Dr. Adrienne Simmons Board Member District IV | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Dr. Adrienne Simmons Board Member District IV | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Discovery High School is set to host the Challenge Day program on January 30 and 31. This international initiative, known for its focus on inclusion and empathy, has been featured on platforms such as MTV and Oprah. The program aims to empower teenagers by encouraging stronger connections and positive change within their communities.
The event will start with adult participants meeting at 7:30 a.m., followed by students joining around 8:15 a.m. The activities are scheduled to conclude at 2:10 p.m. Challenge Day involves 100 students and 25 adults engaging in a six-hour session designed to break down barriers and promote self-discovery.
Participants will explore three core messages during the program:
1. "Notice the world around you, choose to do something different, and take the first action."
2. "Show others your authentic self. Like an iceberg, we often hide 90% of ourselves. Vulnerability builds real connections."
3. "Be the change. Lead the changes you want to see rather than wait for others to initiate them."
Discovery High will hold two separate sessions of Challenge Day, offering students and adults opportunities to share stories, challenge biases, and discover their potential for making a difference. By day's end, attendees are expected to feel empowered as advocates for themselves and leaders in their school community.
Media members are invited to attend at 7:30 a.m. on both days but must adhere to specific guidelines regarding participant privacy:
- Media can participate fully if they serve as adult participants.
- Partial participation is allowed before 11 a.m., subject to leader discretion.
- Photography is restricted to the first hour and last half-hour of the program.
- Interviews with participants about their experiences are permitted during the last half-hour.
- Media should follow Challenge Day’s guidelines concerning confidentiality.
- General comments on issues like bullying or school climate can be shared publicly.
- Specific personal issues discussed during the program should remain confidential.
- Captions may identify students in photos, but care should be taken not to embarrass anyone.
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