Sandy Creek High School hosted

a colorful opening ceremonies assembly last week to mark the start of

Black History Month, just one of dozens of events taking place at each

of Fayette County's 28 schools in the month of February.

The theme for the month-long

emphasis at Sandy Creek is "Sharing Cultures, Cultivating Differences,

Helping Others, Support Diversity." The hour-long opening ceremony

featured inspirational song, dance and a message about success delivered

Musical performances were given

Song arranged by Wendall Whalum, and an arrangement of "Elijah Rock"

sung by the Mixed Chorus.

"Lift Every Voice and

Sing," regarded as the Black National Hymn, was sung by Sandy Creek

student Chardonnay Bunkley.

Mensah, an international speaker,

philanthropist, author and humanitarian, entertained students with his

stories of growing up in Ghana and attending a one-room school with a

dirt �oor.

When he was 8 years old, his

family moved to the capital, Accra, where he saw his �rst American �lm

and decided he wanted to come to America. It was not the luxuries that

caught his attention but the opportunities, he told students, and he set

his dreams high to attend college in America even though his friends made

fun of him and told him it would never happen. He ended up receiving a

full scholarship to attend Western Maryland College.

Now he is an international

and motivational speaker who encourages others to have dreams and make

choices that will help them reach their goals and succeed.

Throughout the month of February,

students will be studying different aspects of black history in their

classrooms as well as through assignments, projects and additional guest

speakers.

Among other Black History Month

events:

-�Kedron Elementary hosted

Lieutenant Colonel Dryden, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, Friday

for a signing of his book "A Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman."

Rep. Virgil Fludd was the guest speaker at an assembly Tuesday. Lonnie

Johnson, who invented the Super Soaker, will give two lectures to students

Feb. 27.

-�Sara Harp Minter Elementary

will celebrate its multicultural heritage during the week of Feb. 23.

Classes will study specific countries. Students will make family crests

to decorate classroom doors. An international parade will conclude the

week long celebration (K-5) and there will be an international feast held

in the cafeteria.

-�Rising Starr Middle

School will welcome Andrew Young as the guest speaker at a schoolwide

assembly Feb. 26 beginning at 1 p.m.