USC ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE PROMOTES MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
Now trending is a viral social media chain where participants pour ice water over their heads while recording, afterwards nominating others to do the same. Each person nominated has 24 hours to complete this challenge. This is raising awareness and funds for Active Minds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving mental health among young adults. Students at the University of South Carolina’s Mental Health Needs Discussion (MINDS) club launched the #SpeakYourMIND campaign on Instagram in March.
“I really loved participating in this trend, not only by spreading awareness to mental health, but also being a part of such an amazing cause. It felt like I was a part of something bigger than just the simple video I made,” Alyssa Bearer (11) said.
STUDENTS TAKE A TRIP TO STRIP DISTRICT
On April 10, life skills students, accompanied by students aspiring to be future educators, traveled to Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in the Strip District in Pittsburgh. Getting its start in 2016, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee was founded to create an environment where people with disabilities are valued and given opportunity for meaningful work. Through this field trip, students were able to experience an inclusive workplace and gain the inspiration to carry this inclusion within the school. In addition to the coffee stop, students participated in a scavenger hunt through the Strip District. Fostering both collaboration and inclusion, the day empowered students to practice real-world advocacy and support skills.
GENEVA COLLEGE HOSTS SPECIAL OLYMPICS FOR STUDENTS
On April 4, students across the district traveled to Geneva College to compete in the Special Olympic Track and Field event. Over the course of the day, students could participate in events like the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash and softball throw. Athletes were supported by teacher and student mentors. Each mentor guided the athletes through their designated events and assisted them as they navigated the day. When athletes were not competing, a series of carnival-type games were set up for the enjoyment of students. On April 11, athletes were awarded medals for their participation.
STUDENTS AWARED APRIL STUDENT OF THE MONTH
For the month of April, two students in each grade level were awarded student of the month for the theme: “school spirit.” The students were Tori Loschinskey (9), Nicholas Fessler (9), Abby Probst (10), Charles Powell (10), Seanna Conklin (11), Anthony Rychorcewicz (11), Annabelle Komlos (12) and Brodie Falk (12).
IMMIGRATION RAID TARGETS LOCAL RESTAURANT
On April 23, federal agents gathered in the parking lot of 1942 Tacos and Tequila, located on Ohio River Boulevard. In a formal statement, the FBI confirmed that they were present on the scene conducting, “immigrant enforcement operations.” Details on who was detained, if anyone, remains unclear.