Winona Teacher Uses Dancing To Fight Bullying
WINONA, Minn. (WCCO) -- The end of the school week starts like any other day at Winona Senior High. Teacher Lora Hill readies for a day of lectures or exams, but her priority is on a lesson that's best learned outside the classroom.
"I love Fridays because it's when we all come together," Lora Hill said.
Every Friday morning before classes begin, Ms. Hill rolls out two loud speakers and hooks up her iPod with a mix of Top 40 and teacher's choice. Friday morning music started nine years ago with the idea that dance could start a conversation about bullying.
"There's a multi-faceted approach in how we approach bullying," Hill said. "It just seems music breaks down all barriers."
Acceptance didn't come easily, yet slowly, one by one, music started to move the students.
"It's evolved into this event where kids are dancing all over the school," Hill said.
"They enjoy it and when people enjoy it, they feel more friendly and talk to other people," said Nolan Maxwell, a Winona High senior.
But dance isn't the only way Ms. Hill and her students combat bullying.
"We know nothing's going to be done if we stay silent," Maxwell said.
Nolan Maxwell is a member of Lora's afterschool organization called Fortitude. They tackle difficult topics, with the hopes of creating a conversation within the school.
"Our goal is to stop what's happening now, stop the bullying for sexuality, religion, and race," Maxwell said.
On this particular Friday, Fortitude members encouraged classmates to speak out about LGBT issues. Students organized a display highlighting key issues for the LGBT community.
"Personally, for me, it feels great knowing I'm making a difference and helping people be free with who they are," Maxwell said.
Fridays are the culmination of their work, when dozens of students of all backgrounds show no fear in self-expression.
"We don't care how we look up there dancing, we just care about dance. You can stink at it and we'll still make it like you did a great job," said Sharisse Calhoun, a Winona High freshman.
While dance hasn't completely ended bullying within the school walls, there's progress, along with the promise that Ms. Hill will be back next Friday to continue her music movement.
"Students are a lot more accepting and kinder than they used to be," Maxwell said.
"If these kids are the future, I see good things. I do," Hill said.