In Woodford County Public Schools, we strive to provide our students with unique, dynamic, and worthwhile opportunities every day. The Community Activism class at Woodford County High School is a shining example of this mentality. Its design allows students to utilize their passions and creativity as they develop projects that will serve and benefit others as well as inspire community engagement. The class was started by Kyle Fannin in the 2014-2015 school year and is now taught by Andy Smith.
Currently, students in Community Activism are looking forward to their main event, which is a street festival called, “Activate Versailles.” The class has been working on this event for several months, and they are eager for it to take place this weekend. Mr. Smith supports the students as they plan the festival and design their projects, but he also allows for a significant amount of independence. The students reserve space for the festival, coordinate with city officials, contact vendors, invite musicians, advertise the event, and so much more. Students have gained real-life experience in business, marketing, and event planning. For example, Konner Spalding, a senior in the class, remarks on the communication skills she has sharpened through planning Activate Versailles. “In having to talk to adults and get our point across, we have to practice clear, direct communication...it’s also shown me a lot about time management…This class gives you the perks of being an adult while still being in high school.” Kennedy Johnson, senior, says, “You have to be a really good planner and self-driven. Mr. Smith wasn’t going to hold our hands. He told us what to do and when it needed to be done, and we had to do it.”
Those attending Activate Versailles can expect a stellar line-up of musicians and a list of food vendors that will make your mouth water; however, the festival doesn’t end with these pleasures. The event has a true emphasis on engaging the residents of Woodford County and highlighting important causes, non-profit organizations, and volunteer opportunities. Konner describes the festival as a “community-focused event with the purpose of bringing together all different walks of life from Woodford County.” Anna Manges, senior, adds this about Activate, “…the important thing is that we’re high school students putting this on for our community. It’s the high schoolers’ take on the community, and it’s refreshing. My family and friends feel rejuvenated after coming to Activate.”
This refreshment must come from seeing our young people put so much creativity and hard work into an event that benefits others. Ariana Disciplina, senior, says, “It’s cheesy, but we are the future. If we teach people how to work hard young, we will be successful in the future.” This type of work ethic is evident in the quality of projects that are occurring as part of Activate Versailles. For example, Ariana’s project highlights the Latino population of Woodford County with a discussion about their culture and community. Directly after this discussion, a Latino dance group will perform several traditional dances. Another great Activate Versailles project is “Swap Shop,” created by Anthony Tabor, junior. The tagline for the shop is, “Bring what you have; take what you want.” Any item that is leftover from the Swap Shop will be donated to local churches and charities. Additionally, Esther Bradshaw, senior, is working with the mental health awareness club at the high school, “In the Silence,” to assemble a scavenger hunt. This activity is designed to raise mental health awareness, let people know where they can find help if they’re struggling, and provide a sense of understanding to everyone involved.
These projects are just a glimpse of what will be occurring in downtown Versailles this weekend. The students in the Community Activism class have put months of dedication and work into Activate Versailles; come support our young people and see their hearts for the Woodford County community.
Activate Versailles will take place Friday, April 26, from 5:00 – 10:00 PM and Saturday, April 27, from 2:00 – 10:00 PM. The street festival will take place in downtown Versailles on Green Street. There will be live music and food vendors.
The Latinx Discussion will be on Friday at 5:00 PM with the celebration of traditional dance at 6:00 PM.
The Swap Shop will run throughout the entirety of the festival. Clothes should be clean and without stains or tears. Donated shoes must be in wearable condition. Please do not bring opened personal care products, anything that suggests contact with the body, or anything that cannot be washed. Glasses, mugs, and vases must be without chips or cracks. No cloth furniture or sheets/bedding will be accepted. Toys need to be clean and in good condition. Books, magazines, videos, and CDs, are fine to bring but please no computer monitors or large televisions.
The mental health awareness scavenger hunt will be on Friday from 6:00 – 7:30 PM. Please register by emailing endthesilence.wchs@gmail.com.
