Oceanside High School students reach out

People may forgive, but they’ll never forget.

That was the message Casey English, a student at Oceanside High School, conveyed during her presentation on tolerance for the high school’s World Outreach Week.

The initiative, held May 18-20, was meant to increase students’ awareness of different world and social issues — and to educate teenagers about tolerance, said Julia Nappi, the school's director of student activities. Students presented more than 150 presentations to their peers during the three day event, focusing on issues ranging from natural disasters and the importance of relief efforts to poverty and other social issues.

For example, one day focused on natural disasters with an emphasis on Haiti, New Orleans and the recent flooding in Tennessee. During the second day, students informed classes about issues related to poverty, specifically efforts made by The Children’s Health Fund, a national program that provides health care for underprivileged children. The organization was started by musician Paul Simon and Irwin Redlener, the brother-in-law of the chair of the school's social studies department. And during the last day, May 20, students discussed issues related to tolerance and homosexuality, Hispanics and African Americans, as well as presentations on bullying and the acceptance of students with special needs.

Nappi said a diverse range of students shared their thoughts throughout the week. English started her 40 minute presentation by asking students if they ever used the phrase, “that’s so gay.” After nearly every person in the room raised their hand, English tried to put in perspective how the phrase makes no sense.

“It’s not like you would say that’s so Italian,” she said.

English went on to discuss how hurtful things that people sometimes say to each other are the ones that stick. English said she doesn’t remember the last time someone paid her a compliment, but when someone says something hurtful, she said it will stick with her for years.

Tess Ytuarte, the senior class president also gave a speech Thursday with a similar theme on tolerance. She told a room of students a story that has impacted her since the eighth grade.