[Archived] Alexandria Student Group Recognized for Support of Human Rights

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	June 14, 2007 PIO# 157-07/sjm	Steve Mason, Director of Communications, at 703.838.4300

Alexandria Student Group Recognized for Support of Human Rights

The Alexandria Human Rights Commission announced that the Ethiopian-Eritrean Student Association of T.C. Williams High School is the winner of the Commission’s 2007 Student Human Rights Award. The Commission established the Human Rights Awards six years ago to recognize students who have contributed significantly toward improving basic human rights and fairness for all in our City. On June 12, during the regular City Council meeting, the Commission, Mayor Euille and City Council recognized the student group’s achievements publicly with a commemorative plaque from the Commission and a cash award funded by the William D. Euille Foundation.

In April and May, officers of the Human Rights Commission contacted key administrators at
T. C. Williams, Bishop Ireton, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, Alexandria Friends School, Episcopal and the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College to invite high school juniors and seniors, and first-year community college students, to apply for the awards. Students were required to submit an essay and supportive nomination showcasing the student’s or student group’s contributions toward promoting equality, respect and understanding for all persons regardless of race, color, culture, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

An officer of the Ethiopian-Eritrean Student Association, Metasedia “Mety” Yilma, describes the group as “a club that seeks to unite the two countries’ students and families, as well as help them learn about cultures.” Ms. Yilma, who will attend Old Dominion University in the fall, credits the group with helping her to become a leader. The club participated in the 2000 Millennium Campaign with the Ethiopian/African 2000 Group, raising money for efforts to unite the people of Africa toward unity and peace as we approach the year 2000 on the Ethiopian calendar. Michael Diggins is the teacher sponsor at T. C. Williams High School. Each year the group sponsors an Essence Night in Alexandria, showcasing fashion, dance and talent, while promoting diversity.

The Alexandria City Council created the Human Rights Commission in 1975 to advise the City Council on matters related to human rights affecting the City and to oversee the Office of Human Rights. The Office of Human Rights enforces the Alexandria Human Rights Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination based on age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, familial status, or disability.

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