Adults and students who put off participating in Lake Orion High School’s 2010 Challenge Day with thoughts of ‘I’ll do it next year? won’t get that chance. Not in 2011, anyway.
The Review recently published information about the event, but according to Michele Novak, LOHS guidance counselor and substance abuse prevention advisor, Challenge Day was cancelled due to cost and lack of funding.
The event drew rave reviews from many students, parents and community members after it debuted at LOHS in 2007.
But the $15,000-$20,000 total cost for all three days, Novak said, is prohibitive.
Part of the school’s annual Unity Week, Challenge Day is a workshop facilitated by a California-based nonprofit organization. The day-long, interactive program is designed to inspire youth and communities to ‘Be the Change? they wish to see in the world.?
Although Challenge Day won’t happen at LOHS this year, plans are still underway for the upcoming Unity Week, with a program dubbed ‘Real Talk? slated to replace Challenge Day.
Real Talk is designed to bring students from different social groups together to discuss issues and solutions for sensitive topics in the hopes of improving the Lake Orion Community.
Real Talk will take place March 21-25 (excluding March 23) from 7:45 a.m.-1 p.m. in the CERC gym.
Students will attend based on grade level, with freshman starting off the week and seniors wrapping it up Friday.
The students will be divided into small groups, with one adult to facilitate and a teen leader to lead the discussion. Topics will include: bullying, substance abuse and school/community climate.
There will be an opportunity for about 130 students from each grade to attend.
About 50 adult volunteers are needed for a one-day commitment, and adults are also needed to assist in organization/set up/clean up. Financial donations in any amount are also needed.
‘Every little bit counts,? said Novak, noting food donations are needed, as well.
For more information, contact Michele Novak at mnovak@lakeorion.k12.mi.us or call 248-693-5638.