B.J. Willis

n Other previous P.E.I. principals recognized by The Learning Partnership include: Susan Willis, Charlottetown Rural High School, 2007; Cynthia MacDonald, retired, Westwood Primary School, Cornwall, 2006; and B.J. Willis, former principal of Montague Consolidated School, 2005.

B.J. Willis, former principal of Montague consolidated high school, said she is uncomfortable talking about the difficult circumstances of some students who access breakfast programs.

"They are sad stories," she said.

"People do the best they can with what they have.Sometimes we would have children who would not come to school because the mother was embarrassed that she had nothing to put in their lunch."

Willis is now leader of school development with the Eastern School District.One of her responsibilities is to supervise the co-ordinator of the breakfast programs.

After requesting a tally, she was surprised by the large number of students accessing breakfast and snack programs.

She said the high use of the programs underscores the fact that schools are not just a place to teach.Willis urges Islanders to do what they can to help schools make sure students are starting classes on a full belly.

She encourages people and businesses to inquire how they may help at their local school to ensure all students are being fed.

"This isn't going to go away," said Willis.