Empowerment Day returning for area students

It's the first time since 2019 that the Upper Grand District School Board has held the event

Leon Legothetis speaking at the 2019 Empowerment Day. Tony Saxon/GuelphToday

NEWS RELEASE
UPPER GRAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
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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 studen ts 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