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Diversity Day is a celebration of "the differences that make all people interesting and unique, whether it is racial, cultural, or living with the challenges of a disability or handicap," said OHS Parent Teacher Association representatives. The OHS PTA sponsored the event coordinated by Diversity Day Co-Chairs Karen Juthnas and Kelly Dunn.
Hwang introduced Savard, a national champion in disabled skiing, who lost both of his legs at the age of 22 to a drunken driver. Savard showed the students how the mechanics of his prosthetic legs work, and reminded the students "not to refer to those with disabilities as 'disabled persons' but as 'persons with disabilities,'" according to a release.
Savard showed the apparatus known as a mono-ski, which allows him to ski competitively, according to the release.
“Life isn’t over when you have a setback,” said Savard. “We’ve all been knocked down. The important thing is to get back up again.”
Roughly 90 OHS third-graders rotated through six stations to "walk a mile in someone else's shoes" and to gain tolerance and acceptance of differences, according to the release.
"It's not just our students who love Diversity Day, it's the whole Osborn Hill community," said Juthnas. "The students are so interested in learning about different ways people learn and grow. They are so curious and respectful. They gain a whole new level of understanding that different is beautiful."
Dunn added, "We hope that this program will help create an atmosphere where every child can be free from bullying and feel respected in their home, school and community. And we hope this feeling continues with them as they grow into young adults."
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