Famed poet Audre Lorde once said, “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept and celebrate those differences.” CROWNED, a mentoring program at E.L. Haynes Elementary School for girls in grades 3 – 5, recognizes the importance of celebrating each others’ differences and uplifting one another. The program proudly unites 31 students this year with a mission to build sisterhood, provide support, practice etiquette, and promote collective growth through shared experiences.
Julelah Wallace, 10th Grade English Teacher, founded CROWNED in E.L. Haynes High School in 2016 and inspired the late Samone Jackson to bring the club to the elementary school in 2019. Ms. Jackson continued the tradition of fostering personal growth through meaningful experiences, empowering participants to navigate life with a strong sense of identity.
CROWNED has provided students with several impactful team-building challenges, including activities like the Marshmallow Teamwork Challenge, the Tie-Dye Teamwork Takeover, and the Samone Jackson Community Service Day. This year, CROWNED also collaborated with Boys to Men, their brother-program, to host their first annual Sneaker Ball, giving students the chance to help organize a school-wide event, dress up, and show off their best moves. Enjoying pizza and snacks, and great music by Giavanti Greenaugh, math intervention teacher, students got to let loose and enjoy each others’ company in a safe and fun environment.
This year, special education teachers Lydia Williams and Michelle Tyler are co-leading CROWNED. Ms. Williams reflects on their goal as mentors and leaders, as they “strive to build lasting, meaningful relationships with students, offering support and inspiration every step of the way.” Mentors encourage participants through constructive feedback, building their self-esteem and empowering them to take on new challenges.
The reward for those who participate in CROWNED is clear. Fourth grader Zymeah P. sums it up well: “CROWNED gives you courage to be yourself.”
Special thanks to Lydia Williams for her support in writing this article, and to Michelle Tyler for taking photos at the Sneaker Ball.
Written by Alana Canterbury | Alana is an elementary reading intervention teacher, Haynes parent, and Editorial Fellow. When she’s not rounding up kids for a reading session, you can find her with her nose in a book.
Editorial Fellows are E.L. Haynes staff with a penchant for storytelling, writing, and the visual arts. Fellows develop and publish original stories that amplify the many voices and perspectives of the E.L. Haynes community.