On October 23, 2024, Williamsport High School’s Diversity Club sponsored the first ever Student Diversity Conference for the Washington County Public Schools.
The event highlighted the contributions of students’ cultures and ethnicities to Washington County’s schools and communities. WCTA president Carol Mowen attended the conference at the invitation of WCTA members involved.
The goals of the conference and the Diversity Club’s activities is to increase and improve unity of all cultures within the Washington County Public Schools. Conference organizers included the members of the WHS Student Diversity Council Leadership Team: Paula Jackson, Donald Brown (WCTA), and Robert Burkhart WCTA) as well as Caitlin Myers (WCTA) who transitioned from the role of Equity Lead Teacher at WHS last year to Assistant Principal at Clear Spring High School for the 2024-2025 year.
“Through her connections to city and state government leaders, Ms. Myers was able to coordinate the visit of Lt. Governor Aruna Miller to be the keynote speaker,” said WCTA President Carol Mowen. “The students were also lucky to hear from a former WCTA member Dr. Aitza Haddad Núñez who serves as the Administrative Director for Hispanic Affairs and Caribbean Affairs Commissions for Governor Wes Moore.”
Lt. Governor Miller challenged the students to stay engaged, noting that “every step toward equality has a ripple effect.” Dr. Haddad-Nunez, who had taught Spanish at WHS before moving to her role with the Moore administration, also challenged the students to stay connected to their cultures as they work to achieve their goals.
At the event, WHS senior Ticcara Sumlin was named the WHS Student Diversity Scholar for 2024. Ticcara worked to establish the club and coordinate its activities during her high school career. WHS club advisor Paula Jackson presented the award, noting Ticcara’s many contributions to the club and the evening’s event.
“I am proud that WCTA members involved were able to help students plan and coordinate the conference and help their students from other schools attend,” Mowen said. “Several of the WCTA members who were there have attended the Maryland State Education Association’s Racial and Social Justice Summits or other MSEA professional development events over the past several years, so I know that they are dedicated to giving of their time and leadership to help students and staff here in Washington County embrace diversity in our schools.
Lt. Governor Aruna Miller provided the keynote address.
CSHS assistant principal and WCTA member Caitlin Myers served on the planning team for the event.
Some of the many students and staff in attendance at the first Student Diversity Conference at WHS listening to Lt. Governor Aruna Miller’s keynote address.