Response to Challenge Day
19 Form Core of “Be the Change’ Club
By K-K Bracken (May 3, 2007)
Nineteen juniors
attended the first ever “Be
the Change” Club Monday under the supervision of Mr. Block. Inspired
by the Challenge Day activities that took place on April 19 and
20, the purpose of the club is to continue the message of Challenge
Day through all of George Mason High
School.
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Club goals were the first matter discussed. After
Maddie Kaplow suggested the overarching theme of unity, others
goals were recommended such as understanding, respect, and non-judgment.
These were broken down into issues needing improvement: unity at
the school and grade level, the understanding of individuals, non-judgment
through the eradication of stereotyping, and respecting the rights
of others and their rights to privacy, specifically gossip.
Mr. Block added the importance of “we” not “me,” hoping
the Club could help to take the emphasis off competition in school. “Doing
well doesn’t mean others can’t do well, too,” said Block.
Next the role of leadership was discussed. The
four goals were split into subgroups, with specific small roles
to be assigned at a later date.
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Juniors
Nicole Patierno and Ramsey Kincannon discuss ideas for next
year at the first-ever
meeting of the “Be the Change” club with sponsor Mr. Joel Block.
(Photo by K-K Bracken)
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Some
activities the students in attendance came up with to further the Challenge
Day message were mentor programs, a day of silence somewhat like the
GSA event of the same name, a fostering network, and peer mediation,
in which students are trained to help counsel their peers. An anonymous
donation of $250, contributed to Mason to help further Challenge Day,
will fund some of these activities.
Mr. Block also suggested that the class
of 2008, while still juniors, write themselves a letter about what
kind of school they want as seniors. Before the 2007-08 school year
begins, the letters will be mailed back to remind the new seniors what
kind of school they as leaders should try to emulate.
When asked what about Challenge Day inspired
her to attend the “Be the Change” Club inaugural meeting, Dana
Cazan said “I was new last year—it really hit me to
see an entire grade bond.” Nicole Patierno said that it “drastically
made me more open-minded. And I hope we can make it a Challenge Experience
instead of [one] Challenge Day.”
“I was so disappointed in how Challenge
Day did not have a lasting effect the last time around,” said Mr. Block. “You
guys are it next year and it’s up to you to decide what kind of school
you want it to be.”
The next “Be the Change” meeting will be
Monday, May 14. All students are welcome to attend, including those
who did not attend Challenge Day.
