Striving to do well in academics or in sports has always been part of the culture at Homestead High School. Whether it’s National Honors Society or conference champions, the members of Homestead seldom ignore an academic or athletic achievement. However, the plethora of achievements may be overshadowing an equally important role Highlanders should embrace — social responsibility.

“The one piece that has always been there, but we haven’t actively looked at is social responsibility,” Mr. Christopher Gray, assistant principal, said. Mr. Gray expressed the importance of being responsible for yourself as well as being responsible for others. To address this issue, Mr. Gray, among others, initiated a group which would push this topic of social responsibility. Included in this group are faculty and staff members, all who volunteer their time to support this movement.

This organization of people and Homestead staff took an active role in creating four principles: integrity, awareness, community and compassion that capture the message of social responsibility and what it means to Homestead. In order to encourage students to engage in social responsibility, staff members had an opportunity to identify someone in the community who has shown this trait. Staff members were then encouraged to make a poster that includes the person and a quote that focuses on the four principles. The posters will be lining the hallways of Homestead in the next couple of weeks.

“Even though this organized awareness for social responsibility has started recently doesn’t mean it will end,” Mr. Gray said. Mr. Gray along with many others hope students will carry on being socially responsible beyond Homestead.

This initiative has already been embraced by a few students. Despite Mr. Gray being unable to disclose further details at this time, this issue has sparked interest in many students.

“I love how the school is bringing more attention to social responsibility. It’s a great way to become more aware of our community and its needs,” Meghan Costigan, sophomore, said.

Cali Thorson, sophomore, agrees with the importance of bringing more attention social responsibility. “It’s really nice to see people helping others, so hopefully this campaign will make these actions more prominent,” Thorson said.

Kayla Zimdars, freshman, expressed her thoughts on social responsibility at Homestead based on her first month as a Highlander. “I have seen acts of social responsibility at Homestead, but it is usually by the same people. It will be nice to see how this campaign will change that,” Zimdars said.