David Peake, school counselor, Dr. Lawrence Burnley, chief inclusive excellence and engagement officer, and Kim Davis, executive assistant for the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Engagement, serve traditional African cuisine to parents during the “Taste of South Africa” meeting March 5 in the upper cafeteria. Burnley said the South Africa Cultural Exchange stands alone as the district’s only international study experience of its kind on the continent, and making sure the SACE trip happens regularly is crucial. “This opportunity is essential at a time when African and African-American history is being intentionally erased from national discourse. To honor our mission of inclusive excellence, we must ensure SACE becomes a permanent part of our international rotation,” he said. Registration for the second SACE in spring 2027 is now open. For more information, contact Kim Davis in the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Engagement at (216) 295-6219. Keith LangfordFreshman Sanaa Palmer, member of the Student Advocates for Youth Student Leadership Council, leads the eighth-grade Youth Forum alongside other members of the SAY Council at John Carroll University March 4. “Not only were students who attended the forum able to learn new things and get out of their comfort zone, but I did, too. In SAY my voice and ideas are heard. I also get to meet kids my age with different perspectives. It was really fun,” Palmer said. Six school districts attended the SAY eighth-grade Youth Forum, including Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights, Solon, Beachwood, Chagrin Falls and Orange. The Director of SAY, Nancy Schaumburg, who used to be a SAY social worker and coalition coordinator at SHHS, said that SAY is a program of Bellefaire JCB. “We provide prevention services in six eastern suburban schools,” she said. “The SAY Coalition provides leadership opportunities for high school students including the SAY Student Leadership Council and the SAY Summer Leadership Institute.” Nancy SchaumburgMembers of the SAY program at Orange’s Brady Middle School hold up a sign they created during the Youth Forum March 4. Schaumburg said she enjoys seeing students who have never met before collaborate. “I love seeing students who come from different schools work together to help their peers with mental health issues and themselves as well,” she said. Nancy SchaumburgWilliam Warren, the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Engagement student program coordinator, serves food during the “Taste of South Africa” meeting March 5 in the upper cafeteria. The meeting was held for parents of students who were interested in attending the South Africa Cultural Exchange trip in Spring of 2027. During the meeting parents could sample traditional African cuisine and hear more about the upcoming SACE trip as well as fundraising opportunities. Keith LangfordSophomore Eden Bracey organizes missing work from the past week. “I’ve been sorting through my stuff, getting it back together after Sankofa,” she said. Bracey, who portrayed Izzy in this year’s Sankofa performance, ‘The Legacy of Black Brilliance,’ took on singing and acting roles in the show. “We still have upcoming performances. I also do Dance Club and have conferences. It’s a lot but I’m getting my stuff together,” she said. Emma BarkerAssistant Principal Logan Cawley stands at Dean of Students Greg Zannelli’s desk outside the library, where he wrote tardy passes during transition period March 6. “Mr. Z isn’t here today, so I’m filling in. It has been commented that I am not nearly as tall as Mr. Zannelli,” he said. “Mr. Zannelli built this desk for his own height. I am certainly aware of the comedy of me standing behind it.” Emma BarkerLatin students gather March 6 outside the large auditorium before loading their bags into the bus that would take them to the Ohio Junior Classical League convention. Latin teacher Joseph Barresi said the event’s purpose is to spark spirit. “It’s meant to bring energy, bring the spirit,” he said. Junior Gavin Hurley said the group will attend different Latin-themed activities. Said Hurley, “They have video games, workshops, and little meetings for the participants. We’re also going to a banquet. It’s going to be so cool.” Natalie BetterFreshman Giselle Boone prepares for lacrosse practice March 5 in the girls’ locker room. Boone said she is gearing up for a game coming up next week. “I need a little more practice, but I feel like I’m ready,” she said. “Everybody’s working on things they need to improve. I’m working on catching.” Emma BarkerSenior Ricki Hawari, member of The Seam, works after school to help design pages for the literary magazine. “Right now we’re just putting in extra days to get it done. Submissions are due right before spring break. We’re just working hard to design the pages and put it all together. It’s gonna be great,” she said. Emma BarkerThe women’s rugby team gathers for practice March 5 at Russell H. Rupp Field. Captain Maggie Gainford, a senior, has the ball. “We’re doing dynamic stretches to get our bodies loose from the day and ready to work out and play some rugby,” Gainford said. “We have a game on Sunday against Medina. I’m ready.” The team comprises players from Hudson, Western Reserve Academy and Mentor for a roster of roughly 34. Emma BarkerStudents perform during a lip sync battle at the SAY Youth Forum March 4 at John Carroll University. Schaumburg said the eighth grade forum promotes SAY’s annual campaign. “This year’s SAY campaign is Cope with Hope and will be showcased during the organization’s Volunteer Fair held on April 19 at Bellefaire JCB,” she said. Nancy SchaumburgYouth Ending Hunger President Talia Kansal, Director of Fundraising Bridget Barragate and Head of Volunteering Paolo Ligon review the weekly meeting agenda for YEH in Room 273 March 5. Ligon said that during the meeting, the team decided how they would spend the money YEH raised during previous events. “We’re getting proper bags for people in the foster system. We’re using the money we earned for a good cause,” he said. Emma Barker
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