Attention public policymakers: You might want to consult an ³Ô¹ÏÂÛ̳ student as you explore ways to confront challenges in our community.
On Thursday, some 27 ³Ô¹ÏÂÛ̳ High seniors taking Civics and Public Engagement showcased their year-long projects tackling social justice issues that are important to them. Subjects they analyzed ranged from school safety to mental health to immigration to human rights.
The students – taught by Pete Anderson, Jesse LaPolla, Luke Quinn and Amanda Weklar – gathered in the ³Ô¹ÏÂÛ̳ High auditorium to share their work with fellow students, staff and community members. Students received guidance from People's Perception Project and the ³Ô¹ÏÂÛ̳ NAACP as they developed their proposals.
The social justice project is a key requirement for earning a Seal of Civic Readiness on a high school diploma.
The students and their areas of study follow.
- Alejandro Benitez and Farkhonda Rezai – homelessness in ³Ô¹ÏÂÛ̳
- Hannah Bolio and Abda Toumboum – gun violence
- Kidisha Charles – school safety
- Alex Ciampolillo – redlining
- Jahzara Gray and Maleek Williams – Capital Region community resources
- Kendall Hunt and Johnny Williams – challenges after incarceration
- Izzy Hypnarowski – sex education
- Ei Chaw Khant – green space on urban roots
- Ashkay Kumar and Nianna Tatro – cleaning up ³Ô¹ÏÂÛ̳, literally
- Josh Marx – law enforcement and community
- Akiliah McKenzie – mental health
- Shanyah McNeil and Nolan Sweet – environmental justice
- Pyew Meh – the green initiative
- Kercel Montes – addressing violence in school
- Gema Pinela Valez, Jarett Pinela Valez and Gemary Soto Montoya – immigration
- Leann Registe – homelessness and permanent housing
- Emely Rodriguez – human rights and immigration help
- Rey Rodriguez – youth vote
- Samira Sefadine Ismail – human rights
- Esperanzo Soto – mental health in schools
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