Pauline Garcia of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of Philadelphia presented the school with a banner recognizing its newly earned designation as a No Place for Hate school on Feb. 27.

ADL developed the No Place for Hate program to organize communities and schools to work together and develop projects that enhance the appreciation of diversity and foster harmony. The program empowers schools and communities to promote respect for individual and group differences and prevent prejudice, discrimination and hate crimes.

"The Boyertown school district has been leading the way," Garcia said, referring to Boyertown Junior High West's accomplishments. New Hanover is the first of the seven elementary schools in the district to earn the designation.

"This is a good start," guidance counselor Dennis Slifer said. "We have created a good foundation to build on."

"We are proud of our staff and students," Principal Dr. Stephanie Wilson added. "We have set goals and achieved them, which will carry over into other areas of their lives."

The school commenced the year's activities with a kick-off assembly about the No Place for Hate project. Students signed a No Place for Hate promise and displayed the message in the classrooms.

During the program, Super-intendent Dr. Harry Morgan praised the school for its visual message reminders - an array of posters throughout the building emphasizing the theme and a bully-free zone - and promotion of diversity.

"If we were all the same, what would the world be like," he said. "We need to celebrate diversity and embrace it."

And celebrate they did with song and dance.       Four students - Savannah Curcio, Rachael Kratz, Shannon Campbell and Allison Conley - performed their dance moves, choreographed by computer technology teacher Randi Law.

Contact assistant editor Diane Van Dyke at 610-367-6041, ext. 228 or
dvandyke@berksmontnews.com.