Meri MacLeod, Human Rights, Equity and Inclusive Education Advisor with the Limestone District School Board, has received the Barry C. O’Connor Excellence in Education Award for her more than 30 years of service to students and staff.
Although her role in education has evolved over the years, Ms. MacLeod’s passion for educating students in lessons of equity and social justice are as strong today as they have ever been.
The work in Human Rights and Equity has meant that Ms. MacLeod has had contact with every elementary and secondary school at some point in time in our district. She has planned lessons and activities for classes, met with small groups of students and staff, and presented workshops to help clarify myths and misconceptions and teach about equity issues. School staff consistently express appreciation for her knowledge, support, and extensive resource collection and network of reputable speakers and presenters.
On a larger scale, Ms. MacLeod has organized district events such as Dare to Stand Out, a one-day conference to support marginalized students in grades 7 - 12 and to promote student leadership in leading change and inclusion. Almost every junior age student has attended the Harriett Tubman play which Ms. MacLeod has been instrumental in organizing to come to Kingston for the past 20 years.
Ms. MacLeod is conscientious in producing a Calendar of Observances for the system so that schools and staff can be aware of the different faiths and creeds that are celebrated in our community. This calendar comes to life in the front foyer of the Education Centre as Ms. MacLeod creates monthly displays to acknowledge events such as Black History Month, the Holocaust or Islamic History month to name a few.
Ms. MacLeod has made it her mission to connect with organizations inside Kingston as well as outside Kingston to ensure that she has access to supports for staff and can direct them accordingly.
Ms. MacLeod is most deserving nominee for this award. Her vision and passion have never waivered and are exemplified in her email tag: “Dignity, equity, hope, peace, and justice for all.”