USCHS kicks off Global Education Week on World Kindness Day

Dec. 4, 2023

Global Education Week at Upper St. Clair High School was filled with a variety of speakers, films, performances and artwork as well as a trivia contest and cultural talent show. Held Monday, Nov. 13 through Friday, Nov. 17, the theme for this year’s celebration was “Express Your Humanity.” The first day of the week-long celebration coincided with World Kindness Day.

Leading the high school initiative was Doug Kirchner, social studies teacher and curriculum leader. In addition to Mr. Kirchner, Global Education Week Committee members included teachers Bethany Chase, Nikki Colella, Miranda Jasper, Ron Sivillo, Steve Torquato, and Erika Valentine; and students Isaac Bernstein, Ilayda Budak, Melodi Caliskan, Luana Cesar, Theeya Chen, Vir Kamat, Maeryn Mannix, Luke McDonough, Daniel Seewald, Ashe-Sobel Drum and Lauren Welch.

Students kicked off Global Education Week with a parade through the high school followed by school-wide assemblies for Violins of Hope, which focused on the enduring lessons learned from the Holocaust. The morning program featured original readings and poems by several USCHS students as well as performances by the high school orchestra, Pantheon Choir, Clarion Choir and Men’s Ensemble.

For the second year in a row, students had the opportunity to attend the Human Library. Based on the idea that everyone has their own unique story, attendees had the chance to hear from several “open books” who shared their personal stories related to their cultural heritage or personal experiences. This year’s response was so overwhelming that the Human Library was expanded to two days.

“In addition to exposing our students to complex global issues, Global Education Week emphasized the elements of culture that have the power to bring us together as people – music, art, and food – even during times of conflict,” Mr. Kirchner said.

All week long, students had the opportunity to attend guest speakers, panel discussions and film screenings. Student artwork that complemented Global Education Week’s theme was on display in the theater lobby and the jazz ensemble performed during lunch mods on Thursday.

In addition to the cultural programs, the week included a donation drive to support South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM), which provides services to a large number of refugee and immigrant families in the South Hill areas.