Dorothy Walker Award, the NSTU Teaching in Excellence Award, and induction into the Northside Sports Hall of Fame. As an athlete, she continues to excel—winning the Seaview Golf Club championships 22 times and capturing a gold medal in hockey at the National 55+ Games.
Beyond her career, Mary Lou is an active participant in many sports and activities, including golf, hockey, curling, cross-country skiing, pickleball, and hiking. Her lifelong dedication to recreation has inspired countless students, colleagues, and community members, making her a most deserving recipient of the 2025 Recreation Nova Scotia Honourary Lifetime Member Award.
There are still tickets available to attend the RNS Awards Banquet on October 22. Find details about the 2025 RNS Conference and register for the conference and/or the banquet at https://www.recreationns.ns.ca/rns-annual-conference.html. Registration deadline is this Friday, October 10. Following this date, please email Lisa at
