Colonial School District students join together for annual celebration of Unity Day

Students at Ridge Park Elementary School decorated signs during an all-building walk to celebrate unity

Students at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, Colonial Middle School and Ridge Park Elementary School walked together in solidarity as part of the annual Unity Day celebration held on February 24.

Organized by the high school’s Black Cultural Awareness club (BCA), Unity Day is held during Black History Month and has grown from a high school-only observation to one that is shared around the district. The entire school district community is invited to walk in the light of Dr. Martin Luther King’s message of unity, or to embrace any activity that brings everyone together.

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School kicked the day off with several laps around the track in the stadium, and then headed inside to listen to a poem presented by Caleb Bridgeman and Jadon Joseph. Leea Smith and Gianna Morgan-Johnson then introduced the keynote speaker, Da’Rel Scott. Mr. Scott is a Plymouth Whitemarsh High School alumnus who played for the New York Giants and is now a physical education teacher at Colonial Middle School. He spoke about the challenges he overcame in his athletic career and personal life, and how important it is for young people to find their support system and to have a growth mindset. He encouraged the high school students to see past color and gender and to show each other respect.

“True unity comes when we all contribute to building an environment where people are respected, valued and supported,” he said, adding that having strong character and the ability to do what’s right (even when it’s not noticed or expected) is important. “Your character is everything. With unity, you can accomplish anything.”

Following Mr. Scott’s speech, members of the Step Team performed for the students. The BCA members also visited Colonial Middle School to speak about the importance of unity with their younger peers and the middle school Step Team performed.

Colonial Middle School student Mckenzie Stowe was one of the performers. She said while the experience made her nervous, she did it because she likes to face her fears. In addition, she is glad to be a part of something collaborative.

“Unity is coming together as a community, and that relates to me because I like to bring people together,” she said.

At Ridge Park Elementary School, students took a lap around the front of the school while holding signs promoting peace, unity and togetherness.