Last May, several Bethlehem Central High School students participated in the making of a statewide video showcasing New York students on the topics of diversity, equity and inclusion. These students, including both current students and members of the class of 2022, spent several hours after school sharing their voices, their experiences, and their hopes for the future with filmmakers.
Four of the Bethlehem students (Toni McGee, Orion Dennin, Vijayasree Kakarala and Sarah Singh) are featured in the four-minute video produced by the New York State Department of Education. The video was unveiled at the New York State Board of Regents meeting held today, Tuesday, Dec. 13.
“Your students express why it is so vitally important for them to feel welcome and included in their schools. In deeply personal and insightful ways, they explain that learning becomes possible – and joyful – when they are seen, heard, and valued for who they are,” Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said in a letter to BCHS principal Dave Doemel.
“As you know, the Board of Regents and State Education Department are committed to making New York’s schools warm and welcoming places for all students,” said Chancellor Young. “It is clear that you and your school community are committed to this goal as well.
“On a personal note, I was moved by the passion, maturity, and intelligence of the individuals featured in our video. Watching these young men and women fills me with nothing but hope and optimism for our future,” added Dr. Young.
Thank you to all of the current students and recent alums for lending their experiences and their voices to this important work.