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Seattle Public School students meet with
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Students
welcomed Archbishop Desmond Tutu to
the African American Academy |
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Students from Seattle Public Schools had the honor of meeting
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Nobel Peace laureate whose non-violent
struggle against apartheid in South Africa turned the tide of
history and resonated with people around the world. Archbishop Tutu
spoke to students, faculty and community leaders gathered at the
African American Academy.
The Archbishop arrived at the Academy Monday morning, May 6.
Students had prepared a special welcome ceremony that included
African singing, dancing and the flags of both the U.S. and South
Africa.
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Emerging Leaders Award recipients meet with
Archbishop Desmond Tutu |
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At an Emerging Leaders Awards program, 16 high school students
-- 13 from Seattle Public Schools -- were recognized by the Desmond
Tutu Peace Foundation for outstanding and sustained commitment to
their community and for working toward peaceful solutions in
difficult situations.
Award recipients from Seattle Public High Schools are (in
alphabetical order): Sara Chesnin, Garfield; Whitney Fortson,
Cleveland; Irmina S. Haq, Ingraham; Karis Louise Jackson, Garfield;
Jessica Mayberry, Ballard; Jeff Philakham, Franklin; Annsara Guzzo
Purcell, Franklin; Ben Roseth, Garfield; Sarya Sos, Franklin;
Rachel Sparks, Nathan Hale; Kacie Tate, Nathan Hale; Pearline M.
Tyson, Garfield; and Kim Khanh Van, Garfield.
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Reverend
Robert V. Taylor and Archbishop Desmond Tutu are welcomed to the
Emerging Leaders student forum |
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Dr. Constance Rice, Executive Director of The Desmond Tutu Peace
Foundation and the Very Reverend Robert V. Taylor, President of the
foundation, and Dean of St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle,
welcomed Archbishop Tutu to the awards luncheon. Dr. Judy Mayotte,
teacher, author and a leader in refugee relief, was the moderator
for the student discussion that focused on youth leadership.
Students asked the Archbishop about his thoughts on the current
status of racism in South Africa, conflict in the Middle East and
how young people can make a difference.
The Archbishop shared his views, reiterating his belief that we
are "interdependent" by nature and are "tied together in the bundle
of life." He encouraged students to be like a "pebble in a shoe,"
and act as a constant reminder to those around them that we must
all find a way to live together.
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The
Archbishop responds to a student's question about youth
leadership |
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Following the awards program, a general assembly was held with
students from the African American Academy, the John Stanford
International School, and T.T. Minor Elementary School attending in
celebration of the work of Archbishop Tutu.
The Archbishop explained to the students that each and every one
of them is a "VSP - a Very Special Person" and asked them to stand
and wave their arms, asserting, "I am a Very Special Person."
Both programs, hosted by the Academy and the Stanford School,
focused on the themes of reconciliation, youth as leaders, and the
importance of being a global citizen.
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Students and
adults wave arms and assert,
"I am a Very Special Person!" |
| For further reading on the Archbishop's visit and
Seattle Schools' young Emerging Leaders, link to the Seattle
Post-Intelligencer article (outside link). |
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Photos by Saffa Bardaro, © Seattle Public
Schools
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