Our 7th graders explored the “Power of One” this week, showcasing the work of someone in the local community who stands up for others in the face of injustice. They created exhibits representing their chosen “upstanders” after researching and interviewing them personally. Just a few of those represented among the exhibits:

• Vanessa Delgado '95, founder of Azure Development and housing advocate
• Karen Goldberg, founder of Goldie's Youth Sports
• Madi Steinn, founder of the LemonAID Warriors
• Matthew Emerzian, founder of nonprofit Every Monday Matters
• Jinghuan Liu Tervalon, advocate for runners of color
• Westridge's own Dean of Lower & Middle School Student Activities Farrell Heydorff, who also works with veteran service organization Veterans of Foreign Wars
• ...and more!

The Power of One project originally grew out of the Holocaust and Human Behavior curriculum taught by Gigi Bizar and John Cross in 7th grade Cultural Studies. In their study of the Holocaust, students discuss individual stories of the people who helped Jewish people survive, learning how even one person can make a positive difference in the world.

"Before, when I heard the word ‘upstander’ I thought it had to be something big and world changing. But I learned an upstander can really just be someone in your community who makes other people’s lives better," said Sophie S. '28, who celebrated Diana Jones, the librarian from her former school.

Click here to see photos of the showcase.