Breaking Down the Walls, an event open to the staff and students of DVHS is set to occur from Jan. 25 through Jan. 29, after last occurring in 2023. The motto of the program is “It’s hard to hate someone whose story you know”, fostering empathy and connection within a student body.
“The event’s goal is definitely to bring the Dougherty community together. Even though not everyone can participate in it, our [leadership’s] hope is that those who participate will spread it to their friends and others in their grade,” Hailee Martinez, a member of the Wellness Team, said.
The event’s execution was dependent on raising sufficient funds from Homecoming, ASB packages, and additional fundraisers. Ultimately, homecoming provided appropriate funds. Yet before Homecoming, a Kona Ice fundraiser was held on a Wednesday at the end of August.
The Wellness Leadership team is the primary planner of this event. They reach out to ignite2unite—the company which runs the program— and establish a time frame for the event, communicate with JJ, the speaker, through Zoom, and sign the contracts. Prior to the event, the team also buys supplies, like snacks and activity materials, and consults the PE department for permission to use the Main Gym.
“It’s definitely very student-oriented, from the planning to execution and participation.” Martinez spoke.
In addition to facilitating the event’s planning, a large part of the team’s role was in execution. On each day of the event, Wellness Team members check everyone in. They are present in case of logistical errors: if the microphone doesn’t work or if materials are missing. The team sets up, passes out snacks during break, hands out lunch, and cleans up.
“I am in the same period as the Wellness team, so I have seen the behind-the scenes. Whether it was talking to Mr. Bowen, engaging meetings, and organizing everything, both during and after Breaking Down the Walls, Wellness worked so hard.” Achintya Uppari, a senior leader, said.
Martinez described how the seniors on the team advocated for it and the juniors, having attended during their freshman year, felt it was impactful and important.
“It’s something great for the underclassmen [to experience]. They can carry it on.” Martinez said.
In regards to the absence of the event last year, Martinez said: “It’s really expensive. It makes more sense to put it on every two to three years when there are additional incoming students, rather than just one class.”
In order to ensure a wide variety of participation, the Wellness Team posted on Instagram, made posters and flyers, and sent emails out. They also encouraged Leadership students and staff to nominate a wide variety of students to participate. Those who had never participated before were given first priority.
“Honestly, anyone could benefit from this. Even staff.” Martinez said.
“When I participated, I saw people in a new light. I saw how they carried themselves and participated in the activities, especially in Cross The Line If. You get to see people open up and become vulnerable with you.” Martinez said.
In addition to the Wellness Team and JJ from ignite2unite, senior leaders are handpicked by Leadership to facilitate the event. To become a senior leader, interested Leadership students fill out a short Google Form.
As a senior leader, they are responsible for leading the group portion of the day. They ask students questions, lead discussions, and greet participants as they enter. To prepare, they had a three hour training, focused on the day’s structure and expectations of them, the day before the event began.
“As a senior leader, I create an environment where people feel comfortable to talk. You have to be both encouraging and fun but also a calm and collected individual,” Uppari said.
Describing why he opted into becoming a senior leader, Uppari said: ”As a member of Leadership, I have a commitment to the student body to be there for them and put myself in a position where I can help others.”
Isabelle Lam, a senior leader and senior class Secretary, added: “It’s really eye-opening to see other people’s experiences and just talk to other people that you might have never seen on campus before. [The event] also helps people see that nobody is perfect.”
