School celebrates diversity during monthlong celebration

Goshen — The C. J. Hooker Middle School recently concluded its Black History Month/Cultural Diversity celebration during the month of February. The month-long celebration combined all cultures in a display of ethnic unity, respect, tolerance and acceptance. Middle school students participated in a number of events, including listening to guest speakers, studying original documents, such as Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech and Abraham Lincoln’s “Emancipation Proclamation,” viewing documentaries such as “Paper Clips,” sampling different foods at the First Annual Cultural Food Festival and participating in a cultural survey, door decorating contest and poetry writing. In the middle school main lobby, a resource table displayed a number of handouts and information about black history. The unity quilt was also on display, as well as a bulletin board that traced the different cultures present in Goshen. Original poems written by the students were displayed on the Poetry of Color wall, including seventh grade student Axhia Stanton’s poem: “My friends are like a rainbow Their colors are all mixed Some light, some dark Some chocolate, some gold I love them all equally Their colors are bright and beautiful My friends are a mosaic from all over the world Each from a different place They stand face to face My friends are all beautiful in their own special ways.” The culmination of the month-long activities came on Feb. 28, with the presentation of the Third Annual Black History/Cultural Diversity Program in the library. The event featured a variety of readings and presentations, including famous Latinos in history, poetry readings, student reflections and more, all presented by the students of the C. J. Hooker Middle School. Alexandra Osborne, an eighth grade student, offered her perspective on racism: “I think racism is ridiculous,” she said. “Everyone is unique and we all have our own differences, and we need to treat each other with respect.” The following students presented at the Black History/Cultural Diversity Program: Brandon Arciello, Bridget Aviles, Karalyn Bruntfield, Alessandro Calderon, Christie Callan, Amanda Chatergoon, Tatiana Clovis, Jennifer Cruz, Helen Curry, Frantz Desire, Kayle Ebert, Mario Gonzalez, Zachary Hayden, Nancy Hernandez, Siobhan Hill, Nicole Holst, Savannah Jimenez, Alissa Maher, Patty Martinez, Emily O’Brien, Alexandra Osborne, Nicholas Porfyris, Ahxia Stanton, Nicole Stevens, Bradley Ukoh, Devin Valencia, Erin VanDunk Anthony Zelenka, Cassie DenDanto, and Julia Tyles. The winners of the door decorating contest were the classes of Mr. Joshua Dornfest, sixth grade; Mrs. Linda Kowalczyk, sixth grade; Mrs. Marsha Root, seventh grade; and Mrs. Karyn Hughes, eighth grade. These classes were treated to an ice cream social in the cafeteria on March 2.