Thousands of Upper Grand students to come together for Empowerment Day
For Immediate Release
April 27, 2023
GUELPH, ON – For the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, Upper Grand District School Board students will be celebrating together at the Sleeman Centre for Empowerment Day.
Thousands of students in grades 5 to 8 from the UGDSB will gather on May 4, 2023, for a powerful day of inspiration and empowerment.
Empowerment Day was originally initiated and developed by two students from Drayton Heights Public School in 2015. Elora Public School has decided to continue this annual event by hosting world-renowned motivational speakers, presenters, and performers.
This year’s theme is “Why not now? Going outside your comfort zone.”
Students who experience Empowerment Day this year will be invited to make positive changes both locally and globally while learning to move outside their comfort zone.
Special guests this year include:
- Spencer West – Double amputee and motivational speaker, West infuses his talks with humour and humility. West is the author of the bestselling book Standing Tall: My Journey and is the star of the 2012 documentary film Redefine Possible: The story of Spencer West.
- Michel Chikwanine – Overcoming unimaginable pain and struggle, Chikwanine is a former child soldier turned inspirational speaker. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chikwanine grew up amid the terror of the Great War of Africa. Since becoming an inspirational speaker, Chikwanine has spoken to over 800,000 people across North America.
- Clara Hughes – Hughes is a six-time Olympic medalist and mental health advocate. Hughes is the only athlete in Olympic history to have medals in both summer and winter games, representing Canada in both speed skating and cycling. Hughes is the founding spokesperson for the Bell Let’s Talk campaign, designed to end the stigma attached to mental illness.
- Choir! Choir! Choir! – International singing phenomenon, Choir! Choir! Choir! has shared the stage with musical acts such as Tegan and Sara, Debbie Harry and The Flaming Lips. Started by Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman (AKA ‘DaBu’), Choir! Choir! Choir! is a drop-in singing group where everyone is welcome.
EVENT DETAILS:
- DATE: Thursday May 4, 2023
- TIME: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- LOCATION: Sleeman Centre, 50 Woolwich St, Guelph
Media are invited to attend. Interviews with students involved in organizing
Empowerment Day and special guest speakers can be arranged by request.
Follow along on Twitter using the hashtag #EmpowerUG.
About the Upper Grand District School Board
The Upper Grand District School Board serves more than 35,000 students through 65 elementary schools and 11 secondary schools in the City of Guelph, County of Wellington and County of Dufferin. The UGDSB covers the ancestral and traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Six Nations of the Grand River, and Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territories. Inspiring a love of learning and developing engaged, globally literate citizens is the shared purpose of our Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and more than 4,000 dedicated education and support staff who are aided by the contributions of caring volunteers and community partners.
Our Purpose: To inspire a love of learning and develop engaged, globally literate citizens.
Our Vision: To be recognized as leaders in creating unparalleled, agile, and inclusive learning experiences for all.
Our Plan:
We will…
- Deliver foundational education and student achievement
We will…
- Inspire a love of lifelong learning
- Champion health and wellbeing
- Ensure equity of access and outcomes
- Lead through sustainability
We will…
- Foster engaging and supportive learning environments
- Strengthen and grow community relationships
- Continuously learn, evaluate and improve
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Media contact:
Andy Speers
Elementary Teacher – Elora PS
519-820-0874
andy.speersREMOVE@ugdsb.on.ca
Categories: Media Releases • News