Success StoryCelebrating Diversity!



Celebrating Diversity!

Author: Amanda Wilson

Planning Unit: McCracken County CES

Major Program: Health 4-H Core Curriculum

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

In today’s society, there’s a strong possibility we will come into contact with someone who differs from us in the areas of age, race, gender, cultural, and/or religion. Due to our country being a beautiful mosaic of differences, it’s important for our youth to learn about the differences in others, embrace the differences, and learn to seek out the similarities. McCracken County 4-H and the Interracial Women’s Group of Paducah (IWG) collaborate to offer a diversity event entitled Calling All Colors (CAC). CAC is a 2 part program which includes a one day diversity workshop and a school implementation component. The workshop is offered to students in both city & county school systems as well as St. Mary Catholic School. The 2019 workshop had 162 youth attendees ranging from grades 5-12. The event took place on the campus of West Kentucky Community & Technical College. This give the youth a chance to actually view the campus, and experience college life for a day. During the workshop, youth attend 5 workshops all focusing on a different culture, religion, or creative outlet. The second component is the school implementation. Participants of CAC are charged with the task of developing and implementing a diversity program or event at their local school. Schools are then encouraged to submit presentations to IWG, and 1st, 2nd, & 3rd places are awarded prizes. This year’s competition was VERY close, so all 5 teams, who submitted projects, were recognized for their efforts. Lone Oak Middle School came in 5th place. The group demonstrated how bullying effects everyone, and not just people individuals. This was done by students acting out a skit for the student body. The 4th place school was Clark Elementary. They created a video in which they re-wrote the lyrics to “Celebration” performed by the Kool & the Gang, and they titled it “Celebrate Diversity”! The lyrics outlined how we should live together, love together, work together, and CELEBRATE TOGETHER! The 3rd place school was Lone Oak Intermediate School. Participants created and performed a skit on the effects of discrimination due to a young ladies appearance. At the end of the skit, all of the girls agreed to get to know one another, and not be segregated. St. Mary Middle School was awarded the 2nd place prize. They researched 5 countries, and prepared food native to the countries, and identified games unique to that culture. The games and food were offered to the student body. McNabb Elementary was awarded the 1st place prize for their thorough skit outlining diversity in the areas of gender, language, and religion. Students were recognized at their 5th grade transition ceremony for their efforts in spreading awareness of diversity. McCracken County 4-H and IWG will continue to spread the message of diversity and inclusion, and encourage our youth to embrace differences, and seek similarities in all people.






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