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Small, Rural School Focuses on Human Rights |
| Roxey Ballet participants (c) Marty Luster |
by Marty Luster
A performance by the Roxey Ballet brought new insights into human diversity, tolerance and mutual respect to the 280 students of the South Seneca Middle School in rural Ovid, NY. The ballet program was not just a one-act show; it was the culmination of a week of incredibly intense activity by administrators, faculty, students, guest performers, and lecturers - all as part of the annual Human Rights Symposium sponsored by the school's Distance Learning Class.
The Symposium, a weeklong event, began five years ago through the efforts of teacher Gertrude Shaffer who, along with colleague Briana Copp, continues to plan and direct the multitude of events that comprise the Symposium.
This year's event had the dual theme of migrant rights and the rights of people with disabilities. Activities included participation by many individuals from around the nation coming to South Seneca to discuss these issues and to give performances. In addition to enjoying the Roxey Ballet, students and the Ovid community heard Native American storyteller Jamie Winter, Michael Koch of the Lost Boys of the Sudan and many others. Each guest and performer was available to mingle with the students during the Symposium and each brought to the students new perspectives of the human rights issues that were the focus of the event.
The messages were not lost. Michelle, a 9th grader participating for the first time said that although researching and writing her paper on modern day immigration, preparing a video on the subject and attending the week's events "were exhausting," the program has definitely changed her way of thinking. Similarly, Amber, another 9th grade student, said that she was "extremely inspired" by directly hearing from the individual with disabilities and members of the migrant community she met during the week. "If they can go for it, I can go for it!" she exclaimed Jennifer, a veteran of past Symposiums, was clear: "This program has changed my life," she said. "It brings us closer to all people and makes us realize we are all one."
Contact: www.southseneca.com
607 869 9636 ext. 1171
A performance by the Roxey Ballet brought new insights into human diversity, tolerance and mutual respect to the 280 students of the South Seneca Middle School in rural Ovid, NY. The ballet program was not just a one-act show; it was the culmination of a week of incredibly intense activity by administrators, faculty, students, guest performers, and lecturers - all as part of the annual Human Rights Symposium sponsored by the school's Distance Learning Class.
The Symposium, a weeklong event, began five years ago through the efforts of teacher Gertrude Shaffer who, along with colleague Briana Copp, continues to plan and direct the multitude of events that comprise the Symposium.
This year's event had the dual theme of migrant rights and the rights of people with disabilities. Activities included participation by many individuals from around the nation coming to South Seneca to discuss these issues and to give performances. In addition to enjoying the Roxey Ballet, students and the Ovid community heard Native American storyteller Jamie Winter, Michael Koch of the Lost Boys of the Sudan and many others. Each guest and performer was available to mingle with the students during the Symposium and each brought to the students new perspectives of the human rights issues that were the focus of the event.
The messages were not lost. Michelle, a 9th grader participating for the first time said that although researching and writing her paper on modern day immigration, preparing a video on the subject and attending the week's events "were exhausting," the program has definitely changed her way of thinking. Similarly, Amber, another 9th grade student, said that she was "extremely inspired" by directly hearing from the individual with disabilities and members of the migrant community she met during the week. "If they can go for it, I can go for it!" she exclaimed Jennifer, a veteran of past Symposiums, was clear: "This program has changed my life," she said. "It brings us closer to all people and makes us realize we are all one."
Contact: www.southseneca.com
607 869 9636 ext. 1171
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