Students and adults took turns praising each other and pointing out their positive traits Tuesday afternoon inside the multipurpose room at Cruickshank Middle School.
This one-on-one cheerleading session was part of Challenge Day, a workshop aimed at providing students with positive self-concepts and reducing violence and bullying.
According to the school's principal, Elena Bubenchik, 200 seventh- and eighth-graders participated in the event, 100 each day.
Merced Sun-Star - PHOTO BY LISA JAMES
Seventh-grader Carly Perryman gives a big thank-you hug to team leader Jon Gordon after participating in Challenge Day at Cruickshank Middle School on Tuesday.
Merced Sun-Star - PHOTO BY LISA JAMES
Cruickshank Middle School students and teachers go head-to-head in a verbal pingpong of what changes they are going to make in their lives during Challenge Day on Tuesday.
Merced Sun-Star - PHOTO BY LISA JAMES
Cruickshank Middle School students write messages to people important in their lives during Challenge Day.
PHOTO BY LISA JAMES
Eighth-grader David Lee Riddley states what he intends to do to bring the change he wants to see in the world as Gordon listens.
Students in these two grades were referred to the program by teachers, students, parents and other school officials.
Students sat in the room all day and participated in exerices meant to foster communication and empathy between students.
Bubenchick said two parents already called to thank her for having this event on campus.
She said she hopes to continue hosting Challenge Day next year, but does not know if the school can afford it.
Reporter Jamie Oppenheim can be reached at (209) 385-2407 or joppenheim@mercedsun-star.com.
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