Members of McHenry High School’s Warrior Buddies club are preparing for a week celebrating inclusion with a spirit week highlighted by an Inclusion Garden.
The Inclusion Garden takes place Tuesday during lunch periods at Upper Campus, and involves decorating a wall with flowers signed by those who pledge to be more inclusive. MCHS students can add to the garden by taking the pledge.
Meghan O’Neil, teacher and adviser to Warrior Buddies, said she hopes the effort of being more inclusive is practiced all year. The week of activities are meant to keep inclusivity at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
The campaign at McHenry High School is tied to the global campaign to encourage everyone to come together, regardless of similarities or differences. McHenry High School has been participating in it for five years.
Early on, the campaign was centered around ending the use of the r-word and spread awareness about disabilities. Today, the campaign is still about that but also, “more about inclusivity, meaning everybody and everything,” O’Neil said.
In addition to the Inclusion Garden, spirit week activities include a pajama day on Monday, Feb. 28. On Tuesday, everyone is encouraged to wear blue for inclusion.
Wednesday is Warrior Wednesday so McHenry High School gear is a must. Thursday is Twin Day and on Friday, everyone is encouraged to wear bright or neon colors.
Student leaders who are helping Warrior Buddies coordinate the effort are Taylor Pahlke, Angelica Sandria, Tarleen Judge, Nicole Pedretti, Lynette Alsot and Brianna Quest.
The mission of Warrior Buddies is to create friendships that extend beyond the classroom between students with and without disabilities.
