For the African American History assembly this year, teachers, students, and musicians worked together to create a memorable morning full of meaningful reflection and inspiring song. Student speakers including seniors Chandler Brossard, Tyrica Miller, and Isaiah Mays reflected on their families’ experiences and their cultural heritage. Upper school student support teacher Mr. Banks spoke about his experiences as a philosophy student at Cornell. Student performers lit up the stage with song and dance. Freshman Kofi McFadgion performed a hip hop dance, the jazz group performed “It Don’t Mean a Thing” by Duke Ellington, the Black Facts Club, a student group advised by Ms. Coleman performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and finally the student Go Go Group performed Adele’s “Hello,” featuring sophomore Ryann Mellion on vocals, junior Duncan Matthews-Cox on piano, and seniors Jaden Gourdine and Rodney Goldring and freshman Jonah Spiva on percussion. The speakers’ words and performers’ passions and the students’ positive energy and respect for each others’ talents lifted every voice and heart in the room.
