Teachers Eisa Jackson and Lindsay Radziak, sophomores Chantel Smith and Brandon Spain and junior Kayla Webster attended the awards ceremony on March 12 to accept the recognition.
A showcase of “OPEN” by Washington Township High School Students in Action, that was presented in a school-wide assembly in Feb., garnered the attention of the National Jefferson Awards committee.
“OPEN,” a series of performances — including original skits, poetry, songs and dances — addressed topics of racism, sexism, stereotyping and bullying. In particular, the group’s presentation of “Take a Knee,” where the students explained the reasons behind the nationwide kneeling protests during the playing of the National Anthem, spoke to the members of the Jefferson Awards committee and earned the group a Jefferson Awards Foundation Students in Action award.
WTHS teachers Eisa Jackson and Lindsay Radziak, sophomores Chantel Smith and Brandon Spain and junior Kayla Webster attended the awards ceremony on March 12 in New York City, to accept the recognition.
Launched in 2006 by the Jefferson Awards Foundation and Deloitte, Students In Action develops high school students into community leaders. Currently active in communities across the U.S., the program encourages teenagers to positively impact their schools, communities and world.
“Our team was honored for taking a stand and having a voice, and in doing so, educating not only students — but teachers and staff as well,” Jackson said. “This was a huge honor that celebrated the fact that our ‘OPEN’ show and forum is taking our school in the right direction by creating space to have an open conversation about difficult and controversial topics. We are hopeful that we have to the chance to build upon these strides and continue the momentum.”
“I am so proud of and commend all of our ‘OPEN’ participants for prioritizing and proactively continuing the conversation on these ongoing and important issues,” Superintendent of Schools Joe Bollendorf said. “I extend my congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Student-driven efforts such as this performance go a long way in promoting a school climate that truly celebrates diversity, inclusion and acceptance.”
