CAMH Centre for Prevention Science recognizes contributions towards anti-violence in schools

To mark the beginning of each school year, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)’s Centre for Prevention Science presents awards to honour community members who have made significant contributions to making schools safer for London’s youth.

The award, now in its 5th year, is named after the Fourth R Program, an innovative, school-based initiative designed to include students, teachers, parents, and the community in reducing violence and risk behaviours. The 2009 Award Recipients were honoured at a ceremony on Ooctober 5, 2009 at Windermere Manor, London Ontario.

This year, the Fourth Recognition Reception honoured:

From left to right: Ray Hughes (National Education Coordinator, Fourth R), Dr. Claire Crooks (Associate Director, CAMH Centre for Prevention Science), Dr. David Wolfe (Director, CAMH Centre for Prevention Science), Dr. Peter Jaffe (Academic Director, Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children, UWO), Katie Cole (Award recipient, English Department Head and Media Studies Teacher at Medway High School), MPP Liz Sandals (Award recipient, MPP for Guelph and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education), Honourable Kathleen Wynne (Minister of Education), Leroy Hibbert (Award recipient, Multicultural Outreach Coordinator, LUSO Community Services).

MPP Liz Sandals, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, for her leadership on the Ontario Safe Schools Action Team.

Leroy Hibbert, Multicultural Outreach Coordinator, LUSO Community Services, for his exemplary prevention work with children and youth in elementary and secondary schools.

Katie Cole, English Department Head at Medway High School, Thames Valley District School Board, for her great success in raising awareness on the topic of media violence and critical media literacy among youth.

“School safety is truly a community priority and takes the efforts of many people -- from educators and parents to legislators and the students themselves -- in order to make a difference,” said, Dr. David Wolfe, Director of the CAMH Centre for Prevention Science. “This year’s recipients show that when people are passionate and are willing to go above and beyond, changes are possible.”