By: Sarah Wie
The “Carry the Torch” program, a project of the Shared Decision Making (SDM) team, initiated its first competition last year that allowed students to create pieces of artwork or via other forms of expression centered on their interpretation of what carrying the torch means to them.
The TORCH acronym stands for: T-Truthfulness, O-Others are important, R-Respect for yourself and for others, C-Caring for yourself and for others, and H-Honesty in the classroom and on the field/arena/pool. Each letter stands for a virtue that Williamsville East strives to instill in each of its students. Truthfulness and honesty go hand in hand, as do the “O”, “R”, “C”, all emphasizing the importance of our society as a whole; to care for others and to be considerate means we must have respect for ourselves and for all who are surrounding us. It is not necessary that we like everyone we know, but it is necessary that we give the mutual respect that every individual deserves.
It is in this way that East students can further unify and progress forward personally, academically, and through extracurricular activities. All students deserve to be part of an environment that encourages a welcoming atmosphere, in which everyone feels accepted and valued. In essence, the “Carry the Torch” program brings light to the Golden Rule that have been instilled in us since our primary school days: treat others the way you want to be treated.
This competition brought about great participation by the various facets of Williamsville East, and the winners received monetary rewards. This competition also encouraged collaboration among East students, as a winning piece was created by a group of students, working towards the common goal of expressing what carrying the torch means to them. The “Carry the Torch” program continues into this year, and we, as East students, should all strive to achieve the objects of this program.
