More than 400 scholars from Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) were among the approximately 16,000 in attendance at WE Day Seattle 2018.
WE Day Seattle is an inspirational event with performances and motivational speeches meant to inspire youth to continue taking action on issues such as education, poverty and bullying while striving for positive outcomes for themselves and others. This year’s event was held May 3 at KeyArena.
Students earn tickets to WE Day by taking action on local and global causes. The elementary, middle and high school FWPS scholars who attended earned tickets by leading efforts such as the WE Scare Hunger food drive held on Halloween at Town Square Park, creating care packages for the homeless and cards for the elderly at Christmas time, and raising more than $800 to buy chickens and goats for families in Buliisa, Uganda.
Celebrities such as Russell Wilson, Pete Carroll, Ann Curry, Ciara and Jewell Loyd were among those who participated in this year’s celebration of scholars’ volunteer efforts. FWPS Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell headlined the event.
WE Day is connected to the yearlong WE Schools program that offers educational campaigns and resources to help young people turn ideas into continued action, reports the school district.
“A relentless focus at Federal Way Public Schools is impactful learning and leading students to create change,” Campbell said in a news release. “That’s what WE Schools Program and WE Day has provided for our scholars: ways to make a sustained difference locally, and globally.”
The WE Schools program is in direct support of the school district’s strategic plan “Goal 2, Whole Child: Thriving, Confident, Responsible, Individuals,” which includes completing 24 hours of community service before graduation beginning with the class of 2021. During the 2016–17 school year, 94 percent of educators said their students felt a greater connection to their local communities and 81 percent said the program engaged previously disengaged youth, according to the district.
