News Release
April 23, 2009
Dufferin-Peel Catholic board to honour former Premier Bill Davis and first Director of Education, Joe Hugel, on April 28
Staff and students also recognized as part of board’s 40th anniversary celebration
At its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 28, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board will present former premier William G. Davis and first Dufferin-Peel director of education, Joseph Hugel, with the board’s Award of Merit. The award is presented annually for outstanding contribution to the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and to Catholic education.
The presentation ceremony will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the Catholic Education Centre, 40 Matheson Blvd. West, Mississauga and is part of a year-long celebration of the board’s 40th anniversary.
“These two men played significant roles in our board’s history”, said Mario Pascucci, chair of the board. “As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, it is important to recognize their contributions to the growth and success of our board and to Catholic education in Ontario. Dufferin-Peel looks forward to honouring them.”
“This event is a celebration both of past heroes and of current and future leaders and supporters of Catholic education,” said John Kostoff, director of education. “It is fitting that we pause and recognize both the builders and sustainers of Catholic education on this special occasion.”
Mr. Davis, a former Ontario education minister, was elected Premier in 1971. Known for his strong commitment to publicly funded education, it was Mr. Davis who instituted full funding for Catholic schools in 1984. Since leaving the Premier’s office in 1985, he has maintained his ties to education through his support of numerous initiatives and programs.
Joe Hugel served as the first director of education of the Dufferin-Peel Roman Catholic Separate School Board from August 1968 to July 1982. He also served as trustee from 1982 to 1985. During his tenure, Mr. Hugel took the board through a period of tremendous growth, introduced French Language schools to the area, inaugurated an eastern rite school and supported the introduction of special education.
The April 28 event will also celebrate achievements of staff and students by recognizing St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School teacher, Nancy Bodsworth, whose original composition, Good News for All, was selected as the official anthem for Catholic Education Week 2009 in Ontario. Ms. Bodsworth will perform the song at the event.
Also being recognized, are four student winners of the board’s 40th Anniversary Public Speaking Competition on “The Value of Catholic Education.” The students will present their speeches as part of the evening’s activities. Following the presentations, there will be a brief adjournment before the board commences with the business component of its agenda.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is one of the largest and most diverse school boards in Ontario. It serves approximately 88,000 students in 145 schools located throughout Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville. With over 10,000 employees, the board is also one of the largest employers in the region.
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WHO: Premier William G. Davis, Director Joseph Hugel, Teacher Nancy Bodsworth, Student Speech Competition winners
WHAT: Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board 40th Anniversary Awards Presentation
WHEN: Tuesday, April 28, 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Catholic Education Centre, 40 Matheson Blvd. West, Mississauga
For information contact:
Bruce Campbell, General Manager, Communications & Community Relations
(905) 890-0708, ext. 24466 or (905) 609-1480
Nancy Marshall, Communications Officer
(905) 890-0708, ext. 24278 or (416) 540-8126