Greene Street Friends School Holds 15th Annual Mini-AIDS Walk

Middle School teaching assistant Will Richardson partnered with Pre-K teacher Roe Giordano to lead Greene Street Friends School’s 15th annual Mini-AIDS Walk. The event is usually held the Friday before the Philadelphia AIDS Walk, but heavy rain caused a postponement to Thursday, October 22.

Students gathered for an all-school assembly. Kya P. (Grade 1) liked the opening moment of silence. Richardson spoke about HIV and AIDS and how it affects our community. “This is one way Greene Street shows that we are a caring community,” he said. The assembly ended with Richardson and Kathleen Walls, school counselor, singing a powerful a capella rendition of Let There Be Peace on Earth.  “The singing part was really peaceful and made me feel good,” said Lia W. (Grade 4). “I cried because of Will’s song,” said Val G. (Grade 1), “it touched my heart.”

Younger students then walked in twos and threes with their older partners in a circuit around the Meetinghouse for 20 minutes. Jacob Bradley noted, “The walk was very peaceful this year.” Grace T. liked walking with her younger partner. “She listened really well,” Grace said, “everybody did.” Deston W. (Grade 1) and Alexia F. (Grade 4) enjoyed walking with their partners. Alexia noted that everyone was excited and happy to have made special cards with good wishes for people with HIV and AIDS. Tray W. (Grade 4) added, “It was fun because we also raised money for AIDS by selling stuff.” “But I felt sad for the people who have AIDS,” said Kelly B-H (Grade 1).