Above: Westerville Central students and adult volunteers gather in a circle at the beginning of the program. Lower left: Challenge Day presenter Christopher Heinze takes a selfie at Westerville South. Lower right: Westerville North participants raise their hands and give the “I love you” sign in support of others.
Challenge Day was held at all three Westerville high schools from November 11-14 and involved more than 350 students and 90 adult participants. Each Challenge Day program helped pupils to learn more about each other and to know themselves a little better too, increasing acceptance and understanding. Students realized that while we are each unique, we also share much in common. This eye-opening experience encouraged participants to think about their future, as well as formulate strategies for dealing with the stresses of the present. Students were inspired to notice what is going on in their school, families and community - and to choose actions to make a difference in big and small ways in the world around us.