Half crumpled flashcards on desks, red eyes from nights of last-minute studying, empty energy drink cans in the recycling bins – for 2 long weeks of AP exams and state testing, JP Stevens was a cesspool of stress and anxiety. Luckily, our first Elevate Day, hosted by the Teacher and Student Equity team, could not have come at a better time. With the intention of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our student body, as well as helping students practice mindfulness, Elevate Day was a rousing success, benefiting hundreds of individuals.
The event occurred on May 21st and consisted of over 80 presentations and workshops led by teachers, professionals, and our very own students. These workshops covered a large number of topics, ranging from sports to literature and beyond. For instance, Mr. Earl and Mrs.Distefano from Project Unified, an organization working to help developmentally disabled students through sports, presented a fun and engaging Just Dance activity, where students of all abilities were encouraged to connect and bond through dance. Additionally, author and keynote speaker Pallavi Sharma Dixit presented a short reading from her novel Edison and discussed the unique experiences and challenges of growing up in the Indian community, something that connected with many of her listeners.
However, perhaps some of the most impactful presentations of the day came from our own students. Many students holding leadership positions for JP Stevens clubs increased awareness of mindfulness and inclusivity through presentations relating to the organization they were representing. This not only allowed students to gain insight from individuals who had faced similar challenges and had similar experiences to themselves, but also greatly benefited the presenters themselves. Junior Melanie Cosgrove, who presented on behalf of Girl Up – an organization aiming to uplift women – had a “great experience running this year’s Elevate Day program” and found it incredibly rewarding to “decompress and grow with [her] fellow peers.”
The event also had a profound influence on the participating student body. Medhansh Gada, a junior who took part in the More than an Athlete Relay Race, particularly emphasized the role of equality and inclusivity in his Elevate Day experience: “I loved how the organizers were able to connect an important aspect of my life–sports–with inclusivity by leveling the playing field. I loved how, despite differing skill levels, everyone was able to have a fantastic time!”
The event could not have been such a triumph without the cooperation of both the school administration and the Teacher and Student Equity team, a group that was able to “unify” the entire student body in acknowledging the importance of inclusivity for one another. One of the main organizers in the event, Mrs. Padhye-Basu, shared her optimism in its success: “I’m really glad on the incredible success we’ve shared after the long weeks of testing students faced. I’m extremely proud of the work everyone put into their projects and can’t wait for this to be a tradition at JP Stevens!”
The first rendition of the JP Stevens Elevate Day worked to empower the student body and harbor positive sentiments, bringing the year to a close in a refreshingly uplifting way. Its promising influence on students teaches them to use their voices respectfully and develop essential communication skills found in the real world. Altogether, the event was a massive hit, and we are excited to see it come back next year, even better than before.
