Kennett High School Assistant Principal Ray Fernandez and keynote speaker Secretary of State Pedro Cortés.
KENNETT SQUARE — Kennett High School hosted its 15th Annual Multicultural & Diversity Awareness Conference on Saturday, April 23. Coordinated by Assistant Principal Ray Fernandez, the day included opening remarks by Superintendent Barry Tomasetti followed by KHS student Alin Hernandez’s introduction of keynote speaker Pedro Cortés, the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
A variety of morning and afternoon workshops and presentations focused on topics of interest to adult and young participants alike. Morning presenters included Mrs. Elizabeth Ely (KHS teacher) whose topic was “Defining Diversity;” Mr. Joseph “Jo-Jo” Herndon (GlaxcoSmithKline, Regional Director, Health Systems and Hospitals) who concentrated on “Leading Real Social Change;” Mr. Michael Blanche (licensed clinical social worker, Caron Treatment Centers) speaking on “D&A Use/Addiction in Today’s Adolescent Population;” Ms. Lynn Monahan (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, WCU) who talked about “Diversity Representation in the Health Science Field;” and Ms. Korri Brown (KHS teacher) who discussed “After Graduation! What’s The Next Step?”
Following an ethnic lunch consisting of food from various cultures, students attended a special presentation entitled “What Is Your Y – Purpose in Life?” delivered by Mr. Ray Fernandez, Kennett High School Assistant Principal and KHS-MDAC conference coordinator.
Workshops offered in the afternoon included “The Art of Dancing to Promote Diversity & Empowerment!” by Ms. Tania Ramos (Esperanza Academy Instructor and Dance Team Coordinator); “Rebels for Diversity!” hosted by Ms. Ann Atkins (author); “Acculturation Stress in Immigrant Families” by Jari Santana-Wynn (Outpatient Services Coordinator, Holcomb Behavioral Health Services); “Diversity Lives Matter: Meaningful Diversity and Beyond” by Dr. Richard Cooper (Professor, Social Work Dept., Widener University); and “Good is the ENEMY of GREAT!” by Ms. Chanel August (KHS teacher).
The event culminated in a talent show competition with entries from schools participating in the conference.
Approximately two hundred people attended the conference this year, including students from the following schools: Central York High School, William Allen High School, Reading High School, Esperanza Academy, Norristown High School, Conestoga High School, Upper Darby High School, Coatesville Area Senior High School, Avon Grove High School, Church Farm School, Milton Hershey School, and Quakertown High School.
District officials say they and the greater school community remain committed to “understanding our cultural differences to discover our cultural similarities.”
