HawthorneVillager.com

I had to google the name to find out who he is, and while I personally have no issue with whatever a school is named, it would have made more sense to me to save this name for a high school with a wrestling program.

And along those lines, I'm still waiting for a courthouse (since we'll never have a navy base in Milton) to be named for David James Elliott...

"He wrestled as a crazed heel, coming to the ring with a sword in his mouth (and using it to taunt fans and attack wrestlers)." This is who the board decides to name their school after?
I went to school with Tiger jr and nothing at all against the family, they've been in Milton a long time but I have to agree that I think this is a poor choice for an elementry school name. I agree with a pp, save it for maybe the new high school (with a wrestling program)
Doesn't affect me, my kids don't go there but I'll supoprt your facebook group. I hope the board is prepared for the backlash on this one.

I can give some info if you like "backtomilton".
The name was chosen by trustees last night for a number of reasons.
Tiger Jeet Singh was named and has served as "MIlton's Goodwill Ambassador" by the Mayor's office since the 1980s. He was recently honoured as one of the inaugural members of Milton's Walk of Fame.
In his delegation to us, John Challinor summed it up, saying that "On a community level, he is a role model for humanity around the world, a humble man from humble beginnings who worked hard, achieved success and now advocates to thousands of parents and their children about drug and alcohol awareness, the importance of staying in school and the need to be physically fit."
In his letter of support Mayor Krantz stated "Mr Singh, along with his son, are very postive goodwill youth ambassadors and models for our youth community."
The list of his philanthropic and humanitarian works is an incredibly long one.
From my own perspective, I supported this name for other reasons as well. Milton is a rapidly growing and diverse population. We are no longer the small rural community we once were. Visible minorities in our town have risen over 780% in the past few years.
All the data shows that students are more engaged in their learning when they see themselves reflected in the culture and community of their school. This means seeing people similiar to themselves within the school community, textbooks, events and more. Students who are engaged achieve better learning.
Mr Singh has committeed to involvement within the school, to mentor students and to promote that message of education and anti drug/gang use.
I believe that he will make a difference to the lives of the children within this school and community. And really, that's what's at the heart of any decision I make at that board table - the student.
I understand and respect that this may not have been the decision that everyone would have made. I hope this explanation helps you understand a little more.
Donna Danielli
Public School Trustee, Milton

Tiger's been doing multiple good things for the community and people at large. I'm ok with the decision to name the school after him if that was the vote.

He's a prominent Miltonian who's been using his fame to help people.

I remember him recently from Troy's Toy Drive.

You can see pictures of him here http://www.troystoydrive.com/galleries/Tiger/index.html a long with Mayor Krantz, Walter Gretzky, etc during the Toy Drive.

Thanks Donna & Rick..

While I have to admit that the WWF connection made me hesitate when I first saw the name on the list submissions for our new school, after I heard about all the charitable work he does and his involvement with youth in the GTA (he works with groups and speaks with kids on anti-gang and anti-drug campaigns). See page 20-21 of the agenda below and the report Marnie Denton presented to the Trustees last night for the extensive list of good works by Mr. Singh:

http://www.hdsb.ca/BoardroomTrustees/Bo ... 202010.pdf

I also has the pleasure of meeting Mr. Singh and his son last night. They are both humble and dedicated gentlemen. Gary (Tiger Jeet Jr) coaches the boys basketball team at W.I. Dick and invited the boys and I to a celebration they are having at Troy's Dinner so they could meet his father. I walked away from the Board meeting feeling very good about the future of our school.

All in all, I understand that the name choice may not be the first choice of a lot of you.. but I truly feel that Mr. Singh will use this honour as an opportunity to make our school a fabulous place for learning, acceptance and generosity.

How about if we change the name to "Tiger Woods Elementary School"

Professional wrestling is just an act. It's not different than being in awe of a movie or tv star. A lot of actors have played violent or 'offensive' characters also.
I mean look at Arnold Schwarzenegger(Governor of California/The Terminator) or Jesse "The Body" Ventura(former Governor of Minnesota and ex-pro wrestler).

Most elementary aged school kids are too young to know or even understand his past characters.

I think it's more important to see what he's doing now for the community.
Mr. Singh did what he had to in order to support his family and he took an opportunity to make a decent living.
It just happened to be in professional wrestling otherwise known as sports entertainment.
He's active in the community now and uses his fame for good.

Walter Gretzky can hang out with him at a toy drive.
How can you not like a guy who supports Xmas toy drives?

With respect to the merits of Mr. Singh and with no disrespect to the Hans family, I still think it is a poor choice for an elementery school. Many parents, myself included do not even allow their children to watch pro wrestling until a certain age. My son just stated watching it this year (grade 4) because I felt he could now understand the theatrics behind it and see it as entertainment and understand that alot of it is staged. I still think the board could have kept this name under consideration when naming the new high school.

Yeah, that would be appropriate as well. Was it on the list of potential names?

That could be a good motto for keeping kids on the right path. Staying out of gangs etc...

I have no problem with the name of the school.
I think its excellent that an individual who has taken the time to help their community is being recognized.

Wrestling was his profession...just it was said before, some would argue that hockey is a violent sport as well.

thepowells...you said you have nothing against him as a person nor against professional wrestlers...but you then quote and add links which spreak of his wrestling career.
if his wrestling is not affecting your stance on the subject then you shouldn't bring it up.

This man, althought I don't know him personally...has done more for the community than most...it is unfair to not reward him solely because of his prefession...

I think if anyone has an issue with it, then they should look at what they have been contributing the community and maybe step it up a bit...otherwise i really don't think anyone has the right to judge this man and have a group made to take away this honour.

Poor Rick got flamed! I hope you had your flame suit on . I am curious to know what the rest of the aspiring Councillors think...

Water off a duck's back. If you can't take the heat stay out of the kitchen

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Sounds like Mr Singh has done lots of things for which he hasn't got much credit on Wikipedia, perhaps that's part of the problem. There's one line mentioning his charity work, and too many lines talking about his wrestling career. Perhaps that's part of the reason why some parents are upset about it? And yes, I would like to hear opinions from other aspiring Councillors. Having someone like Rick who's not afraid to voice his opinion as my councillor already puts him on the lead for my vote.

Bamelin,
I apologize if my answer came off glib and sounding as if political correctness should be the driving force behind decision making.
I voted the way that I did last night because I truly believe Tiger Jeet Singh's involvement in the school will be a positive thing for kids.
The students will always be at the heart of any decision I make.

I appreciate all of the discussion on this and also wanted to state if you don't see further replies from me over the next few days, It will be because I am about to head out of town on business.

Donna