October 11, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Peel school first in the world named for humanitarian Stephen Lewis
Commitment and compassion make Lewis "excellent role model for the change we want our students to make in the world", says board chair


The Peel District School Board's newest secondary school is the first in the world to be named for leading Canadian Stephen Lewis. The school, in the Stephen Lewis area of Mississauga, will open in Fall, 2006.

Notes chair of the board Janet McDougald, " Stephen Lewis is a passionate and determined humanitarian who has worked to improve the human condition around the world. He is a perfect fit with our school's planned focus on social justice and encouragement of activities to help those in need around the world, and around the corner.

Lewis has come to visibly represent Canada's international leadership within the United Nations and the world. His work has transcended any one political party or belief. His passion, commitment and compassion make him an excellent role model for the change we want our students to make in the world."

Adds McDougald, "Many may not know that Stephen Lewis also has a strong, local connection. He opened our first-ever Student Model United Nations over a decade ago and provided the keynote. He also was the major speaker at other student and staff events in Peel including our first student leadership for global development event.

Says McDougald, "I spoke to Stephen Lewis on Friday when he called me to accept the naming and he was very delighted to accept what he clearly saw as an honour. It is a pleasure to now make this naming public"

In accepting the naming, Lewis noted, " I am surprised and humbled by this privilege. I have been impressed with the Peel board's commitment to create caring citizens of the world and I welcome the opportunity to further support these efforts with students through my involvement with this new school."

Stephen Lewis has served as Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations, has been Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF and Special Representative for UNICEF. In the roles with UNICEF he travelled the globe advocating for the rights and needs of children, especially those in the developing world. Currently, he is the United Nations Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. He also created the Stephen Lewis Foundation to help ease the pain of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Notes McDougald, "Stephen Lewis is seen as a tireless advocate for the wellbeing of children and youth – a positive link to our efforts to help students be successful."

Lewis has received many awards and honours including the Companion of the Order of Canada, the Pearson Peace Prize and 22 honorary degrees from Canadian universities. He was named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential persons in the world in April 2005 and was Maclean's Magazine's inaugural Canadian of the Year.

The Peel District School Board serves more than 140,000 students in kindergarten to the end of secondary school. Operating 212 schools in the municipalities of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga, the Peel board is the largest employer in Peel. For more information, visit the board's website at www.peelschools.org.

Media contact: Janet McDougald, Chair of the Board, (905) 278-1402
Reference: Brian Woodland, Director of Communications, (905) 890-1010, ext. 2812