Throughout the year at SHS, there are unique days in which students step away from their usual classes and learn meaningful lessons from the lenses of others. The purpose of Global Citizenship Day is for students to gain a deeper awareness of global perspectives, fostering empathy and curiosity.
This year, two new heads of the Global Citizenship Day Committee were introduced—math teacher Jessica Pulford and science teacher Nicole DeLuca. They are excited to step into this role because of the unique opportunity to bring the world into our school community and connect students with ideas, people, and perspectives they might not otherwise encounter. They understand there are big shoes to fill but are motivated by that challenge.
While the new heads are understandably nervous, they are ultimately excited to step into this role. “It’s an honor to step into a role that has been led so well for the past 11 years. We’re excited because Global Citizenship Day is such a unique opportunity to bring the world into our school community,” Pulford said.
One difficulty of stepping into a role that has had so much success in the past is deciding what to keep consistent and what to change. “There will definitely be continuity. We want to honor the traditions that have made this day so meaningful, like bringing in speakers and creating hands-on experiences for students. At the same time, we hope to introduce new perspectives and formats, such as incorporating more student-led discussions and emphasizing current global challenges that resonate with our students and community,” DeLuca explained.
DeLuca and Pulford understand the importance of taking in diverse voices of the world. They know that students possibly don’t experience global perspectives enough, making creating this day a success especially important to them. “This day is important because it provides students with the opportunity to look beyond their immediate surroundings, to hear voices and stories that may differ from their own, and to reflect on how they can contribute to a more empathetic, informed, and responsible world,” DeLuca described.
In addition to their understanding of the importance of taking in different perspectives, they also know that taking in these perspectives can create actual change. “We’re planning to connect the themes of the day back to everyday life so students can see how global issues tie directly to the choices they make locally,” DeLuca commented.
The heads hope that the experience they build will affect the real-life choices students make. “Our hope is that students leave Global Citizenship Day feeling both inspired and empowered. We would like them to develop a stronger sense of responsibility for how their actions can make a difference,” Pulford said.
Both Deluca and Pulford are driven to ensure that Global Citizenship continues to mark a day of student growth, inspiring much-needed discourse. “This day has a powerful legacy, and we hope to build on it by keeping what works while also finding ways to grow and adapt. We want Global Citizenship Day to remain a highlight of the school year, sparking conversations and reflections that extend far beyond the day,” Pulford concluded.
