Knowledge is power! Lick-Wilmerding High School hosted an all day Teach-In on Friday March 14, featuring over 60 workshops and action blocks, on everything from Constitution 101 and Healthcare in the United States, to Self-Defense and Social Media Literacy. 

Why hold a Teach-In? This powerful idea came directly from LWHS students. Shortly after the 2024 election, they raised their voices to ask for more education on the issues shaping our world, locally and beyond. They were seeking more knowledge, more resources, and deeper understanding of the most important issues we are collectively facing. March 14 delivered a day of learning and growth that exemplifies the LWHS mission of engaging the head, heart, and hands of every student. 

Many of the workshops involved TAKING ACTION. Students made calls to elected officials, created “Know Your Rights” buttons, and learned how to take control of their social media algorithm. There were also opportunities for creativity and joy, from a drum circle, to community dance, to open art studios, and so much more.  

A highlight of the day was the Keynote Address, delivered by alumni Sam Mihara ‘51, who shared his personal experiences of living in an internment camp with his Japanese American family during WWII. Sam’s powerful message – NEVER AGAIN TO ANYONE – was deeply moving for students and adults alike.

Here’s what we’ve heard from our community about the day:

• Parent Madhavi Dandu (Nyara D. ‘26) ran two workshops focused on the impact of federal policies and budgets on health and healthcare. “Structures and systems created by funding and policy decisions impact the health and well-being of people in the United States and in the world. All of us are impacted, regardless of our identities or geographic locations. Being knowledgeable about how health systems work allows us to seek and also advocate for the highest quality of health and well-being for everyone.”
• Students Sachin D. ‘27 and Savion S. ‘26 led a workshop called United Perspectives: Connecting and Creating Change. Savion shared: “We decided to do this workshop after attending the SDLC conference [this year]. The one take away of the conference was 'How could you bring change to your school?' We realized we wanted to bring as many students of different backgrounds as possible in a room and connect with each other.”
• One member of the facstaff reflected on the day this way: “It takes a VILLAGE but our village is a loving and supportive one.” A student remarked: “It was the ‘lickiest’ of Lick days”

Throughout the day, students wrestled with important topics that carry significant implications for our community, country, and world. Through it all, there was a palpable sense of optimism and joy, as workshops focused on education, action, and solidarity. 

This day was special: thank you to everyone who contributed to its success: our organizers, workshop presenters, facilities team, invited guests, and participants!

* * *

Here is just a partial list of the topics covered in the Teach-In workshops:

• Citizenship and Naturalization Process
• A History of Women who used Math as a Form of Resistance
• Healthcare in the United States: Focus on Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Administration, and the NIH
• Athletics and Title IX Seminar
• Constitution 101
• United Perspectives: Connecting & Creating Change
• Project 2025
• Understanding Free Trade and Tariffs
• (Social) Media Literacy
• Our Mission Meeting the DEI Moment
• Chemistry and Politics
• Civil Discourse
• 5 Calls: Using Your Voice to Engage Congress
• Self-Defense Workshop

Photos: Chelsie J. V. '25