Front row with the Obama and Biden families is where some LHS students sat on Tuesday evening as they listened to music from performers such as Natalie Cole, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Smokey Robinson and Jennifer Hudson in a concert on music from the civil rights era held at the White House on Feb. 9. The concert was part of a three-day educational event a group of 11 students were invited to attend thanks to their work with the non-profit Facing History & Ourselves. The students and two teachers also attended an educational workshop (view video) on the impact of music from the civil rights movement held earlier in the day at the White House. The concert aired on PBS Feb. 11.
Facing History, which provides curriculum for educators looking to teach students about tolerance and moral choices, was asked by the Grammy Museum to invite up to 12 high schools to send students to attend the workshop. Thanks to Lakewood High social studies teachers Joe Lobozzo and Alisa Nazelli, who have developed a close connection with Facing History through courses they’ve taught at the high school including the Human Rights & Conflict elective, the local Facing History office came to Lakewood High first to see if students would be able to make the trip to Washington, D.C.
“It’s really a big honor for us,” Lobozzo said. “It’s a chance for us to look at music as a social force … and the political implications of this music.” Lobozzo and Nazelli will be accompanying the students to Washington.
The trip is being generously funded by the Lakewood Alumni Foundation, which has a legacy of offering Lakewood students enrichment opportunities beyond what the district can provide with its tight budget.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for these students,” said Fred Leick (Class of '61), president of the foundation’s board of trustees. “Lakewood High School has always provided an opportunity rich environment for its students and we want to do our part to see that this tradition of excellence continues.”
The 11 students making the trip were chosen on the basis of their participation in the Human Rights class, the Race and Diversity Club as well as leadership activities they have taken on with Facing History’s Cleveland chapter. The students cannot believe their good fortune of being one of 120 students from 12 schools who will be at the White House on Feb. 10.
“It’s going to be an awesome learning experience. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said senior Sarah Speice.
Lobozzo said the group is excited to learn about an aspect of Black History Month they don’t cover in class. Mostly, though, they are honored to represent Lakewood High School as they travel around Washington, D.C. and at the White House.