Upper Division Teens Making a Difference

MISS TEEN OKLAHOMA UNITED STATES, CAITLIN COSTELLO

Caitlin Costello, a sophomore in the Upper Division presently holds the state title of Miss Teen Oklahoma United States. She will be traveling to Washington D.C. July 2-9 to compete for the national title and will appear in the 4th of July parade on Capitol Hill.

 With an enthusiastic approval from the Edmond City Council, Caitlin will be co-hosting a Black Light Dance Party and D.J. battle to be held on Friday, May 31st at the Mitch Park Ampitheater behind the MAC in Edmond to benefit Project ANTI-BULLY,  a global organization working to educate young people about bullying and help the Moore Tornado Relief.  The address for Mitch Park is 2733 Marilyn Williams Dr. Edmond, Ok, 73003

This is a charity that Caitlin supports, but it is the platform for Caitlin's friend, Page Frederick who holds the title of Miss Junior Teen Oklahoma. Page is a long time friend and Freshman at Edmond North High School. She herself has been the victim of bullying, so much so that she left school for a while at one point.  

Kylie Morgan, a 17 year old Oklahoma girl turned professional country music singer is living in Tennessee and opening for such greats as Clint Black, has written an incredible song that is on the radio now about bullying and suicide. Her music video and is quite moving. She will be performing her song live and signing autographs with Caitlin. The gates open at 5:30 P.M.

Kylie Morgan will be performing live her music video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpYB7hmtt6E.  It is about a real person, Phoebe, a 15 year old student in Massachusetts who hung herself in January of 2010 because of relentless bullying. Kylie will be signing autographs along with Caitlin,  Caitlin's older sister, Anna-Marie (Miss Oklahoma United States) and Page Fredericks.

 

Admission is $10.00 and again, ALL proceeds go to Project ANTI-BULLY and tornado relief.  Event postponed due to weather! 

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SIDNEY JONES, YAC JUNIOR CHAIR ATTENDS TIDE WITH YOUTH LEAD OKC

Youth LEAD OKC with Youth LEAD Online CEO

TIDE (Teen Identity and Diversity Education) Conference, Wave of Change seeks to bring global perspective to teens of all identities.  The conference is planned and facilitated by teens of Youth LEAD, Sharon, a program founded upon the notion of developing understanding of diversity through dialog, not debate. 

Teens from Sharon planned the 2013 Conference divided into teams with specific goals. 

The recruitment team brought participants from Mass, Rhode Island, Maine, New York, Arizona, California, Texas and Oklahoma. 

The logistics team developed the conference schedule, hired two awesome people for Saturday night's program and finalized the food and accomodations details with staff from Stonehill College. 

The facilitation team met every week since the winter to develop the Saturday workshops to have conversations about how participants can transform fear and misunderstanding in their communities.

 

The TIDE Experience 

In 2013 participants were divided into family groups, named after sea creatures.  The family groups aimed to promote relationship building, reflection, and took care of logistics and safety.

Friday activities aimed to unite and create a safe environment through ice breakers.  In 2013, the big icebreaker was a combination Holi and Capture the Flag, Hunger Games style.

 

On Saturday, teen facilitators from Sharon provide a full day of workshops.  In 2013, the workshops aimed to introduce  Youth LEAD's theory of change which is  to "transform fear, mistrust and polarization into social cohesion and collaborative problem-solving by inspiring and mobilizing youth leaders to reflect upon their beliefs, connect with others across difference, and act together to address local and global change.

Workshop 1: Reflect: Safe place and individual connections to the theory of change and feel comfortable voicing opinions on identity and personal fears. 

Workshop 2: Connect: Better listening skills using clarifying questions and other Youth LEAD core skills.  Additionally, participants learned what makes these skills difficult and useful.

Workshop 3: Act: Usage of skills learned to help eliminate personal fears with social cohesion

Workshop 4: Creating Change: Move participants to action.  Think about how to use these skills in their work to transform their own communities in affinity groups.

After a day of workshops, Marc Wayshak was the motivational speaker. Author of "Breaking all Barriers" shared a message of personal empowerment and self-responsibility. 





Then, participants were energized with traditional Mande music and dance by Joh Camara, dancer, choreographer and drummer.

Saturday evening, after the family groups met, there was an incredible display of talent at an Open Mic event where participants shared their passion for music, poetry, and story telling.

