Community Perspectives Symposium

On December 8, 2017 the Middle School hosted its first Community Perspectives Symposium. Designed to highlight contemporary issues and perspectives and inspire students to take positive action in their communities, the day was packed with thought-provoking activities, presentations, and conversations.

 

Students in all grades began the day with a simulation from So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.) that challenges participants to overcome common obstacles faced by the homeless on a daily basis. Afterwards, they listened to presentations about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals by students Juliana Leith and Leah Fitzpayne, as well as national security expert and Lowell parent Jeremy Bash. In the afternoon, global affairs correspondent and founder of Feature Story News Simon Marks moderated a discussion with Samuel Akau, education activist and former Lost Boy from South Sudan, and Greg Larson, senior advisor at the US Department of the Treasury.

 

The symposium wrapped up with reflection activities led by the Rev. Charles P. Gibbs, episcopal priest, poet, and senior partner at Catalyst for Peace. After a full day of serious discussion, investigation, and contemplation, he reassured students, “You have more power than you imagine you have. That power is always activated when we hope we can make a difference.” In closing, he shared a quote with students from Howard Thurman: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”