Our Diversity Team Attends the 63rd Annual Humanitarian Award Dinner

FullSizeRender

IMG_2919

IMG_2913

IMG_2931

IMG_2929

IMG_2912

IMG_2907

IMG_2906

IMG_2911

IMG_2908

IMG_2909

IMG_2905

IMG_2932

The Diversity Team actually started with Melissa Foster’s service learning class. In the process of creating a lesson on Racism, she discovered The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio located in Cleveland.

“I started communicating with the organization and they invited me and 8 students to their fall retreat. However, the cost was about $500. Therefore, I wrote a grant to the Aurora School Foundation and they gave me grant money. The students and I went to the retreat and the topic was immigration. The students loved the entire weekend and we decided to form a Diversity Team. As part of the commitment to receiving grant money, we will spread the lessons and messages we have learned into the community. In March the AHS Diversity Team will be presenting its immigration topic to other schools who are attending the retreat at John Carroll University. We also plan on presenting to AHS International Club, middle school students, Rotary Club of Aurora, and to senior citizens at Independence Village,” said Foster.

The Diversity Team, Colin Krupinski, Ashley Foster and Maya Dey were invited to attend the 63rd Annual Humanitarian Award Dinner which took place on November 30.

“This event was hosted at the renaissance hotel in Cleveland Ohio. When we first got there Ashley, Maya and I acted as ushers, showing attendees where to go in order to get to the event. After about an hour we were ushered into the top floor of the dining hall where we waited until we were called to come down and join the guests. While we were up there we witnessed the debut of the PSA #RethinkAmerican a film that I was a part of. This moment brought me joy in the fact that I was able to share my opinions with a larger audience. Afterwards we went to different tables discussing what we did at the camp we went to in October and just talk to the guests in general. We talked to some notable companies such as Taft law firm in Rocky River and WKYC here in Cleveland. Overall it was just a tremendous night and I was very glad to have spent it with such honorable and distinguished people,” said Diversity Team member Colin Krupinski.

Diversity Team member Ashley Foster said, “ The dinner was very inspiring and made me eager to continue working with the Aurora Diversity Team. Personally, I enjoy talking with adults and networking especially because I think I have an idea of what I'd like to pursue as a career. We were placed at dinner tables based on our interests. I was extremely lucky that I was placed with Micki Byrnes, President of WKYC Channel 3, and Margaret Bernstein, WKYC's Director of Advocacy and Community Initiatives because I am interested in broadcast journalism. Ms.Byrnes and Ms.Bernstein actually recognized me because last year I worked with them for the Be the Change Challenge. We talked about my college plans and when I told them I wanted to pursue broadcast journalism, Micki told me to contact her next year if I want to intern at WKYC! I was on cloud nine that night.I really enjoyed being able to have open conversations with other young people about sensitive topics such as racial slurs, immigration, and what it means to be an American.”

These members of the Diversity Team are truly making a difference in our community, just imagine the awareness and change they could bring if more passionate people joined the cause. Remember, this is a team of fun students making a difference in ways that they enjoy doing, so join the fun!