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Waynesville R-VI students participate in Juneteenth celebration
Waynesville R-VI students were recognized for their participation in the Juneteenth competition hosted by Blue Star Families during the NAACP’s celebration of Juneteenth on Saturday, June 12, at the St. Robert Community Center. The NAACP event was organized by Charles Quinn, NAACP president, who also spoke at the event, and several volunteers who also participated in the day’s activities. This year’s theme was “The shoulders we stand upon.”
On Thursday, President Joe Biden signed into law a bill that makes Juneteenth an official federal holiday. Juneteenth commemorates when enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. The news finally reached the port city of Galveston when Union soldiers arrived on June 19, 1865. The news was met with celebration and began the annual holiday.
Two Waynesville R-VI employees spoke during the event; Kymberly Rodriguez, assistant principal at Waynesville High School, shared the history of Juneteenth and Dr. Elizabeth Washington, director of special services, shared information about the district’s robust diversity program that focuses on inclusion and equity.
The students who won in the Juneteenth competition were as follows:
1. Laniesha Cox (WHS) - song entry2. Eli Prather (WMDS) - digital artwork3. Aubrey Goble Moore (WSGC) – painting4. Jalyiath (2nd grade Freedom) - activity sheet5. Audriana Harman (2nd grade Freedom) - activity sheet6. Misaya Ologun (WHS) – poem7. Alysa Todd (WHS) - PowerPoint presentation8. Deja D. Wilson - (WSGC) – essay9. Adelane Owns (5th grade - East) – artwork10. Carter Gillett - (5th grade - Thayer) Play/Skit
Through Blue Star Families, each of the top 10 winners received a book. In addition, the top 5 winners receive a Facebook portal; 3rd place received a $25 e-gift card and stuffed bear; 2nd place received a $60 e-gift card and a gift basket; and 1st place received a $100 e-gift card and a gift basket.
Issued Jun 18th, 2021
