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August 7, 2008
The Illinois-based National Gang Crime Research Center has awarded its “Frederick Milton Thrasher Award” to Surrey School District Safe Schools manager Theresa Campbell and Youth Diversity Liaison Rob Rai for “superior service in gang prevention for K-12 schools”.
The award has been presented to the pair during the NGCRC’s 11th International Gang Specialist Training Conference in Chicago, Illinois. The conference brings together top law enforcement, corrections and other professionals who specialize in gangs and gang-related issues.
“Our board is very proud of the work Theresa and Rob do in our district in support of student safety and our district is very lucky to have them,” says Surrey Board of Education chair Reni Masi. “The many initiatives and practices Theresa has introduced have earned her and the Surrey School District a reputation nationally as a leader in school safety. In fact, other districts around the province often consult with our district when planning for, or managing crises or safety-related issues.”
Theresa Campbell joined the Surrey School District in 2001 and is responsible for several innovative programs regarding youth gang prevention, substance use, suspension alternatives and more. Some of the tools she has introduced include the Protecting Surrey Schools Together website (psst-bc.ca) and the “The Gateway” substance use DVD documentary and teaching resource guide.
Rob Rai started with the district in 2005 and, as the Youth Diversity Liaison, provides intervention and support for students with behavioural problems, as well as their families; particularly in the Indo-Canadian community. He also volunteers in several programs assisting youth, including the Newton Knights after school basketball program.
“The Surrey School District has two extremely highly-skilled individuals whose abilities are being applied in a most important area—the K-12 school system,” says NGCRC director, George W. Knox, Ph.D. “Many gang specialists are learning and benefiting from their work.”
Theresa and Rob are representatives on a number of municipal, provincial and federal committees. They have both been recognized for their work by all three levels of government in Canada.
For more information about the NGCRC, visit www.ngcrc.com.
Last Updated: August 8, 2008 |
