CHILDREN'S RIGHTS ADVOCATES AND EDUCATOR AWARDED FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO
PUBLIC EDUCATION

TORONTO, Nov. 18 /CNW/ - Tonight at a ceremony at the Toronto Sheraton Centre Hotel, the Ontario Principals' Council (OPC) will honour three individuals for their ongoing support and dedication to public education in Ontario.

The OPC Outstanding Contribution to Education Award will be bestowed upon Craig and Marc Kielburger, Founders of Free the Children, the world's largest youth-driven charity that has inspired an entire generation to stand up and make their voices heard.  Started when Craig was only 12 years old, the Kielburger's advocacy for child labour issues now includes more than 1 million young people involved in education and development programs in 45 countries. 

The organization has raised money for school and health kits for children in need, provided access to education for more than 55,000 children through the building of over 650 schools and established the We Schools in Action program, through which tens of thousands of young leaders provide more than 1 million hours of community service every year. At a time when involvement, engagement and volunteerism are such important parts of the citizenship we encourage in our schools, the efforts of Free the Children are an outstanding example of how students can make a difference. 

The Honorary Life Membership is awarded to those who have provided exemplary service by advancing or upholding the purpose of the OPC.  It is being awarded to Doug Morrell, OPC Provincial President in 2009-10. 

Doug has been a teacher and principal for the past 25 years.  He has been involved with the OPC for over 10 years at the local and provincial levels, advocating on behalf of school leaders across the province.  In his role as Provincial President, Doug promoted initiatives to ensure safe schools, positive learning environments, opportunities to reach at-risk kids and ongoing professional learning for school leaders.

Doug was recently promoted and is now a Supervisory Officer with the Upper Grand District School Board.

"Students, parents and educators throughout Ontario have benefited from the outstanding leadership that these three individuals have provided," said Vicki Shannon, President of the Ontario Principals' Council.  "We are honoured to grant these awards tonight, and I thank Doug, Craig and Marc for their contributions to public education."

The Ontario Principals' Council is the voluntary professional association representing 5,000 principals and vice-principals in Ontario's public elementary and secondary schools.  Established in 1998, OPC advocates on behalf of public education and provides professional supports to its Members.  In 2011, the OPC will host the 10^th World Convention of the International Confederation of Principals in Toronto.

For further information:

Peggy Sweeney
[phone] (office)      
[phone] (cell)