To most, high school means pimples, prom, hormones, braces, growth spurts, homework and brandname clothes.
Not anymore to Lake Orion students.
Last week LOHS hosted Challenge Day and now, high school means new friendships, diversity, respect, empathy and positive self-expression.
The Challenge Day program has origins in California and has spread nationwide, helping students learn to feel comfortable in their own skin.
‘It’s a moment in your life where people don’t judge you,? said Zac Abeel, a high school teacher, and one of the LOHS program organizers.
The program receives accolades from virtually everyone who participates – adults and students alike – and has been applauded by government officials, the juvenile justice system and even Oprah.
When asked to describe the program students immediately replied, ‘life-changing? and ‘eye-opening.?
While the program was at LOHS, different students assembled each day to participate in various team-building activities.
Through the high-energy, and often emotional activities, they learn to break down personal barriers and candidly talk about themselves and their social environment.
Emily Pillivan is a high school student and participated both years the program appeared at the school.
‘Afterwards you can look at people from a different perspective – not judging at all,? she said.
Scott Reynolds participated in Challenge Day last year as a student and this year as a student facilitator.
‘The program opened my eyes up to the students I see everyday,? he said.
One of Challenge Day’s goals is to help students realize that while they appear very different on the outside, they are very much the same on the inside.
‘Everyone has problems. Maybe not tragic ones, but you still need someone to just hear you,? Mr. Abeel said.
The program doesn’t only affect students. Volunteers from the community act as adult facilitators at Challenge Day.
Mark Crane attended his second Challenge Day last week as an adult facilitator.
‘Spending time with these students – talking with them and hearing about what is going on in their lives and how they are overcoming some very significant
obstacles – has been truly inspirational,? he said.
Students raised money all year to be able to participate in the Challenge Day program again – the total cost is $16,000. Waste Management, through their Charitable Foundation, generously donated $10,000 to help fund the program.
Challenge Day was part of LOHS’s Unity Week. Unity Week was hosted by the school’s Leadership class.
The week was kicked off with a presentation from Jeff Yalden, who was featured on MTV’s Made as a life coach and motivational speaker.
The week also included a variety show, a BBQ lunch and a Unity dance.