Tami Martell is a mother of six. After dealing with one of her children being verbally abused at school, and no one doing anything about it Tami decided to fight back. But to fight back in a different kind of a way. A way that would make a difference, not just for her child but for all Island children. The old saying" sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me" was NOT true. Names do hurt. A person who is verbally abused never truly gets over it. It is not something that you can put a band- aid on and the hurt will go away.

Now, how to get this across to the public. Well Tami sat down and with the help of her husband Mike (the quiet one) drafted up a report on verbal abuse. This was quickly adopted by the Western School Board as part of their policy for Safer Schools. In 1998 Tami walked from one end of PEI to the other, stopping at schools along the way to raise awareness of verbal abuse and to make the children aware that name calling is abuse and can be very hurtful. This helped to a certain extent but still wasn't enough for "Little Miss Dynamite" so off she went to the top guns... the Government.

After hearing her presentations and learning how verbal abuse impacts on peoples lives action was taken. Verbal Abuse Awareness Week was declared. Tami was overjoyed! But the story doesn't end there. She figured ... if we can do this on PEI why can't it be all across Canada? So back to the politicians she went! M.P. Shawn Murphy was to present the Bill in The House of Commons but it had got voted down before reaching the floor. Some people thought it would "cost too much money" The hope is to have this brought back again and this time to have it passed. I can't see Tami giving up until it is. During all her struggles in trying to get this to the forefront I can honestly say I have never heard her verbally abuse anyone!

Regardless of what happens with this we at the PEI Home and School Federation want to recognize all the time, tears, and hard work Tami has done, and her outstanding achievements. We are very proud of you Tami and proud that you are a part of this Federation.