Stepping into diversity at Wiscasset High School
Doing Irish step dancing at Wiscasset High School’s Diversity Day on April 18 are, front row, from left, Alisyn Richardson, Brandon Goud, Stephanie Jones, WHS teacher Jean Phillips, and Kacie Luce; in back, Ethan James, left, and Kennedy Orr. SUSAN JOHNS/Wiscasset Newspaper
Doing Irish step dancing at Wiscasset High School’s Diversity Day on April 18 are, front row, from left, Alisyn Richardson, Brandon Goud, Stephanie Jones, WHS teacher Jean Phillips, and Kacie Luce; in back, Ethan James, left, and Kennedy Orr. SUSAN JOHNS/Wiscasset Newspaper
When she lived in El Paso, Texas, Jean Phillips joined an Irish step dancing troupe.
It was a workout. Phillips, whose mother is three-quarters Irish, lost 13 pounds the first year.
On April 18, the Wiscasset High School English and drama teacher got to show students the folk dance she said still breaks out at weddings in Ireland, and connects people around the Emerald Isle.
With Phillips' guidance, students were stepping to the music. The session was part of Diversity Day at the school.
The annual event is aimed at helping students better understand others, Principal Deb Taylor said. “Sometimes, they're not aware of the diversity that's in the community,” she said.
Among Friday's activities was a talk with Wiscasset artist-writer Anna McDougal, whose autobiography “A Look Back” shares the challenges of Down syndrome. Students could also watch the 2011 documentary “Bully,” about bullying in U.S. schools; and take sessions on French cooking, autism and other topics.
Freshman Aidan Carlson tried out the Irish step dancing. “I didn't know what to expect.
“I had a lot of fun. It's not something you get to do every day.”
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