Students and staff at Apalachee High School had a special opportunity to participate in meaningful conversations and activities focused on integrity, accountability, and positive influence. This week, nearly 200 students and 50 adults participated in "Challenge Day," a program emphasizing the importance of genuine human connection, leading as positive role models, and taking accountability.

Funded by a Barrow Community Foundation Grant, AHS hopes the program offered additional support and resources for students and staff as they continue healing and recovering after the tragedy of September 4, 2024.

Students and staff shared that the program made a lasting impact, and they were grateful for the opportunity to participate.
 

"It was fun, but also very emotional. Challenge Day gave us a chance to learn about other people's stories."

"The Challenge Day experience was truly something special. Being able to connect with these kids on such a real and personal level; to relate to them and, just as importantly, to see them realize that we as adults can relate to them too. It was incredibly powerful."

"As an adult community representative, I had the honor of processing Challenge Day alongside two groups of students. Some of the common threads woven through all of our experiences were realizing that we are more alike than different, that others are always going through things we would not see on the surface of their lives, and that we all found joy in feeling more connected to each other. I left this experience even more impressed by the students at Apalachee, grateful to be a part of their village, and hopeful for how this experience will positively shape the culture of Apalachee going forward."

In addition to the Challenge Day program during the week of September 4, AHS focused on intentional, thoughtful ways to engage with all students during lunch periods. The purpose was to provide a space for connection and encouragement. 
 

More about Challenge Day:
Challenge Day is built around three powerful messages:

1. Notice, Choose, Act - Challenge Day reminds us that while we may not be able to change the entire world, we each can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us. Participants are encouraged to notice what is happening in their communities, choose what can be different, and act to create positive change.
2. Drop the Water Line - Using the metaphor of an iceberg, Challenge Day explores the idea that we often see only a small portion of who a person truly is. The visible 10% includes things like appearance, behaviors, and outward actions. Beneath the surface lies the other 90%: our dreams, fears, passions, challenges, successes, and life experiences. When we are willing to share more of ourselves and listen to others with empathy, we often discover that we have far more in common than we realize.
3. Be the Change - Challenge Day encourages participants to step outside their comfort zones and model authenticity, kindness, and vulnerability. By being the first to create a safe space for others, we help build stronger, more connected communities.

Thank you to our volunteers from the community and district who helped to complete the AHS Challenge Day program.