Community Services Program

Carney Academy celebrates diversity

Christopher Quinones stepped up to the microphone, biting his lips and fidgeting as nervousness took over. He took a deep breath and delivered his speech, with remarkable ease, to classmates.

Christopher’s presentation was part of a joint project of the UMass Dartmouth America READS Tutoring Program.

The third- and fourth-grade students of Sgt. William Carney Academy presented their book – "A World of Diversity: the Community of Carney Academy" – to fellow students and various community members yesterday.

America READS is a program that stresses the importance of communities coming together to ensure all children are reading well by the fourth-grade. Students from UMass Dartmouth came to the school to work with the children and help improve their reading skills.

The book is designed to get people to think about their community, where they fit in, what they contribute, and how it can improve, said Brian Lioselle, graphic designer and member of the UMass Dartmouth Community Service program.

At the presentation, various authors, students, tutors and volunteers read their selections from the book.

"The intent of this book is to illustrate the thoughts of the children about their community," Mr. Lioselle read from the book’s introduction, "They have an uncanny knack for finding the importance in things that we sometimes take for granted."

It was time for Christopher to step up.

"My community is very colorful. My community looks like one of the biggest, cleanest, reddest apples," the third grader read. "I like my community because I live there and have fun there."

Dierdre Lopes, parent liaison at Carney Academy, coordinated the event. She said its goal was to encourage and empower youth.

"It was intended to get our kids involved in being aware of different cultures, people and nationalities," she said. Knowing their differences make then who they are."

Christopher appreciates the opportunity to participate in this program, he said, "This book was important, because now I can say I was part of something special in my life," he said.

"It didn’t even feel like work to me," said Raylin Medina, the other child chosen to read.

Many parents attended. Ms. Lopes admired their support, which was another object of the book.

"It served as a way to bridge a gap between parents, students and administration, to encourage everyone to work together," Ms. Lopes said.

Beatrice Smith, kindergarten volunteer from Coastline Elderly services, also spoke of her mission as a volunteer.

"Neighbors re not only next door, but all over the world. It takes all kinds of colors to make a world, and our love for each other can be boundless," she said.

"we can make it happen, we can do it. I am grateful for Carney Academy, a community of people having the desire to bring people. As a volunteer, I see progression in a world of diversity at work in the community at Carney Academy," Mrs. Smith said.

Raylin praised her community as she read, "My community is as sweet as honey, I would never give it up for lots of money; In my community we never push or shove, in my community there is lots of love."

Ms. Lopes summed up the event’s theme when she said, "Everyone is unique, yet we are all the same."

This Story appeared on Page A4 of The Standard-Times on June 15, 2004.