UGDSB Empowerment Day expands to four events
GUELPH – Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB)students in Grades 7 and 8 will come together for a series of empowering events this spring.
The board’s Empowerment Day has expanded to include four events, one each in Drayton, Elora, Guelph and Dufferin. Students will each attend one event based on their school’s location.
Empowerment Day was originally initiated and developed by two students from Drayton Heights Public School in 2015.
This year, the Empowerment Series events will include:
- March 5 at the Drayton Festival Theatre;
- April 22 at Elora Public School;
- April 23 at the University of Guelph Athletic Centre; and
- May 5 at the OAS Event Centre in Dufferin.
The motto for the 2026 Empowerment Series is “Kindness Matters.”
Special guests this year include:
- Michel Chikwanine, a former child soldier turned inspirational speaker;
- Stacey Kay, a motivational speaker and musician who will be joined by friends this year;
- Brian Williams, a motivational speaker; and
- Patrick Anderson, a wheelchair basketball player, world champion, three-time Paralympic gold medalist and musician.
Sponsoring the event for many years now is Impact Sponsor Skyline.
Officials are also extending thanks to local Optimist Clubs, the UGDSB and the Specialist High Skills Major Program.
