On Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 100 Washougal and Excelsior High School students and more than 30 adults participated in Challenge Day, an event designed to unite participants around a common vision, addressing issues of suicide, harassment, racism, conflict management, and alcohol and drugs.
The goal of challenge day is to make WHS and EHS an even more welcoming place to be, to increase personal power and self-esteem, to shift peer pressure to positive peer support and to eliminate the acceptability of teasing, violence and all forms of oppression. Trained Challenge Day Leaders created an environment of safety and trust to address social issues. Challenge Day is designed to unite the members of the school and community and to empower them to carry the themes of the program back to the greater school and community population.
Adult participants included 30+ members of the Washougal School District staff, elected officials, and community members. More than 100 WHS and EHS students across all grade levels participated in the event.
Challenge Day was made possible through a grant from the Clark County Department of Community Services. Washougal High School Counseling Center staff wrote the grant and WHS/EHS was one of just two recipients this year.
Since 1987, Challenge Day Programs have touched the lives of over half-a million teens and adult’s, receiving awards from the juvenile justice system, government officials, and many school districts and cities nationwide. Through thought-provoking games, activities, and discussions, Challenge Day provides participants with tools to break down the walls of separation and isolation and build new levels of respect and communication.
