High School Students in Action
Starting with the amazing play, “The Spirit of the Lenape” written and directed by Meghan Farley-Astrachan, students in the high school have been busy. Then yesterday, the community was fortunate to experience an inspirational assembly presentation by the “Fierce and Fabulous” Feminism English class. The group, members of the Class of 2010 and 2011, Frank Shanley, Zoe Lubin-Fosha, Ayana Workman, Chloerose Bree-D’Orazio, Chappell Laird, Chelsea Dalessandro, Jake Goodman, Sonrisa Murrary-Fox, Jenny Sonenberg, led by instructor Ileana Jimenez, informed the high school on the continuing serious problem of child trafficking here in New York City and in the United States. They presented their findings and introduced outreach workers from the organization, GEMS, Girls Education and Mentoring Services, who participated in the Q&A. When the community was asked why we should care about this issue, Julian Pratt, ‘12, responded, “If we don’t care, that says something about our humanity. No matter where this is happening in the world, it is not acceptable for us to accept that it is.”
The class is accepting donations of winter clothing, toiletries, hygiene products, baby items and children’s clothes and toys for GEMS. There is a box in the lobby until December 14. From Ileana Jimenez:
If you feel further inspired, you can host a screening of the film Very Young Girls in your own home by ordering the film via Netflix and inviting friends over to watch and donate. Proceeds from your house party would go directly to GEMS. Information here: http://www.gems-girls.org/index.html
At this, the end of the first trimester, students are wrapping up papers, projects and other coursework. Even though there is a significant amount of work, our students continue to be passionate about their classes beyond the school day. This Saturday, thirteen members of Bill Bailey’s Constitutional Law class will be attending The New York City Bar Association Symposium for High School Students ,“My Rights, My Nation: Talking About Constitutional Rights Now and in the Future” from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information please visit their website at http://nycbar.org/myrights.
Finally, today we welcomed back Ella Sauders-Crivello, ‘08 and the organization she works for, “Charity:Water”. Again, as with Tuesday’s assembly, students left inspired and encouraged. We hope they consider the wonderful service both GEMS and Charity: Water provide as Community Service Day, Friday, December 11 approaches. Volunteering one’s time can make a huge difference to organizations and individuals. As this is the week before Thanksgiving and the edge of winter, isn’t this a perfect time to reflect on that which we are grateful for, what we have harvested this year?