Lakeland High School Student Gives Thanks

Student Writes Letter to Thank Community Members

Dear Supporter,

My name is Michael Campion and I am a student representative and board member of GLSEN Hudson Valley. I’m writing you to thank you for your response to a December article in The Journal News which criticized the PrideWorks conference as being harmful to our youth.

Being a student, I’ve seen harassment first hand in our schools. As a freshman I attended PrideWorks in hopes to learn more about the issues the homosexual community faced. This year, my senior year, I found myself on the main stage of an auditorium at the county center presenting my own workshop at PrideWorks.

When I hear people bashing events such as PrideWorks it hurts me to know people can be so ignorant. The help of the community in battling these issues is such a great assistance to GLSEN and all other organizations attempting to provide a more accepting environment in our school and community as a whole. You’re response was so helpful to all of us at GLSEN and LGBTQ students everywhere. This recognition of the community’s acceptance of people from all walks of life is a step in the direction of equality.

Thanks again, Michael Campion

IDEAS FOR YOUR GSA

1. Don't forget to thank your allies and supporters. Thank you notes and letters are an easy way to say "thanks!"

2. Invite teachers in your school who display Safe Space stickers or posters to a special "Thank You" GSA meeting. Serve refreshments and let them know what their support means to your GSA.