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HUMAN RIGHTS SQUAD NEWSLETTER

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BOSTON, MA:
On April 30, 1998, Project TEAMWORK hosted the seventh annual Human Rights Squad Forum at Northeastern University's Blackman Auditorium. The theme of this year's program was "Raising Awareness in the effort to include persons with Disabilities."

Over 600 students and guests from 20 different middle and high schools in Massachusetts and one high school in Rhode Island gathered for the annual event. Breakout sessions on disability awareness and sensitivity were conducted by 38 specially trained facilitators.

The 1998 Human Rights Squad Leadership Awards were presented to Hyde Park High School junior Carina Carroll (Student Category) for her volunteer work with elderly and youth in her community. Sherry Tradd (Adult Category) was honored for her 20 years of community activism and her "South Boston Special Kids Program."

The Second Annual Darryl Williams Award, which honors the school which best exemplifies Project TEAMWORK and works to eradicate violence and discrimination in their school, was awarded to the Lynn Vocational Technical School.

In addition, there was a moving speech made by Quincy High's Chris O'Connell who has Cerebral Palsy. The keynote speaker was Bob Hall, the first ever wheelchair finisher of the Boston Marathon, and founder of the racing wheelchairs production company, "Hall's Wheels."

One of the many highlights of the event was provided by Rapper Keith Jones of the Boston Center for Independent Living. Jones, who has had Cerebral Palsy since childbirth, rapped to the audience. Five students from Woonsocket High School responded by rushing the stage to break-dance to Jones' beat. The reaction inspired Jones, who rose from his wheelchair to dance with the kids to enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The program also included Central Middle School's Sally Exilus performing "Hero" by Mariah Carey; a sign language story telling by Karen Glickman who was born deaf and learned sign language at age eight; and the West Middle School's "Kids on the Block" skit