Every year on the 21st of October, National Bullying Prevention Month, schools across the world celebrate Unity Day. The holiday raises awareness to bullying and represents the shared desire of students for mutual kindness. The LHS Student Government Association (SGA) organizes Unity Day every year, and a pandemic could not put a stop to this wonderful tradition.

Orange is the national symbol of Unity Day, but because many do not own orange clothes, LHS students were encouraged to sport green and gold, our proud school colors. This year’s Unity Day was greatly altered by the changes brought about by Coronavirus, but the SGA did its best to make the day just as meaningful, regardless that not all students attended school in-person together.

Advisor Mary Kirby said, “Covid is here. We cannot change that, and it is out of our control. The SGA worked to make the best of Unity Day with what was in their control, and I could not be more impressed by the success the students had with spreading the messages of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion to all.”

SGA members decorated signs and banners that were hung in the hallways and gym. They also handed out orange masks to add a splash of the unity color to an accessory that all students wear. Junior Cabinet Member Lexi Capitali shared, “I think it is important to put up posters to show awareness and to make sure that everyone knows that they are not alone, and they are never alone. Bullying is something that can affect someone for their entire life, so it is important to make people feel loved and special on Unity Day, and every day.”

The SGA puts a lot of time and planning into this day because of its importance. Slate President Joe Giovinco commented, “Unity Day is a day for the entire school and community to unite against bullying. As school president, it is my responsibility to make sure the students and staff recognize the importance of this day. In high school, bullying is unfortunately prevalent in all forms, whether it is cyberbullying, harassment, or even physical harm. It is important for school and community leaders to provide a day completely dedicated to preventing, and ultimately ending, these issues in our school.”

The month of October may be the only month recognizing the importance of Unity, but Lynbrook continues to demonstrate the value of community kindness year-round. When asked how students can continue to spread the message of unity throughout the year, Kirby said, “The answer to this question is simple: follow the Golden Rule. Treat others as you wish to be treated. The art of making someone’s insides smile larger than their outside is invaluable.” 

The students did a great job of decorating the school to show the importance of the day, but more importantly, the students show its relevance everyday with the choices they make in their actions and words.