On Sunday, participants attended workshops facilitated by Sharon teens and teens from all over the country. 
Youth LEAD OKC Mentors Workshops:

Carmen's workshops: Different People, one boat; How to combat teen bullying, Maddening Mentor Moments and We Love them
Geri's workshops: Different People, one boat; Maddening Mentor Moments and We Love them
Shannon's workshops: Overcoming Religious stereotypes and prejudices, How to combat teen bullying; Maddening Mentor Moments and We Love them

Youth LEAD OKC Teens Workshops:
Andrew's workshops: Yoga and Meditation
Sidney's workshops: Gendercide, Behind Body Language
Su's workshops: Gendercide, Prejudices,

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Evaluation:  The logistic team needs to consider asking Sodexo to bring more variety of foods.  If the cost is not prohibiting, cleaning of the bathrooms and clean towels could make the experience flawless.

Youth LEAD OKC Teens Thoughts: Forthcoming!!!



Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the violent storms.  In light of the devastation and loss of life that our Oklahoma community has experienced we ask that you join us in praying for the many victims in our metro area.  

How to help?

Look for a dark Sequoia in the LD parking lot from 8:00am to 8:30am TOMORROW &THURSDAY mornings.  We will be on hand gathering donations for the Moore tornado disaster relief.  Pick up something from the list below then swing through the lot after drop off.   We will then deliver the load over to the Salvation Army pick-up spot immediately.  Here is what they need right now:

·         Bottled water

·         Bottled Gatorade

·         Individually wrapped snacks

·         Sunscreen

·         Diapers

·         Baby Formula

·         Wipes

·         Work Gloves

·         Shovels

·         Hand sanitizer

·         Hand towels/work towels

Ace Hardware, by the way, on Britton next to campus said they have plenty of stock in work gloves and shovels and it is easy to swing into their store before you get into the carpool line.

Several nonprofits are collecting donations for tornado victims. Many indicated that financial donations are preferred over supplies.  

Moore Recovers: https://moore.recovers.org/

The Oklahoma Red Cross is asking people to donate by texting Red Cross to 90999 which will be a $10 donation. The donations allow the Red Cross purchase needed supplies.

The Salvation Army Arkansas-Oklahoma Division has dispatched disaster response teams.  Donations to: • The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK 73157. Designate Oklahoma Tornado Relief on all checks. • Donate by phone: (800) 725-2769. • Donate online: donate.salvationarmyusa.org/uss/eds/aok

Feed The Children is preparing emergency disaster relief supplies and will be accepting donations from the public on Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the McCormick Distribution Center, 29 N McCormick.  Items that will be accepted are diapers, canned goods, nonperishable food and snack items, water and sports drinks. Feed The Children is coordinating with other organizations and authorities at the scene to deliver disaster supplies as requests are received.  Cash donations to help with relief efforts can be made by phone at 800-627-4556 or online at www.feedthechildren.org/disaster.

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, in partnership with Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, is asking that the public support all rescue, recovery and disaster relief efforts with donations of cash to your favorite responding charity.  Donations of items such as clothing and supplies are strongly discouraged.  Financial donations will allow disaster relief agencies to purchase whatever items are deemed necessary without resulting in the additional burden of securing warehouse space and volunteers to work donated product.  To make a tax deductible donation to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, go to www.regionalfoodbank.org or call 604-7111 or text FOOD to 32333 to give $10 to relief efforts.

Oklahoma Blood Institute: 16 years or older and in good health can generally donate blood. Those with O-negative and Rh-negative blood types are most needed.  Locations of donor centers and mobile blood drives can be found at www.obi.org.

United Way of Central Oklahoma has activated its disaster relief fund, so individuals may give specifically to the May tornadoes relief and recovery efforts.  Fund dollars will be distributed without administrative fees to United Way Partner Agencies working on the tornado relief efforts.  To donate, go to www.unitedwayokc.org or by mail to United Way of Central Oklahoma, P.O. Box 837, Oklahoma City, OK 73101 with notation for May Tornado Relief.  For more information, please contact Karla Bradshaw at (405) 235-3534 or kbradshaw@unitedwayokc.org.

Goodwill of Central OK is accepting donations as well as distributing clothing to those affected yesterday. For more information or to sign up to volunteer www.okgoodwill.org They are scheduling volunteers to sort clothing, etc and working with the Red Cross to assist with the distribution of 3 days of clothes per person.

Color, Unity, Friendship at London Infield, 4:15 PM, May 23

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WHAT and Why?  Festival of color, Unity and Friendship. Fundraiser for Bob Stoops Foundation Honoring Bennett Hanneman
                                                                                                                               

WHERE? INFIELD (GRASS AREA) OF THE LONDON TRACK FIELD

WHEN? THURSDAY, MAY 23, 4:15 pm   

WHO?  STUDENTS WITH  PRE-PAID FUN PACK.  HOLI POWDER FOR SALE ON SITE FOR anyone WHO DID NOT ORDER FUN PACK. BRING CASH!.  PICK -UP FUN PACKS ON 5/22 @ WOODS OR ON SITE

 

You are going to get colored up, down; left, right and center. So please wear old or disposable clothes.  You will be asked to take off your  footwear at the event.

