H-ton’s AWOD Club Ready to Begin its Work

With a determined focus on its well-defined mission, Huntington High School’s A World of Difference club is set to begin its important work.

AWOD members participate in projects that promote unity among Huntington High School’s various ethnic and racial groups. The club’s ranks should be completely replenished following last June’s graduation of seniors during an upcoming training session scheduled for October 13 from 2:30-6:30 p.m.

AWOD promotes anti-bias and diversity programs that allow students to better understand the issues of prejudice and bigotry as well as providing a forum for exploring diverse viewpoints.

Club veterans and newcomers alike will come together to learn about tolerance and how recognizing diversity and encouraging others to do so can improve their community. Business teacher Suzi Biagi and special education chair Erica Murphy-Jessen serve as the organization’s faculty advisors.

The most important message stressed by AWOD veterans at any training session has always been “the power of one.” AWOD’s membership consists of a true melting pot of personalities and backgrounds. The disparate parts of the group easily came together during annual training sessions.

Additional training sessions will be held in the winter and spring. AWOD will also host its annual training program at Woodhull School next spring. The Woodhull students will be led through activities similar to those provided at AWOD’s new member training. The goal of club’s peer trainers is to pass on their message of positivity and acceptance.

Last spring, AWOD members trained a large group of Woodhull students. The curriculum was written by the teenagers themselves. It addressed bias, bullying, mean words and rudeness.

Send a message to Ms. Biagi (sbiagi@hufsd.edu) or Dr. Murphy-Jessen (ejessen@hufsd.edu) for more information about AWOD.