WEST PALM BEACH — The Weight of Words, a musical event that doubles as a call to action, was conceived, written, choreographed, designed and produced by drama students from Broward’s Nova High School, based on their personal experiences.
The free event is set for Thursday, May 2, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Palm Beach Lakes High School, 3505 Shiloh Dr. in West Palm Beach. Participants can register online at pbcactionallianceformentalhealth.eventbrite.com/
The performance is being co-sponsored by the Palm Beach County School District and the Palm Beach County Action Alliance for Mental Health. Rick Lewis, Palm Beach County School District specialist for School Climate, said he hopes district students and staff will pack the audience.
“This is an era where many have bought into the fallacy that it is ‘cool to be cruel’ and just about any difference can open the floodgates of mistreatment in all its painful forms.”
In an effort to reverse a negative ethos, 19 Palm Beach County schools have established Safe School Ambassador programs. Also established in more than 900 schools nationally, the program equips student opinion leaders to de-escalate conflict, support targets and diplomatically challenge aggressors.
In addition, ten schools have qualified for certification by the Anti-Defamation League as No Place for Hate schools. Lewis said he anticipates that more schools will elect to be part of the effort next year. “We recognize that how we treat each other is as important as what we learn.”
For more information about The Weight of Words, visit pbcactionallianceformentalhealth.eventbrite.com/ or call 561-494-1569. For details about the Safe Schools Ambassador programs, call 561-982-0920 or email rick.lewis@palmbeachschools.org
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