Lions United

Lions United
By Alexis Mercer

​46 years ago, John Lennon wrote a song that has survived the ages. It is the best-selling song of his solo career. On Friday, all students at Newaygo High School participated in a day that accentuates the idea in Lennon’s song that everyone can live as one...

The video, taken by student Taylor McBride in the audience, was posted on Newaygo High School’s Facebook page, and shows the NHS students who bravely stood in front of the student body and staff to send the message that everyone is human, despite our many differences.
The message of love was then continued as each student and staff member received a shirt with LOVED on the front. These shirts were provided by the Special Olympics Project Unify for NHS’s participation in multiple Special Olympics events throughout the year as well as an additional inclusive activity with Special Education students and their peers.
Students were able to choose from a plethora of events that teachers set up throughout the day. Activities included cleaning up trash around the community, hiking, creating art at Lindley’s Artisan & Crafter Emporium, board games, indoor field hockey, capture the flag, soap making, baking, juggling, reading, dancing and much more.
The events were meant to allow students an opportunity to bond with each other, with staff members and to relieve the stress that inevitably builds up over the year with their studies.
An atmosphere of positivity and excitement was floating through the air on Friday. And just as Lennon put to song all those years ago, the school was full of “people living for today."