Canadian country recording artist
Ryan Laird, 
a graduate of the UGDSB, will be visiting Mitchell Woods P.S. on January 27 to sing a few songs, talk about music careers, following your dreams and bullying. In April Laird will be opening for Alan Jackson when the country star's tour swings through Ontario. His song, "
Hey Ashley"

is based on Laird's feelings of isolation in Grade 7. Laird scored his first top 10 hit at radio and CMT (country music television) this past year with his song "
I'm Your Man"

which has recently been nominated for a Canadian Radio Music Award (CRMA).