Westside embraces King's message
BY MICHAELA SAUNDERS
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
Westside High School students have moved past the Martin Luther King Jr. Day controversy that drew national attention to the school last year.
Starting Monday, students and staff will celebrate King's legacy for a week, with events focused on acceptance, understanding and service.
"Having a whole week of activities gives students more chances to be involved," said Lexie Newman, 16, a junior on the "Week of Service" planning committee.
In years past, all Westside students attended a convocation on the King holiday, which included the presentation of the "Distinguished African American Student Award" to the school's top black student.
Last year, two students persuaded a white student from South Africa to pose for what they said was a satirical poster. The sign suggested the South African student be nominated for the award. About 150 of the posters were put up around the school the morning of the assembly.
The students who put up the posters and the South African student were briefly suspended from school, and school officials called the timing of the posters insensitive.
"Some people agreed with the satire, others didn't," said Tylena Martin, 18, a senior on this year's committee and one of about 70 black students at the school. "It spread groups apart. This year is a new attempt to come together."
Several events are planned for Monday. Students will be served a lunch of African food, and many will participate in an activity promoting tolerance designed by the National Center for Creative Justice.
Beginning Monday and continuing for the week, many of King's quotations will be displayed around the school, along with student artwork. A video that Martin created about "-isms," such as racism and classism, will be shown throughout the week in a student gathering spot.
Students will complete service projects in classes and participate in a districtwide American Red Cross collection for aid to victims of the south Asian tsunami.
This year's awards will focus on service. Each nominated student will receive a certificate.
The 11-member planning committee has developed a pledge students will be able to sign and display proclaiming their commitment to "live by (King's) example by being tolerant, accepting and of service to others."
Martin and others said they hope the activities will create a more inclusive environment at Westside.
"It's not just a black holiday," she said. "This is a holiday for everyone. It's about service."
