SNOHOMISH — Hal Weese, 18, thought he lost a childhood friend after they grew apart during middle school. Two years ago, he participated in Challenge Day at Snohomish High School.
His friend’s sister was also there.
“She talked about her father having cancer,” he said. “That helped me understand what was going on with his life.”
Realizing his friend needed support, he started to rekindle their friendship. Now, they’re close again, “better than ever,” Weese said.
Challenge Day is an annual event held at the school since 2007 with the goal of bringing students from various backgrounds together to share stories about their lives. The goal is to reduce loneliness, depression and even bullying in the schools.
On Monday and Tuesday, about 200 students took part of sessions that included various games and activities intended to build trust. “There are a lot of groups of students that don’t understand each other very well,” marketing teacher Ben Doucette said. “That could lead to misunderstandings and to conflict.”
To help, “we get students from all social groups in a room, and they start understanding and gaining respect for each other,” he said.
The DECA club, which Doucette advises, sold school clothing and food to help cover the $3,200 the program costs each day.
Kellie Delisle, 17, expected people to feel awkward but was surprised how everybody participated. She made bonds that would last all year, she said.
“It teaches you that you are not alone,” she said. “Somebody else has the same problems you are going through.”
Janelle Farnsworth, 18, says Challenge Day taught her to be more open. Before, she did not have the courage to go and talk with someone she didn’t know.
“It changes your point of view of life, school, everything,” said Farnsworth, a senior. She would also stop others if they start criticizing someone.
“They probably would not know what that person was going through. It’s not fair,” she said.
Challenge Day was showcased in MTV’s series “If You Really Knew Me,” which last September had an episode focusing on Granite Falls students. The program got its start in California in 1987. A Challenge Day program is also set for Everett this week.
Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.
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