This past Wednesday, Harriton hosted its second annual SpeakUp event! SpeakUp is an organization that organizes events where students, parents, and teachers within communities have the opportunity to talk about pressing issues such as stress, relationships, body image, and substance abuse in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.

Ty Sells, the keynote speaker, began the night with an authentic and humorous presentation on self-acceptance. Students from Harriton chose self-acceptance as the topic for the keynote presentation. After the presentation, the students broke off into their teams, answering questions and sharing experiences about their topics of choice. With this, students could express their perspectives on chosen topics to teachers and parents, who could in turn, share their own high school experiences.

To many participants, this was an eye-opening opportunity that changed their views on many subjects and gave them the chance to practice public speaking skills, as well as put their thoughts into words. Sophomore Siobhan Greene said, “I think that SpeakUp has allowed me to gain a better perspective of how I deal with things in my life by listening to other people’s ideas and opinions.”

At the end of the night, the recipient of the Jimmy Medal—awarded to a member of the community who has outstanding, recognizes the goodness of others, and strives to make a difference in the world—was awarded to Harriton junior, Alexis Bazemore!

The event, which garnered a large turnout and evoked important discussions, was a success. Ann Bernicker, one of the main coordinators for SpeakUp, commented, “I think the event at Harriton was fabulous! It is my hope that the conversations that were started at the SpeakUp event will continue and that as a community we can support each other without judgment.”

If you want to get involved in SpeakUp, email Mrs. L Thomas, and keep a look out for upcoming events!