Steve Wessler, executive director of the Center for the Prevention of Hate Violence, congratulates Edward Little High School senior Tiffany Scruggs as she receives the center’s Unity Project Leadership Award at the high school’s recent awards ceremony. Fartuna Said and Mustaf Sharif also received awards.

Seniors awarded as leaders

AUBURN – Edward Little High School seniors were recognized for leadership during a recent awards ceremony.

Steve Wessler, executive director of the Center for the Prevention of Hate Violence, presented Edward Little High School senior Tiffany Scruggs, Fartuna Said and Mustaf Sharif the center’s Unity Project Leadership Award. The three students, who have participated in the Unity Project during their four years at the school, were recognized for their exceptional leadership roles in the program, an intensive, multi-year, school harassment-prevention program. Created to engage the school community in supporting positive changes in its culture, the Unity Project is made up of workshops that identify the roles that students, teachers and administrators can each play in turning the cultures of their schools away from bullying, bias and harassment and toward unity, respect and safety.

The project’s design reflects current research demonstrating the power and ability of student leaders to positively influence the behaviors and attitudes of their peers.

For more information on the Center for the Prevention of Hate Violence’s training and educational programs to prevent bias, harassment and violence for schools, businesses and communities, call 780-4756.