Lois Maureen Burdett, M.S.M., Stratford, Ont.
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)
Mrs. Burdett, a primary school teacher, has had a dramatic influence on the personal and educational development of children. This exceptional and dynamic educator brings to life the essence of Shakespeare by helping her students rewrite his plays and by transforming her classroom into an Elizabethan theatre. Since 1985, the students have also performed on the Stratford Festival stage, local television and at the University of Southwest Texas Children's Festival.