On the day that celebrated the longevity of the United States Constitution on September 17, students and faculty came together to honor and remember Ambassador Chris Stevens, whose work contributed to the betterment of communities at home and abroad.

Throughout the day, staff and student led events promoted understanding of how Stevens’ life and actions exemplified the “Achieve The Honorable” PHS motto.

“It is always important to recognize contributions of community members in a school setting so there is context to touch close to home,” vice-principal Anne Dolid said.

To achieve this context, social studies teachers showed presentations throughout the week that encapsulated Stevens’ four years at PHS and his progression to Ambassador of Libya in 2011. Classes then discussed questions revolving around Stevens’ work and the current state of affairs in the Middle East.

“We wanted to put the conversation into the hands of the students rather than have teachers answer the questions,” Social Studies Teacher Dave Keller said.

Keller, who helped coordinate the social studies presentations on a PowerPoint, said that administration and the Stevens family initially pushed for in-class student reflection.  According to Keller, Steven’s sister in law attended an in-class discussion.

“We hoped that students would think about what it means to be a public servant, and how one could have an impact on the world,” Keller said.

To get a better understanding of who Stevens’ was as a student, students examined his biography and accomplishments at PHS.

“I think that because it has been such a big event in the community it’s good to have a supplemented understanding,” Senior Eliza Kauffman said.  “I didn’t know that much about him beforehand.”

Principal Brent Daniels, who also read his biography at half time during football vs. Albany Friday night, said that classroom discussions were decided upon instead of an assembly to increase discussion intimacy.

“Some schools might look at an assembly, but we wanted to engage students on a deeper level,” Daniels said.  “It’s more intimate and brings about greater learning.”

At lunch, ASB handed out Chris Stevens remembrance wristbands as students and faculty had the opportunity to sign a poster titled: ‘What will you do for the community?’.

“He’s a good role model for the student body, and doing these things to remember him also is a good bonding experience for people to come together,” Sophomore vice-president Maryse Suppiger said.  “We were very pleased with the turnout.”

The poster is still hanging in front of foodservice in the quad, as students still have the chance to sign what they will do for the betterment of the community.

“We’re remembering the fact that [Chris Stevens] is part of the tapestry of the school.  He achieved the honorable.” Daniels said, “Part of that is fulfilling one’s endeavors as you enjoy yourself, but it’s also making a difference.”