Maharishi School students attend diversity conference

Four Maharishi Middle School students attended the annual Middle School Diversity Leadership Conference Nov. 15 in St. Louis.

The students participated in workshops, simulations and activities to broaden their awareness of diversity issues and promote advocacy for others.

The eighth grade students, Melat Gibramarian, Jivani Rodriguez, Caleb Mullenneaux and Philip Winer, were accompanied by the head of Maharishi School, Richard Beall, and Andrea Beall.

The students learned strategies for helping support their peers, even in challenging situations.

Rodriguez commented, ?It?s hard to stand up for someone, but it is important to do so. We need to be an ally for one another and reach out to anyone in need.?

The event was organized by Randolph Carter, director of Eastern Educational Resource Collaborative and former director of diversity and multicultural services for the National Association of Independent Schools in Washington, D.C. Carter also is a long-time Transcendental Meditation teacher and practitioner.

Maharishi School hopes to host Carter for student and faculty diversity workshops this spring.