Scholars Awarded at Stop Hate Symposium

The Stop Hate Symposium on Tuesday, April 16 was a night of presentations and awards surrounding the topic of Building Bridges for Humanity. Reverend Earl S. Miller spoke about the Tulsa Massacre and Ron Israelski spoke about The Night of Broken Glass, then the two presenters made connections between these historical events and more recent events.

In March, schools in the greater Orange County region encouraged scholars to submit essays about speaking up against prejudice to the Stop Hate Challenge. First-place winning scholars received a $200 award and their teachers received $100. Scholars recognized as an honorable mention received $100 and their teachers $50. Out of the 150 submissions, Middletown scholars were placed in three out of the four awarded spots.

The High School Category first place was given to Middletown High School scholar Valeria Hoyos Gomez, taught by Ms. Gabby Hajuk. The category's honorable mention was given to Middletown High School scholar Talaya Miller, taught by Vincent Barone. First place in the Middle School Category was Twin Towers scholar Jarissa Nunez, taught by Mr. Brian Stabner.

Congratulations to all our scholars!

The symposium that was sponsored by Zachor Antisemitism Initiative, Jewish Federation of Greater Orange Co. & Orange County Human Rights Commission.