UPEI Education professor Ray Doiron receives a 2007 Champion for Children Award

Dr. Ray Doiron, of the UPEI Faculty of Education, has been named one of the 2007 recipients of the Champion for Children Award.

Premier Robert Ghiz and Dr. David Wong, Chair of the Premier's Council on Healthy Child Development, announced the recipients of the Champion for Children Award on Monday, November 26.

A former public school teacher, Dr. Doiron has taught in the Faculty of Education since 1994. In recent years, he has done much to champion the cause of literacy and health literacy for children. Doiron has established countless initiatives and programs that involve children, parents, teachers, early childhood educators, community organizations and associations in learning about healthy living and learning.

A sample of research projects to his credit include 'Eating Between the Lines,' an early literacy healthy eating program for preschool children and their families; the impact of 'Project L.O.V.E.' on elementary children's literacy achievement; and 'Literacy in the Lives of Boys,' a school-wide, community-based study.'

He is an advocate for healthy child development issues including literacy and nutrition to policy makers. He was past chair of the PEI Literacy Alliance and co-director of PEI's Literacy Research Network.

The Champion for Children Awards celebrate the outstanding work and contributions made by individuals, organizations, communities and businesses who directly and positively impact the daily lives and future outcomes of young children and their families.

UPEI alumnus Danny Murphy, owner of DP Murphy Inc, and his wife Martie also were honoured with an award. The Murphys are strong supporters of UPEI as well as numerous organizations that benefit the Island community, particularly youth.

Other 2007 winners included kindergarten teacher Melissa Brownlow, of South Granville, and the Catholic Family Services Bureau.

Congratulations to Dr. Doiron, Danny and Martie Murphy, and all the winners!