Monomoy STAND at Monomoy Regional High School is a group of students who raise money and awareness for the victims of genocide in Darfur and elsewhere. STAND is an independent national student movement (standnow.org). To donate send a check payable to Monomoy Regional High School STAND, 75 Oak St, Harwich, MA 02645
After our meeting we got a tour of the Capitol arranged by Sen. Kennedy's office. The architecture, art and statues are breathtaking. Some seniors needed a photo with Sam Houston to send to his cousin Rich. We also took a picture on the steps outside after we finally got a bite to eat in the Russell building.
After a long and purposeful walk, we got to the Russell Senate Office Building just in time for our noon appointment. Henry Sanford discussed Darfur policy with us for 40 minutes. This was very informative for us. Thanks Henry!
Next we visited the National Holocaust Museum. This was an extremely emotional, disturbing and important exercise for us - particularly given our purpose of raising awareness of the Darfur genocide. This took a long time, and we could have stayed hours longer. We left shaken, but with our eyes more open to the reality we are trying to confront.
We started our marathon this morning with a quick visit to the Smithsonian Castle. This gave us a good overview of the institution, and it has beautiful gardens.
Yes Brenna, we're finally here. After a 9 hour drive orchestrated by our drivers Al and Kurt (and watching Darfur Now and the Goofy Movie), we are here at the Holiday Inn Capitol. After some freshening up we will be heading to breakfast and then to the Holocaust Museum and possibly the Smithsonian Castle. Then we have a 12:00 appointment at Sen Kennedy's office, a Capitol tour, then a STAND rally on the Capitol steps before getting back to the hotel. I'll post more then.
Chasing Suns of Dennis-Yarmouth High School defended their crown last night as they took the Second Annual All-Cape Battle of the Bands at Harwich High School. About 150 people were entertained by eight different performances. The event raised $1200 to help the victims of genocide in Darfur, proceeds going to benefit the Genocide Intervention Network.
Highlighting the event, the crowd was addressed by Mr. Mangok Bol, a survivor of the civil war in Southern Sudan who came to the U.S. in the '90's in a group known as the "Lost Boys." Mr. Bol thanked the crowd for taking a stand for the people of Darfur, and for making a difference.
Synesthia, also from D-Y, came in second in the Battle, while Harwich's Blind Drive came in third. Special recognition was also given to Devon McFadden and Nicki Blodgett for their acoustic performance. The crowd was dazzled by a sound and light show coordinated by Harwich alum Brian Boyle. The show culminated in a performance by the legendary local band Roots Down Below, who also judged the event.
Harwich STAND (Students Taking Action Now: Darfur) who hosted the event would like to thank all the participants, volunteers, and attendees for a great evening of music and activism.
This blog reports the activities of Monomoy STAND (Students Taking Action Now: Darfur) at Monomoy Regional High School, which prior to the Harwich/Chatham merger in September, 2014, existed as Harwich High School STAND.
