Owen Sound District Secondary School teacher Aimee Vereecke, is this year's recipient of the 2017 Physical Health and Education (PHE) Canada, Health Promoting School Champion Award. PHE Canada recognizes an individual each year for their exemplary contribution to the development, promotion and/or implementation of health promoting schools.

Her commitment and enthusiasm in creating a healthy school environment prompted her colleagues and community partners to nominate Vereecke for this award. Her ability to engage the whole school community has led to many health promoting activities and achievements.

Vereecke is a teacher lead in the provincial Youth Mental Health and Addiction Champion Project. That work paved the way for a healthy schools roadmap leading to the development of a community support room, formation of a healthy schools team and an action plan focused on physical activity. With Vereecke's leadership, OSDSS continues to strengthen and support a healthy school.

"Aimee inspires and engages the whole school community to support a healthy schools approach." says Pubic Health Nurse, Lisa Prowd. "Aimee values and promotes health and well-being as a foundation for creating a healthy school environment. It is because of her commitment and leadership, that OSDSS is a healthier school."

Vereecke will receive a plaque, acknowledgement in the PHE Canada Annual Report and website, and will be recognized during the PHE Canada National Conference May 4 in St. John's NL.

source: media release, Grey Bruce Health Unit