•In order to get the colors off more easily later, get some separation between the colors and your skin and hair – like sunscreen, or hair oil – before the event. Cover your car seat with a towel to protect your seat. Shower after Holi to get colors off quickly!

PROGRAM
1. Welcome  Shoes off! Sunglasses and bandanas on.  Snacks donated by Ajanta Indian Restaurant, Participate! drinking water bottles donated by Casady's Development Office, Holi powder donated by Dr. Getika Verma.  Special thanks to the MD International Club for their financial support.

2. Performance: Indian Association Dancers

3. What is non-religious Holi?  From Dr. Getika Verma

Holi is also called” the Festival of Colors”. Holi is a popular springtime celebration observed on the last full moon of the lunar month. Participants traditionally throw bright, vibrant powders at friends and strangers alike as they celebrate the arrival of spring.

The festival of Holi can be regarded as a celebration of the Colors of Unity & Friendship - an opportunity to forget all differences and indulge in fun. The idea being that all people are created equal and to not distinguish between people based on any difference we see (with color smeared faces –everyone looks the same!!). It is also a day that people forget differences/arguments and let go of the past and renew friendships and start afresh.

4. Holi Celebration of Color (dry powder only-no water) with music and dancing! •

HOW TO PLAY WITH THE COLORS

Holi Celebation at TIDE Youth LEAD 2012 Conference in Boston

 Grab handfuls of different colors, and smear all over nearest face, self-included. Try aiming for friends, and family, though complete strangers on the field wouldn't mind either. Try not to smile too wide when they return the favor pink teeth don't suit everyone!!!



MAY SERVICE COLORS
 

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SOW LOVE PROJECT REQUESTS ANNUAL GARAGE SALE DONATIONS

Casady Junior Abigail Utz & the Sow Love team are once again hard at work raising funds to support the orphans of Zambia, Africa; among the poorest of all developing countries.  http://sowlovezambia.com/

 

In 2011, with incredible support from so many of you (thank you!), Sow Love  built  a school for orphans living at the Tree of Life Orphanage outside Lusaka, Zambia.

 

In 2012, Sow LOVE raised the resources (thank you again) to build a second school in a slum area of Lusaka ironically called Garden. Garden is a sprawling poverty stricken compound built atop an old sewage & waste dump; no electricity, no running water. The difference these two schools are making in the lives of kids who have so little is... HUGE!!!

 

In 2013, Sow Love’s focus is on the support of the operations of the Garden school; mainly the teachers’ salaries and the student’s books & supplies. Our family is excited to return to Zambia this summer to see the new Garden school, meet the teachers and see those precious kids again!

 

Sow Love’s biggest fundraiser is …THE GARAGE SALE! So, and this is where you hopefully come in, we are desperately needing stuff!!:  Big items (furniture always the biggest draw), little items (perfume, jewelry, purses, tools, CDs) and everything in-between. Whatever you may have taking up space in cabinets, drawers, storage units, garages, boxes, closets, patios, backyards, sheds, offices etc, that could be traded in for a child’s education we would greatly appreciate.

Tax receipts are available.  It’s a Win-Win-WIN!

 

You can drop off items anytime @ 1903 Bedford Dr, OKC 73116, or happy to make special arrangements for pickups at your convenience. 

 JUNE 7-8^th Garage Sale @ 1903 Bedford Dr.!!!

Casady YAC Delivers Awards @ Chapel

Senior YAC Chairs Rebekah Davis and Caitlin Hendee hosted the delivery of Presidential Awards 2013 at the Upper Division Chapel Service on Thursday May 9, 2013.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a national honor offered in recognition of volunteer service. Award eligibility for individuals and groups is based on hour requirements varying by age.  The Award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

After the Chapel recognition, awardees and teachers were invited at an ICEE reception in their honor as well as a celebration for Teacher's Appreciation Week hosted by sophomore YAC Chair, Sindi Peza.
  

