Sidney Students Challenged to Better Living

It is no secret the junior high and high school years can be challenging academically and emotionally. Some of the hardest lessons are learned in the hallways, cafeteria and even after school when a student has to learn to accept and relate to young people they normally don't spend time with.

On Monday, Sidney High School hosted a program designed to help students see that their fellow students are not as different as they might believe, and that some of the "strangers" in the hallway might be future friends.

Challenge Day is a 501c3 nonprofit organization designed to help people connect through powerful, life-changing programs in schools, businesses, communities and families, according to the program's website.

"I'm pretty amazed at our kinds, and some of the challenges they live through," Sidney School District Board Member Brenda Smith said Monday at the board meeting. "It was a pretty powerful day."

The program included games and exercises that encourage self-esteem and helped children see that each of them have obstacles in life and some of the road blocks in life are inconsequential. The program was designed to be safe for students to be transparent, share as deep into their personal experiences as they feel comfortable.

"I definitely saw it as a safe space," said freshman Phyre Gonzales.

She said students were encouraged not to share their stories or stories other students shared in the meeting. She added the experience makes her feel closer to other students at the high school. It helps unify students, she said.

The program was for Sidney High School freshmen.

"They limited us to 100 students overall, and one adult per four students," SHS Principal Chris Arent said at the school board meeting. "We used no school dollars."

He said the project was supported by local businesses and community members.

Arent said the response from freshmen participants was "universally positive."

Freshman Kaitlyn Darnall said Challenge Day brought people together in an effort to break down barriers, learn what other people are like.

Arent said at the school board meeting he feels the staff and students can work together, however "we can do better."

"I think our culture at the high school is pretty good, and surveys say that, but we an do better," he said.

He said surveys of students show there is more mistreatment among students than between students and staff.

He added the program is designed very specifically.

"It is very well scripted, and they stuck to the timetable. We started on time and ended on time."

He said the high school hopes to return the event next year and make it an annual event. He commended Shelby Price for her dedication to bringing the event to Sidney.