Barnstable County Human Rights Academy Showcases Student Initiatives
April 22, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – On April 15, 2025, the Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission proudly hosted the annual Spring Human Rights Academy. Approximately 70 students from eight schools across Barnstable County came together for the event, entitled “Student Wellbeing: Supporting a Healthy School.” The spring event provides an opportunity for student clubs to showcase the projects they have worked on throughout the academic year.
Student representatives Ayesha Shafi of Mashpee Middle-High School and Mari Keleshian of Sturgis Public Charter School welcomed participants and encouraged them to use their voices for good. Paul Marble, Executive Director of Sturgis Public Charter School, greeted the students at the Sturgis 529 Main Building and emphasized how integral human rights are to student learning. Students then shared and discussed their strategies for fostering healthier school environments.
Building relationships, spreading kindness, and preventing bullying were key themes from Monomoy Middle School students. Equity Teams from both Sturgis East and Sturgis West highlighted ways to keep students connected, including the use of mailboxes and hosting “Food for Thought” lunch discussions. Students from Cape Cod Academy shared peer mentorship and community service initiatives, along with strategies to strengthen relationships with teachers.
Students from the Riverview School and the Riverview GROW program began by sharing their international celebrations. During group discussions, Riverview students further emphasized the importance of kindness, supportive educators, and community connection.
Several schools—Mashpee, Sandwich, and Falmouth—launched efforts to provide feminine care products in school bathrooms. Falmouth High School students also shared their outreach to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.
Students from Sandwich Middle-High School presented peer leadership strategies and mental health initiatives, such as body-positive sticky notes on mirrors and distributing small pick-me-up cards. Students from Mashpee Middle-High School highlighted multiple projects, including a backpack drive, “Blankets for the Homeless,” the “Who We Are” immigrant legacy project, Listening Circles, and Peer Leadership initiatives.
Student leader Ayesha Shafi of Mashpee Middle-High School received the inaugural Susan L. Quinones Humanitarian Award in recognition of her consistent efforts to make the world a more welcoming place for all.
A highlight of the day was a movement and breathwork session led by Ayanna Freedom. Food was generously provided by The Casual Gourmet and Palio Pizza.
ABOUT THE BARNSTABLE COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISORY COMMISSION: The mission of the Human Rights Advisory Commission is to promote equal opportunity for all persons of Barnstable County regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, gender, age, ancestry, sexual or affectional preference marital, family or military status, source of income, neighborhood or disability, where unlawful discrimination exists in housing, employment, education, public accommodations, town or county services, insurance, banking, credit, and health care. Learn more at https://www.capecod.gov/departments/human-rights-advisory-commission/
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at https://www.capecod.gov/
MEDIA CONTACT: Leslie Dominguez-Santos, Human Rights Coordinator, leslie.dominguez-santos@capecod.gov
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