The SPIRIT program (Student Problem Identification and Resolution of Issues Together) took place at BPHS on Thursday, Dec. 11 and Friday, Dec. 12 in the mornings. This was arranged by the Administration office and the program itself was sponsored by Bethel Park High School, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, and the U.S. Department of Justice – Community Relations Service. The representative from the Department of Justice was Knight Sor.

Prior to the meeting, many invitations were handed out with permission slips. The recipients were chosen from different ethnic groups within the student body at the high school. They also were to show qualities of leadership according to the slip. On the first morning, most students showed up on time even though no one had a good idea of what they had actually been invited to.

Knight Sor started out by introducing himself and the line of work he presides in. After, he also introduced the students to the program and its history. Along with him were five other mediators of different ethnic diversity who are local as well. Each was assigned to their own ethnic group of kids. The ethnic groups were split into four: Caucasian, Asian, African American, and Latino.

Once each group had separated into their own separate rooms, it was made sure that no staff from the school was present along with the mediators. Every group had up to two hours to come up with two separate lists. Both being the positive things about the school, as well as the concerns and issues with the school. All the groups were able to find very positive things about the school system in Bethel Park. They also were able to find a plethora of things that were thought to be overlooked. After the allotted time and much brainstorming, all the groups returned back to the L.G.I room where two representatives were chosen from each group to present their group’s thoughts and concerns.

After all the ideas were presented, the students participating were able to vote on their top three concerns. With the vote, the first day had concluded.

In the second day, all students returned awaiting the results of the vote. The concern that received the most votes was that the staff was diverse enough. Along with this issue the students agreed on many others. This time, students were split into four random groups and were assigned to come up with reasonable solutions to the problems. Upon returning again that day, the same way was used to present each group’s ideas to solve the school’s problems.

At the end of the meeting, everybody had received a certificate that they had participated in the SPIRIT program. Only time will tell if the school is able to fix the problems that were put into the spotlight. After all, many different solutions were already expressed through the students’ presentations.

One student, Joey Pappalia, said, “The program was great, and I wish everybody could have been there to participate. I am just hoping that they will do something to fix the problems that were addressed.”

All we can do is wait.