Crossroads News
Service Learning Days Inspire Sophomores
Tenth-grade students explore opportunities for activism, engagement.
In one room, Crossroads sophomores made signs for a video to support abuse victims. In another, they learned about the importance of Holocaust remembrance and education. In yet another, they watched a rap performance by a member of an arts program for people of different abilities.
These were among the numerous avenues of activism and engagement the students explored during 10th-grade Service Learning Days, when representatives from more than a dozen nonprofit organizations convened on the 21st Street Campus to provide information and inspiration.
“I believe it is important to be active in the community and in the world because I would like to play a part in making a difference,” said sophomore Lola Hakim, who led workshops to teach her peers about the HEARTbeats of VIP abuse victims support group. “This organization is so relevant to issues that are surrounding us right now, and it is important to me to be involved.”
Students also learned about human rights initiatives, anti-bullying efforts, environmental action and educational enrichment from organizations whose representatives visited Crossroads for the Service Learning Days. Travon Muhammad ’93 discussed his outreach through Sole Brothers, which provides athletic sneakers to children in need.
Each day began with a keynote presentation. Inclusion advocate Becky Curran opened up about living with achondroplasia, a common form of short-limbed dwarfism, and answered students’ questions about dating, discrimination and more.
“It was really interesting,” sophomore Jack Cline said of Curran’s speech. “It was cool to hear someone with so much insight share her experiences.”
The keynote speech on the second day was delivered by Crossroads co-founder Paul Cummins, who implored students to find ways to make a mark in their communities.
“The whole point is to open your eyes a little bit wider about what issues there are around the world and what you can do about them,” he said. “It’s up to your generation. … The exciting thing for you is there are so many different ways you can engage.”
