“After Challenge Day, I realized that a school really could become more aware and the people could become more caring of others’ feelings if we all just pull together.” -PHS Student, Grade 10

“Challenge Day has been a motivating day for me. It taught me so much about not looking at what is on the outside, but what is in the inside.” -PHS Student, Grade 10

“Since attending Challenge Day I noticed that you can’t look at someone and think that you know what it is really like to be them. I have also noticed that you might think that someone is totally fine, but inside they need help.” -PHS Student, Grade 10

“Since attending Challenge Day, I feel more welcomed.  What I really liked about Challenge Day is to see how many people apologized to me personally for making fun of classical music.  After participating in Challenge Day, I feel more welcomed at school and more respected.” -PHS Student

“The random acts of kindness from these people that I hadn’t even known before, has come to be one of the most powerful experiences in my life.  It was beautiful how I walked into that room of strangers, as a stranger, only to walk out again as a member in a beautiful family.  It was a beautiful experience to have people truly listen to what I had to say and love me in spite of everything.  For much of my life I have tried to convince myself that I am not a victim but a survivor, and I think that Challenge Day made me fully embody this notion.  It is experiences like this that give me the courage to live. I AM the Change I wish to see in the World!”      -Ariela Westlake, PHS Student

“I have taught 32 years in our school district and this was my first Challenge Day experience. It was a breath of fresh air that has invigorated me personally and inspired me to make an even deeper connection with my students. I have witnessed positive changes within my own classroom as students that attended this event have taken the initiative to treat their classmates with more empathy and understanding. I have witnessed my students intervening on behalf of otherwise disenfranchised classmates. I have also seen these same students making the effort to reach out and communicate with each other on campus. I am looking forward to our next Challenge Day event!” -Denny Plyler, PHS Math Teacher/Wrestling Coach

“Challenge Day was the single best day I have experienced in over 5 years of teaching and 15 years of working with teens. The transformations I observed were amazing. This program has the power to transform our school culture to one where all individuals are respected and valued, and understanding and tolerance are core values. Your donations will directly make the life of a local teen better!” -Jessica Dennen, PHS Math Teacher

Challenge Day is a one-day transformational program that breaks down the walls of separation between youth and reduces bullying, sexual harassment, racial tension, and delinquency on junior and senior high school campuses. This one day experience is augmented by a “Be the Change” club where students take what they have gained in Challenge Day and apply it to their school and community life. The “Be the Change Club” is facilitated by a teacher, a school counselor, and a community volunteer.

One more Challenge Day is planned for this school year on March 10th. If you’d like to volunteer your time to a Challenge Day event or donate money to help make one happen, contact the Healthy Community Consortium: 707-778-4951.

To learn more about Challenge Day, contact the Healthy Community Consortium: 707-778-4951 or log on to the Challenge Day website: http://www.challengeday.org/ .