Middle school Human Rights Academy provides enriching experience for students

Thirty-three middle schools students participated in the Human Rights Academy at Circleville Middle School.

The academy members had an enriching week of advancing their understanding of the Declaration of Human Rights with engaging activities, guest speakers, a community service project and a trip to the United Nations in New York City.

A group of 33 middle school students, all wearing pink tie dye t shirts, in front of the United Nations building.

The 2023 Human Rights Academy participants, with special guest John Boyle, received a grand tour of the secretariat building where leaders from the 193 member states from around the globe gather to solve crisis and promote peace and unity.

The focus of the week was Article 25 of the Declaration, which says that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services.

The academy was facilitated by Jordan Donley, Heather Hennessey, Katie Green, Laura Haldeman and Derrick Frost.

Here is a glimpse into their week.

Five middle school girls sit at a table filling bags with items. A woman stands behind them .

Students worked on “hope bags” with Catherine Roth from Rehabilitation Support Services. The hope bags were assembled and filled with items to assist individuals coping with mental health. These bags were donated back to youth in the community, with a few retained for access in counseling offices in each respective middle school in the fall.

A group of six middle school students sit on the floor in a circle with a woman who is doing yoga with them.

A group of our students experienced an introductory yoga practice with Ms. Sarah St. Lawrence to promote healthy coping.

Three people sit in chairs in the front of an auditorium, speaking to a group of middle school kids.

Students heard from a community panel question and answer session with, from left, Dave Haldeman from Habitat for Humanity, Susie Haldeman from Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Wallkill, and Tim Pavelka, Esq. discussing his time working for a non profit organization in immigration law. Each speaker provided a look into their respective areas of community contribution, providing examples of how youth can engage and give back to their local communities.

A man stands in front of a room of middle school students, speaking to them. Behind him is a screen.

Jeff Stern presented to the students about his 20 years of work with the United Nations. He encourages our youth to explore their futures through their interests.

A group of 10 middle school students stand inside the United Nations.

Students toured the United Nations.

The empty chamber of the United Nations with chairs and desks in a circle. A large colorful mosaic showing a big group of people, all different colors, dressed in many different ways. It's a famous Norman Rockwell piece of art.

The famous mosaic of Norman Rockwell’s “Golden Rule” illustration was presented to the United Nations on behalf of then-First Lady Nancy Reagan in 1985.

A piece of art with all words on it describing human rights.

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Middle school Human Rights Academy provides enriching experience for students