On Thursday, January 12th students and faculty were brought together in an assembly to honor Alyssa Pool with Hopedale High Schools first student “Power of One” award. This honor is awarded to a student who reflects Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy of equality, justice and civility as well as Hopedale Schools’ core values of integrity, responsibility, respect, diversity and citizenship. “Alyssa’s excellent work ethic, quite leadership, intellectual curiosity and compassionate devotion to all students that she interacts with are just some of the reasons why she was awarded this honor, “said Kate Connors, English Teacher at Hopedale Jr/Sr High School. Alyssa is the Chief Editor of the Raider’s Cry Arts Magazine, is a devoted artist, an accomplished musician and an intern in Mrs. Raspallos’s room where she has been praised for her positive influence on younger students. Ms. Connors said, “Alyssa exhibits, without fanfare, the qualities that help create a more just and compassionate society, the kind of community that Martin Luther King dreamed about.” Congratulations to Alyssa for this exceptional honor!
The assembly was concluded with a presentation by Guy Peartree, a well-known story teller, with his historical characterization of Frederick Douglas. Douglas was known for his role as an anti-slavery orator and one of the most influential African Americans of the nineteenth century. Douglas devoted the majority of his time to ending slavery and fighting for equal rights for African Americans. Peartree did an amazing job of embracing Douglas’ relationships, education and life experiences from birth into slavery during this presentation. The whole student body and administration were captivated with Peartrees portrayal. The question and answer session at the end of the performance showed just how well the students were engaged.
Issue Date:
February, 2017
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