Five Princeton High School and John Witherspoon Middle School students received Unity Awards from Not In Our Town, an interracial, interfaith social action group, on May 19 at Princeton University.
These awards honor students who are role models in their efforts to promote respect for diversity and to advance the cause of race relations. Each student received a certificate, along with a gift at honors assemblies in their schools.
Eighth graders Joanne Adebayo and Luis Estrada were honored for their personal qualities and for their participation in various activities, including leading roles in the Martin Luther King Day program at John Witherspoon Middle School.
Jacklyn Adebayo, a graduating senior, was chosen because of her work as president of the Minority Student Achievement Network, Growing Up Accepted in America and End Child Hunger Organization.
Sam Nelson, a graduating senior, received the award for building cultural bridges in such organizations as Peer Leadership, a health education program, GAIA and MSAN.
Juan Polanco, a graduating senior, received recognition for his commitment to MSAN, Latinos Unidos, Big Brother Big Sister and summer volunteering with the elderly.
Not in Our Town aims to speak truth about “everyday racism” and other forms of prejudice and discrimination.
In cooperation with the Princeton Public Library, NIOT presents a monthly discussion series, “Continuing Conversations on Race.” The organization also sponsors book readings, workshops, film series, panels, and anti-racism demonstrations.
