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Valley Stream, NEW YORK (March, 2022)—Valley Stream Memorial Junior High School celebrated Black History Month this year with a slate of special events dedicated to highlighting different aspects of Black culture and the contributions of Black people to society.
Each day, inspirational quotes curated by Nakeshia Smith-Farnum and Michele Jackson from influential Black icons were read during the morning announcements, and music from a variety of Black artists was played over the loudspeaker during the changing of periods on the first and last days of the month.
On February 8, Tracy Alesia, Special Education Department Chair, invited Judge Phil Solages to speak virtually about law school and how to become a judge. Students from the Youth Leadership Club, Student Council and the Students Committed to Social Justice Club all attended the meeting.
During Spirit Week February 14 to 18 Black historical icons were celebrated during the morning announcements. The students and staff loved dressing up as famous Black historical figures, representing historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and wearing black for Black Excellence Day!
Members of the seventh grade Class Council also created decorations of prominent African American figures, which were displayed all around the school. The group’s members also created a video on HBCUs explaining what they are and highlighting some popular schools.
On February 18, Ms. Smith-Farnum invited HBCU alumni to visit Memorial to discuss career paths. The presenters were: Shawn Farnum, entrepreneur and educator; Dr. Danielle Williams, Principal of the Twilight Program, an alternative school for students who may struggle in the traditional school setting; Dr. Stacie NC Grant, CEO of Destiny Designers University and Dr. Christine Bond.
Seventh grade Class Council advisors Briana Falby and Nicole Meisner also created t-shirts celebrating Black history which students and staff were invited to purchase, and which were worn on the last day of the month.
Additionally, Taylor Connolly and Ms. Smith-Farnum wrote an advisory lesson on poems to honor Black History month.
The entire school was excited to celebrate this amazing month!
For more information about the Valley Stream Central High School District, please visit the District’s website at https://www.vschsd.org/, and like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyStreamCentralHighSchoolDistrict
Date Added: 3/15/2022