Low Country Student Diversity Conference

On Friday, February 16th, 10 Ashley Hall students and two chaperones traveled by bus to St. Andrew’s school in Savannah for the annual Low Country Student Diversity Conference. The conference serves as a place where students can collaborate with members from different schools to discuss the topics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Schools attended included Savannah Country Day School, St Andrew’s, St Edward’s School in Florida, and Ashley Hall.      

The event began with a welcome from the school. Afterward, students heard from the key speaker of the event, Ms. Freya Huffmanwho led breakout/ icebreaker sessions for the students while delivering a message about gratitude and the importance of recognizing the value and differences in others.        

Following the key message, students were divided into 3 groups and they would rotate with their group to 3 different workshops. The workshops were “Navigating Ambiguity”, “The Power of WE”, and “Building Community”. In the Navigating Ambiguity workshop led by Ms. Stacey Lee, students reflected on the topic of ambiguity and how they can serve as leaders and role models for change in their school community. In the 2nd workshop, The Power of We, led by Roderick Lofton, students were taught the power of recognizing the value and talent within yourselves and your peers. And that when recognizing that talent that everyone has it can be used for good in creating, coming up with new ideas, and diversifying communities. The 3rd Workshop was led by SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) professor David Storck. In the workshop, small groups participated in numerous improv workshops with each other. The end goal was to teach students a sense of belonging and comfort in their community.     

The most anticipated of the conference was when students participated in the Affinity Groups. The Affinity groups were a chance for students of the same background to come together to discuss some of their experiences dealing with average day life and diversity in their schools. The different Affinity groups were BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), LGBTQIA++, and those who identified with White/ European Heritage). Affinity groups allowed students to connect with their peers about their shared experiences. They built connections between students and sparked some discussion.   

The day ended with closing remarks from the leaders and workshop proctors of the event and final words from students and chaperones. The conference was a day full of education, and discussion and ended with long-lasting friendships and connections between students.