By Nancy Kriz
CENTRAL VALLEY — Four Monroe-Woodbury High School alumni and a retired teacher from Pine Tree Elementary School will be among the 100 speakers participating in forthcoming M-W CARES Day.
This event - which takes place Friday, Oct. 26 - is believed to be the largest character education program hosted by any school district in the Hudson Valley region.
The day will feature assemblies and workshops presented by more than 100 individuals whose personal stories of overcoming obstacles and achieving success will change the lives of all who attend, according to organizers.
Regular classes will not be held that day. Instead, students will pre-select workshops to attend, similar in concept to attending a national conference, in addition to hearing from nationally known keynote speakers.
The day’s overall encompassing theme is to reinforce the tenants of compassion, acceptance, respect, empowerment and success, or CARES, in an ever-changing and often difficult-to-navigate world.
Alumnus Christopher Czerwonka will present “A Leg to Stand On: Finding Strength Within Yourself and Empowering Others.” Czerwonka, an attorney and law professor, will offer reflections on 30 years of life with a disability and as an advocate for people with disabilities and other marginalized and historically excluded groups.
CARES officials said he draws upon his triumphs, setbacks and passions for storytelling to guide participants through an emotionally powerful and uplifting experience.
Alumnus Allison Murphy will share how overcoming physical limitations have helped strengthen her resolve to earn her high school diploma and pursue a college education.
Murphy, who has cerebral palsy, is in a wheelchair and is legally blind. But with support from her family and friends, she has found the path to success, CARES officials said.
Alumnus Julia Young, a burn survivor who suffered third degree burns over 75 percent of her body in 2009, is also a presenter.
CARES officials said her story of overcoming pain and living in a new body with the help of family, friends and medical staff “is about learning to love yourself and learning to ask for help when you need it. Julia believes a healthy future can be achieved by focusing on the beauty that exists in life and celebrating being alive.”
The father/son team of Bob Barlow and Julian Barlow will represent TFAST: Transgender Family Alliance for Support and Teaching. Their presentation will focus on transgender family issues.
Bob Barlow, a former Pine Tree Elementary School teacher, is an award-winning educator and author. He co-facilitates a support group for families and allies of transgender and gender non-conforming people.
Alumnus Julian Barlow is a New York City elementary school teacher. He is a transgender man and a fierce advocate for social justice.
Additional information on CARES workshops is available on the district’s website: www.mw.k12.ny.us.