Communications
27200 Hilliard Blvd.
Westlake, OH 44145
440.250.1258
www.wlake.org
bonvissuto@wlake.org
March 3, 2015
DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP
Westlake High School senior Jack Hudak was recognized as a “Diversity
Champion” by the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio on Jan. 23 for exemplifying
leadership in the field of diversity.
The award was presented at the center’s Annual Youth Leadership Luncheon at
John Carroll University. Members of the WHS Leadership Challenge Diversity
Group attended the event. This year’s theme was “Where Our Worlds Cross – Life
at the Intersections.”
The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio is a human relations organization
dedicated to eliminating bias, bigotry and racism. The annual luncheon honors
students who have a passion for creating diverse and inclusive environments in
their schools and communities, and honors Dr. Martin Luther King’s continued
legacy. Educators nominate students that exemplify leadership in the area of
diversity. The Diversity Center covers nine counties and had 25 schools send
nominees. One middle school student and one high school student are chosen
by The Diversity Center Selection Committee and are honored annually with an
award at the luncheon.
Hudak was instrumental in starting a Gay-Straight Alliance at WHS last year and
was a major planner of the WHS Diversity Week, held Feb. 23-27. Diversity Week is
an annual event at WHS. This year there were dance and music demonstrations
during lunch periods. The entire school watched “Girl Rising,” a move that
addresses the issues girls face in seven different developing countries as they
struggle to receive an education.
This year Ann Hasenorhl’s freshmen English classes contributed to Diversity Week
by selling “One World” message bracelets they bought with a Cleveland Clinic
eXpressions program grant they received after writing about ways to increase
tolerance and acceptance. Hasenohrl’s students participated in the Maltz
Museum “Stop the Hate” essay competition, which spring-boarded the idea of
helping to spread compassion, tolerance and stopping the hate.
WE EDUCATE FOR EXCELLENCE…
Empowering all students to achieve their educational goals, to direct their lives,
and to contribute to society