Everyone has something to say, and now there’s a space to say it. Whether it’s through monologues, artwork, or written pieces; students at Piscataway High School are getting the chance to be heard – one submission at a time. The Day of Dialogue’s IWYK Project comes as an aspect from the New Jersey Attorney General and New Jersey Division on Civil Right’s “No Hate in the Garden State” youth competition, designed to address bias within communities. The project came together when a group of students, particularly the Dialogue Committee, composed of 11th grader Jada King, 12th grader Tanvi Narava, and other students collaborated to find a solution that could successfully promote equity and reduce the amount of hate in their community through creating various forms of mutual understanding.

Under the advisement of Ms. Aprile and Ms. Bouzek, this team enables students to a verse of flexibility where they can submit different types of media under their names or the guise of anonymity. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to share what’s on their minds and help others see their community through other perspectives.

Jada King, one of the leading organizers, explained that their “goal with the project is to use artwork to showcase the different backgrounds of the community,” hoping to allow different groups to understand the people whom they reside with. “We can build community within the school and have a stronger foundation for education, bonding, and community events and outlook for the future,” she added.

Additionally, Ms. Aprile said that the Day of Dialogue’s efforts are inspired by a similar yet smaller effort a few years ago where some students and staff had taken initiative to create videos that they could share with students containing similar messages. The Dialogue Team renewed this idea and is expanding the project to invite more participation in hopes of creating a multimedia display at PHS.

Students submitted their messages by April 4th through multiple signup methods, credited or anonymous – to ensure that every student feels comfortable sharing their thoughts without the fear of judgement.

In giving students and faculty the chance to share their stories, the Day of Dialogue reminds us that every voice matters; and sometimes, listening is the first step towards real connection.