Sharon High School Celebrates 'Mix It Up at Lunch Day'

Editor's Note: The following was submitted to Sharon Patch by Bonnie Klane of Sharon High School.

On Tuesday, Dec. 18, Sharon High School celebrated its annual "Mix It Up at Lunch Day".

This national event, celebrated by thousands of students across the United States aims to promote respect by reducing social boundaries, friendship and kindness. Students are asked to step out of their comfort zones and sit with people they may not know. The major goal of this event is for students to experience an activity that shows them that no matter what differences exist, everyone can be friends. Each year there is a different plan for having students mix it up.

Conversation starters were available at each table which enabled students to share their opinions and appreciate and respect diversity. Students enjoyed lunch and special treats in the cafeteria which was decorated with bunches of balloons!  

The Sharon High School Radio Club was on the air providing great background music for this festive event and students from the SHS TV Media class interviewed and videographed a number of participants during Mix It Up Day. 

Mix It Up Day student facilitators including Kim Chook, Rachel Dougherty, Audree Dufresne, Dani Fine, Ashvi Patel, Matt Reeves, Jake Steinberg, Emma Stern, and Jordan Steward worked together more than two months, with their advisor, Bonnie Klane, to plan, organize and facilitate this annual event.   

Sincere appreciation to the SHS PTSO, the Norfolk County Teachers Association, Walpole Big Y, Walpole Mall iParty and the Sharon Rite Aid for their support! The Mix It Up at Lunch Day committee also  extends its  thanks to the SHS teachers, staff and administration for their participation and support of this initiative! 

It is hoped that experiences like these will enable students to cross the lines that divide them and realize that they really do have the potential to change the world! 

Last year Sharon High School was recognized as a "Mix It Up Model School" for its "sustained commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive school community", by Teaching Tolerance, A Project of the Southern Poverty Law Center.