The Prince William County Human Rights Office marked the 10th anniversary of its Human Rights Student Leadership Council on May 4 with a graduation ceremony for 52 students representing county high schools, private schools, and a homeschool program. The event celebrated the achievements of these students under this year’s theme, “Inspiring Change, Creating Impact.”
The council aims to encourage youth engagement in human rights and civic involvement. Board of County Supervisors Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson praised the participants for their dedication. “I am really thrilled to be here tonight to recognize such an extraordinary group of high school students, who want to learn about difficult issues, and then want to learn how to do something to right some of the wrongs in our society,” Jefferson said. “You’re already inspiring change and creating impact right here in Prince William County and reminding us that we must all love our neighbors.”
County Executive Chris Shorter commended the cohort’s willingness to address complex topics such as accessibility standards for the deaf and hard of hearing, human trafficking, gender inequity, and homelessness. “You chose to do this program, to learn some history about discrimination, about equal rights, about civil rights,” Shorter said. “We appreciate you for that because I believe – I think we all believe – that you will be better leaders because of it.”
Other speakers included Human Rights Commission Vice Chair Evelyn BruMar and Prince William County Schools Chief Equity Officer Dr. Charmelle Ackins. BruMar told students: “Be authentically yourself because those are going to be the values you fight for… You believe that everybody has a value, and they don’t have to pretend to be somebody else.” Ackins recognized their development: “Tonight we celebrate a remarkable group of students whose dedication, compassion and courage have prepared them to lead with integrity and purpose… This graduation celebration is of an amazing journey, one marked by learning, reflection, dialogue and action.”
Student representatives Corbyn Person (Colgan High School), Padma Reilly (C.D. Hylton High School), and Leonnie Danh (Patriot High School) shared personal reflections on how participating in the council encouraged them toward community engagement.
Human Rights Commission Chair Curtis Porter spoke about his lifelong commitment: “But this program is phenomenal… I’m really appreciative [of] cooperation…with the schools…the Human Rights Commission staff…the school staff…and other county staff who work with this program.” Carolyn Custard from Prince William County Schools highlighted student efforts saying they developed “excellent leadership traits” impacting both school and community.
Raul Torres from the Human Rights Office thanked supporters: “Today is a moment of pride but also a moment of transition…do not let others decide the kind of society that you will lead. Instead be the architects of a better one.” More information on programs can be found at pwcva.gov/humanrights.