Mr. Christopher Bright, Casady's Headmaster delivered goal pins to students who performed a minimum of  250 hours of service age 15 or older or 100 hours age 14 or younger
GOLD: Joseph Michael Bonfiglio, Judy Hassoun,Christine Luk, Shaan Patel, Julian Thomason, Abigail Utz

Mr. Brad Philipson, Upper Division Director delivered silver pins to students who have performed a minimum of  175  hours age 15 or older or 75 hours ages 14 or younger
SILVER: Margaret Adair, Taylor Burrow, Amad Chohan, Emily Faulkner, Ronald Garcia, Katherine Hanstein, Maia Kaplan, Joseph Messick, Sarah Puls, Zichun Venus Zhou
 
Father Charles Blizzard, Casady's Vicar delivered bronze pins to students who have performed a minimum of 100 hours age 15 or older or 50 hours ages 14 or younger
BRONZE: Carleigh Berryman, Mackenzie Blalock, Kendall Bleakley, Jack Boeh, Richard Costello, Thomas Fleming, Jessica Greene, Regan Henry, Anne Hill, Andrew Johnson, Maia Kaplan,  Dylan Raikar, John Robertson, Jessie Robinson, Ronda Sutor, Julian Thomason,  Megan Trachtenberg, Grace Williams, Martin Yoder (Martin was unable to be here because of AP exams)

Congratulatory letters from the President of the United States, Certificates and Icees awaited awardees and faculty. Reception hosted by YAC Chair, Sindi Peza

 

 

The Casady Service-Learning Program entered a national competition seeking outstanding programs integrating service in the curriculum sponsored by the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education http://www.csee.org/awards.  Casady School was recognized with the second place plaque for "truly fine and innovative work being done at Casady School with service integrated in the curriculum."

276 academically rigorous private schools from across the nation  are members of the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education.  The Center's selection committee stated, " The mission of Casady School’s service program is to cultivate well-educated individuals who are also “entrepreneurs of peace and social change.” Though students are required to serve 45 hours over their high school years, many surpass this minimum, finding motivation in diverse opportunities and student-led initiatives. In addition to many faculty-led service opportunities, Casady has a student service council, YAC, that does great work collaborating with school clubs and sports teams on projects. Casady students have also developed their own award-winning service-learning experiences, like Sow Love Zambia, which has raised money to build schools in Zambia, and Students Against Destructive Decisions, which inspires students to be involved in positive endeavors. 

On the theme of integrating service with the curriculum, Casady has impressive initiatives across divisions. "

In the Upper Division, feature projects of service through cross discipline collaborations were:   

 

 

K-Senior Literary Exchange, Mrs. Whitney Finley and Dr. Janet Hubble, in which seniors and kindergarten students  share authored children story books. 

 

Peace One Day, Dr. Carlos Torres Rodriguez, Mrs. Mary Anne Cockrum, and Mrs. Joanne Jew, in which students connect language learning to the International Day of Peace, a day for wide-scale community action, and  for United Nations agencies and aid organizations to safely carry out life saving work. 

 

Arts -4-Causes, Mrs. Phyllis Seitter, Mrs. Megan Thompson, Mr. Larry Moore, Mrs. Jana Heidebrecht, Mrs. Jeanmarie Nielson, Mrs. Stephanie Crossno, and Mrs. Lynn Robertson.

 

Metaphor Project,  Dr. Bonnie Gerard, in which senior English class students facilitate an interative learning experience of metaphors for Lower Division students. 

 

 

 Blue Thumb Project, Mr. Mark Delgrosso, in which science students monitor water quality and affected habitat in local streams.  Students collect and chemically test water samples, identify local fish and bugs, and complete data sheets on their observations.

In the Middle Division, featured projects were:

 

Stories of Hope: Dreams, Duty and Destiny, Mrs. Stephanie Crossno and the 8th grade team.

 

11 Days of Unity, International Day of Peace: Mrs. Lynn Robertson, Mrs. Shannon Semet, Mrs. Melody Hubbert, and Mrs. Sarah Zedlitz

 

In the Lower Division, featured projects were:

 

The Fair Trade Chocolate Project, Mr. Jeff Bush and the 4th Grade Team.  The CSEE committee stated, "The Fair Trade Chocolate Project in the lower school teaches students about social justice and environmental stewardship, as they sell fair-trade chocolate and donate the proceeds to charity. The project is woven into the curriculum in so many ways: graph skills in measuring sales, awareness of business concepts such as expenses, gross sales and profit, language arts skills in reading about the topic, art skills in recreating West African Adinkra symbols – art from the region where their fair-trade chocolate originated. This project and others at Casady are great examples of service through cross-discipline collaboration."

 

Arts-4-Causes:  Mrs. Sue Scott and artist in residence, Mrs. Patt Webb

 

 

In the Primary Division, feature projects were:

 

Pinwheels for Peace-International Day of Peace: Divisional project facilitated by Mrs. Pat Czerwinski and Mrs. Jane Sharp

 

Recycling & Green Gifts for Elderly Pals: Mrs. Pat Czerwinski

 

 

 

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CSEE's  mission is to provide leading resources, expert voices, and an active forum for ethical growth and spiritual development in academically rigorous independent schools. CSEE represents a broad network of schools that share resources and commit together to nurture ethically rigorous and spiritually grounded citizens for tomorrow's world.  CSEE has a membership of 276 independent schools across the nation.