L-R: Steven Budafalvi and Ray Hughes
The Fourth R/CSMH presents the 2018 Ray Hughes Scholarship on Innovative Practices in Violence Prevention
By:
Nicole Bullock
Friday, June 1, 2018
Congratulations to Steven Budafalvi, 2018 recipient of the Ray Hughes Scholarship on Innovative Practices in Violence Prevention. Steven recently completed the two-year Bachelor of Education program, primary/junior stream at the Faculty of Education.
Steven’s studies primarily emphasize achievement, inclusion and mental health in the classroom. With a background in kinesiology and physical education, special education, and adult and continuing education, Steven is passionately committed to fairness and safety for all in the learning environment; embracing diversity and all learning styles; promoting respect, acceptance and inclusion among all; and empowering students. Outside of the classroom, Steven is an avid traveler where he continues to advance his teaching experiences with opportunities in British Columbia and Switzerland thus far. Aside from his commitment in academia, Steven also maintained his membership and leadership as a captain on the Western men’s varsity water polo team in 2016 and 2017. Steven is described by supervisors as professional, caring, dedicated, and well organized among many other traits. His sincere interest in the education system and how educators assist learners is very much recognized in this award.
This scholarship is awarded annually in June to a pre-service teacher in the Faculty of Education who has demonstrated innovative practices in violence prevention curriculum or programming in schools.
Ray Hughes is a Founding Partner for The Fourth R program with the Centre for School Mental Health at the Faculty of Education at Western University. He had a distinguished career in education with over 35 years of experience as a teacher, Department Head, university lecturer, and consultant. Ray was involved in coordinating the implementation of violence prevention programs for 190 schools and 80,000 students in his position as the Learning Coordinator for Violence Prevention with the Thames Valley District School Board in London, Ontario. He was also a member of the Ontario Safe Schools Action Team, whose mandate was to draw on best practices from across Ontario and to advise the Minister of Education on all aspects of school safety. Ray continues to provide regular professional development to superintendents, school administrators, teachers, parents, and students on violence prevention and safe schools initiatives. He has developed and implemented school-based programs related to substance abuse, domestic violence, gender equity, dating violence, human sexuality, interpersonal violence, conflict resolution, and bullying prevention. Ray has also developed a safe schools course for teacher candidates in Faculties of Education.
The Centre for School Mental Health and Fourth R wishes Steven all the best in his teaching career.
