The Whitney Young Job Corps Y2Y students went beyond conversation by standing strong together! Y2Y stands for Youth to Youth and Partners 4 PEACE. On Monday, September 17, the Whitney Young Job Corps Center Y2Y Week kicked off with an inspirational speech on what is PEACE, from Pharmacy Tech student, Javion Holiday. Holiday spoke from his heart and stated he does not really have all the answers to PEACE, but he knows that PEACE starts within by loving self, respecting others and having NO fear.
On Tuesday students and staff made a huge human PEACE sign to demonstrate solidarity for PEACE! Students were encouraged to sign a PEACE pledge as well.
On Wednesday students displayed their creative gifts by making unique posters and prepared a rock garden. Students made rocks with peace messages and different images; there are 500,000 rock gardens worldwide. Students also promoted PEACE via a candlelight vigil.
On Thursday over 160 students and staff united by participating in a PEACE Parade walking approximately 1 mile to take a stand for PEACE for ALL citizens in the community and in the country. Congressman Tom Massie’s, Field Representative, Stacie Rockaway, stopped by to share her support of the PEACE Parade and took a photo with the students. The local Police escorted everyone across the main roads to ensure safety. Even WLKY, the local news, stopped by filming the students as they carried posters and a beautiful 5 x 6 mural colored with spray chalk. Not only were the students excited to participate in the PEACE Parade, but determined as well, given that the temperature was approaching 90 degrees. Of course, at the end of the walk staff gave out ice cold water to the students to replenish them from the heat.
On Friday several students made a video to show the effects of bullying to be featured at an upcoming business meeting.