Board of Trustees Recognizes Black History Month
Reno, NV (Feb. 8, 2011) - Washoe County students are finding ways of motivating their community to respect each other in spite of race or creed, to change the status quo and to make a difference. During Black History Month in February, they are reflecting on the contributions and achievements of the African-American culture.
Today, the Washoe County School District Board of Trustees recognized the important contributions African Americans have made in America's history as it read a proclamation for Black History Month at its regular board meeting today.
"It is important that we honor all of the diversity that we have in our schools each and every day so that all students feel included as a part of the American dream," Board President Barbara McLaury said. "By saluting Black History Month, we are recognizing and acknowledging that different perspectives and experiences help all of us become more understanding, inclusive, and unified as productive citizens in our community and country."
Billinghurst sixth grader Kenzee Claiborne says one way she helps others in her community is through dance, an activity she embraces with passion and the ability to present emotion. She wrote about the positive difference she can make just in doing the little things in life.
"I believe one way I am dared to inspire others is by the way I act and present myself," Claiborne wrote in an essay. "As long as I can show them I am confident and have faith in what I'm trying to inspire them into taking action into, it will already have a positive effect on them. I also believe that it is also important to remember no matter how old, young, rich or poor a person is, we are all human and we all have the ability to change the world we live and it starts with our community."
Claiborne was one of three Washoe County student winners of last month's Martin Luther King, Jr. essay contest sponsored by the Northern Nevada Black Cultural Awareness Society. The three students read excerpts from their works at the Board meeting. Children and teens were encouraged to share how they are "Dared to Inspire," the theme of this year's contest. In addition to Claiborne, winner among middle school students, Ashutosh Bhattaraj, a sixth grader from Elmcrest Elementary School, won among
elementary students and Gabriela Moreno-Rojas, a senior at Spanish Springs High School, was chosen
among high school entries.
Washoe County schools will honor Black History Month throughout February with special activities and programs.
"This is an important gesture on the part of the Washoe County School District's Board of Trustees
because they will also call upon all school administrators, educators, students and citizens of Washoe County to honor this observance with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities," said David Gamble, coordinator of the District's Diversity and Equity department.
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About Washoe County School District: The
Washoe County School District includes the Reno/Sparks metropolitan
area, Incline Village, Gerlach, Empire and Wadsworth, Nevada. The
District provides each of its 63,000 students with a superior education
in a safe and challenging environment and is committed to graduate every
child career and college ready.
For more information visit: www.washoecountyschools.org. Follow us on Twitter at WCSDTweet.
Washoe County School District
425 East Ninth Street
Reno, NV 89520
