Cliques, bullying, stereotyping, and exclusion are problems almost every student faces at one time or another in high school.
But only a few students take action to improve their school communities and encourage acceptance of others. These unsung heroes from Corona del Mar High School and Huntington Beach High School were honored May 1 at the Orange County Human Relations Commission’s Awards 37 Banquet at the Grove in Anaheim.
Both schools are members of the Orange County Human Relations Commission's BRIDGES program. Created in 1989, the program works with student groups to promote tolerance and inclusion on school campuses.
Corona del Mar and Huntington Beach high schools were selected out of 18 BRIDGES schools to receive the 2008 Distinguished School Awards.
“I’m so proud of the students,” Corona del Mar High School Principal Fal Asrani said. “It’s a great award to receive, since it recognizes schools that promote diversity on their campuses.”
Corona del Mar's BRIDGES club, which consists of about 30 members, held a school-wide forum where students expressed their opinions on campus problems and brainstormed solutions. The BRIDGES group also organized biweekly Student Leadership Council meetings to encourage student groups on campus to work together.
“We tried to make our campus really connected, where every voice is respected,” said Corona del Mar student Emily Morris.
At Huntington Beach High, the BRIDGES program provided many opportunities for students to get to know people outside of their cliques. The program hosted two Campus Pride Days, supported an anti-violence campaign called Rachel’s Challenge, and helped with the Read One Book program. They are currently planning an International Fair and a Parent Leadership Institute.
Sycamore Junior High School was also presented with a Distinguished School Award at the banquet.
