AWOD Club Presents Program at Woodhull School
The Huntington High School AWOD club takes its mission seriously. A World of Difference is more than just a string of words to these students and the club's faculty advisors. The group feels an obligation to reach out to others.
On a recent day a contingent of 24 AWOD members along with advisors Suzie Biagi and Camille DeCanio traveled to Woodhull Intermediate School for a series of 80 minute presentations that centered on tolerance and the appreciation of others, including sharing thoughts and opinions through games and role-plays. Segments on anti-bullying strategies, friendships, spreading rumors and what to expect at J. Taylor Finley Middle School were also included in the program.
Teams of six high school students each pushed into a dozen sixth grade classes and presented a curriculum created by AWOD peer trainers and advisors that was designed to address some of the many issues involving children nearing adolescence.
"Preparation had been in the making since late last fall, creating as well as practicing aspects of the program," Mrs. Biagi said about the lead-up to the Woodhull visit.
"I was so impressed with their maturity," said Woodhull Principal Mary Stokkers about the AWOD presenters. "They seemed so at ease and natural talking with our students. Peers talking to peers is very effective."
The Woodhull students were a receptive audience for the program. "The experience was priceless," Mrs. Biagi said. "Our AWOD peer trainers worked so hard developing and polishing this program. They were well received, revered almost, by the students and felt a true sense accomplishment and purpose. They are old enough to be wiser then their young peers and close enough in age to make a real impact on their young lives."