Concord-Carlisle High School held its fourth annual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Assembly on Nov. 13. (Photo Courtesy Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)
CONCORD — Concord-Carlisle High School brought its community together last week for the fourth annual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Assembly, an event designed to help students reflect on identity, listen to peers and consider what it means to build a more inclusive school culture.
The Nov. 13 assembly featured seven student panelists and two staff members who shared personal reflections in response to a prompt about their experience with DEIB at CCHS and their advice for others seeking a sense of belonging. Two of the student panelists also served as moderators.
This year’s program was coordinated by English Teacher and DEIB Teacher Leader Linda Holt; School Psychologist, Wellness Coordinator and DEIB Lead Cristina Jonson; and DEIB Director Andrew K. Nyamekye. Panelists met in advance for four preparation sessions to shape their responses and build confidence in sharing stories rooted in their identities and experiences.
The assembly also included a student-produced video on the theme of belonging. Last spring, four student groups created short films capturing the spaces and moments at school where they feel most connected. Their clips were combined into a single piece that was shown to the audience.
A Tradition with a Clear Purpose
The annual DEIB Assembly began four years ago as a way to “set the tone” for 9th graders and to reimagine a school climate centered on equity and inclusion. The original goal was to give students a deeper understanding of implicit bias, microaggressions and other forms of oppression, and to equip them with the confidence to interrupt incidents of bias, discrimination, bullying and harassment.
The first assembly featured juniors and seniors who spoke about aspects of their identity and why DEIB work mattered to the school community.
Since then, the assembly has grown in scope. Panelists now represent all grade levels and include both students and staff. The group is intentionally diverse across race and ethnicity, religion, gender and sexual orientation, age, and role in the school. The audience has expanded as well, with students in grades 9 through 12 and staff members participating together.
The prompt has also evolved to give panelists more flexibility, inviting them to discuss what belonging means to them at CCHS.
A Space for Reflection and Connection
This year’s stories were wide-ranging and deeply personal. Panelists described their experiences navigating identity at school, the moments when they felt most seen or supported and times when they struggled to feel like they belonged. Many offered advice rooted in empathy and the importance of seeking out supportive peers and adults.
“Our panelists’ voices helped create a space where our students and staff could reflect, learn and connect,” Nyamekye said. “They modeled vulnerability, leadership and empathy, and I’m deeply grateful for the experiences they shared.”
“Every member of our school community deserves to feel welcomed and safe to be themselves, and our annual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Assembly reinforces that message,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter. “I’m thankful to all of our staff who helped organize the panel, and to the panelists for sharing their important experiences and stories.”
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