[Drake]

What a great kid!

Allow me to preface this article by explaining just how tough the last few weeks of school were for my 11-year-old daughter Trista.

You see, Trista is a happy go lucky little girl who seldom (if ever) awakes without a smile on her face.

She eagerly anticipates each and every day and was voted student council president of her Grade 5 class this year.

Over the final weeks of school, the smile, the light, the traits she is best known for, were gone.

Bullying, you see has played a huge role in beating down a little girl who merely wants to dance, sing and enjoy everything life has to offer.

After several days of pep talking and spirit building, strategizing on how to stand up to a bully and set an example for other kids at school, without getting teachers involved, she was ready for the Friday ahead.

As I dropped her to school and drove away I received a text from my little girl. “Today is my day Daddy, I’m on top of the world!”

That night I received a call from her mother, my little leader had spent a portion of her day in the school bathroom crying, not long after that text.

Over the past three years I have been fortunate enough to meet legends of film and sport such as Bernie Parent, Gordie Howe, Morgan Freeman, Charlie Sheen and several other high profile athletes and celebrities; each truly unique in his or her own way.

As incredible as it has been to meet these individuals, I can now definitively state that Haliburton is home to the most incredible celebrity that I have encountered in my travels.

Among all of these greats, one stands out above the rest. His name is Matt Duchene.

Read the rest here: http://www.mindentimes.ca/2013/08/07...girl-big-boost