Last Friday, four student ambassadors (Supriya R., Annabel W., Neah L. & Logan L.) represented Riverdale along with Abby Rotwein and Michele Rosenbaum at the 30th annual Asian American Youth Leadership Conference. While offering an opportunity to join with students and teachers from 29 other Oregon high schools, the theme for this year's conference was "connecting our truth". The keynote speaker, Manju Kulkarni, powerfully retold the history of immigration and other laws that had a personal impact on her while growing up in Alabama. As the Executive Director of the AAPI Equity Alliance, her organization serves a coalition of over 40 organizations dedicated to the diverse needs of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Southern California. 

After the keynote address, the students and teachers participated in small and larger group discussions on their own family origin stories.Sticky notes were plastered across a large timeline on one side of the room as all shared when and how their families arrived in the United States. This dynamic process opened up conversations on learning, embracing and utilizing our family history as we impactfully lead personally and professionally in life. For more information or to sign up for the abbreviated virtual AAYLC conference on Saturday, May 14th, go to aaylc.org. This opportunity is for students of any background and open to an unlimited number.

 

Next week is Spirit Week!

Look for posters around the school for more details and events!

 

The May Blood Drive is open to the public, and masks are not required unless unvaccinated. If you have any questions, please email Jules at junitan23@riverdale.k12.or.us.