Helping Others: Spirit Week 2017 is Underway!

A preview of Spirit Week 2017 was provided last Friday when the Dwight-Englewood Upper School gathered in Schenck Auditorium to spend an hour learning about the plans for the following week. The assembly kicked-off with a brief introduction from Spirit Week student coordinators, Ryan Rodgers ’19 and Emily Nebbins ’18, as well as D-E Upper School president, Jalen Watson ’18, and Mrs. Debbie Murphy, Director of Student Activities and Community Services. 

The assembly presenters explained that in light of the recent natural disasters that have occurred across the globe, the D-E community will be raising money through student-run organizations, CODES (Community Outreach at D-E) and TCC (Teens Connecting Communities), to be donated to Save the Children, an international organizations that advocates for all children’s rights. While describing the school’s, efforts, Mrs. Murphy said, “In 2017, all three divisions of our school will unite in our effort to help others. It’s a part of our school’s mission at Dwight-Englewood. Our missions tells us what we seek to do and aspire to be.”

D-E students will be raising money through various activities (see below) including the sale of bracelets ($1 each) and a Coin Wars competition. The grade which raises the most money will be awarded Spirit Week points.

To describe the causes and the horrific damage caused by recent hurricanes, Harvey and Maria, Mr. Joseph Algrant, the Upper School Principal, presented a short explanation of the science behind a hurricane. This presentation acted as a segue into the subject of spirit and of helping others. A slideshow depicted many of the ways that ordinary people have become heroes due to recent circumstances. D-E students and faculty were then invited up to the stage to share how they thought spirit could be shown in all facets of life. The participants of this discussion spoke of the connection between helping others as well as staying true to one’s self.