"Acceptance Week" Seeks to Raise Awareness and Inclusivity
For the second consecutive year, Harrison High School junior Raileigh Legner has spear-headed a district-wide campaign called “Acceptance Week”, taking place September 16-20. A volunteer with Special Olympics since she was in the 6th grade, Legner chose this project for an independent study in her DECA class – a business-based academic track.
Acceptance Week kicks off a day early this year, with a Fashion Show on Sunday, September 15 at 1:00 PM at the Harrison Activity Center. Models will be students of Harrison’s Special Needs program.
Various theme days highlight the week, with the goal being both to raise awareness and bring acceptance to people with disabilities within the student body and beyond. Donations have been received from JTM Food Group, Special Olympics Hamilton County and Special Olympics Ohio.
The week culminates on Friday, September 20 at the varsity football game. Yellow Acceptance Week t-shirts, designed by Harrison High School student Mariah Grubbs, are on sale now through game day. The game has been dubbed a “yellow out”, as the student section and all spectators are asked to wear the yellow shirts, signifying that “Awareness + Change = Acceptance”. During pre-game festivities, Special Olympians from Harrison High School, Harrison Junior School and Whitewater Valley Elementary School will be recognized.