On Monday, October 29, Lisbon High Schools’ Civil Rights Team (CRT) took a trip to Augusta Civic Center to attend the annual statewide conference. The conference was attended by over 1200 students. The Lisbon High School Team members that were able to attend the conference were Michaela LaPlante, Travis Boucher, Colton Jackson, Janelle Withers, Caitlin Ramsay, Darian Lavoie, Shane Hennessy, and Caitlin Hunter. Students were accompanied by LHS faculty advisor and school librarian, Judith Lashman and Lisbon School Department Community Resource Coordinator and the CRT Community Advisor, Monica Millhime.

The trip was a full day of training. Students from elementary, middle and high schools from all over Maine were invited to attend. High school students attended different sessions regarding Civil Rights issues. Sessions included topics on Body Size and Shape, Power of Words and Privilege – That’s Not Fair. The Power of Words workshop had an impact on a lot of students. Students talked about “mean” words that people say and don’t realize that will hurt someone’s feelings. The Privilege session opened up discussions about the “popular” kids getting more priviledges than everyone else. After lunch students had one more activity which was team planning of possible projects to embark upon at school. Participants talked about ways they can change “issues” that are going on in school and discussed possible suggestions as to how to fix them.

The session was a big impact for attendees. On May 16 students will gather for another statewide conference to discuss the progress made in their schools by Civil Rights Team members.