Port Jervis High School students participated in the Robert Lewis Remembrance Day on Thursday, June 2nd, along with Port Jervis Mayor Kelly Decker, Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano, and Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey. The Friends of Robert Lewis hosted the event, which commemorated the 1892 lynching of Robert Lewis which happened in Port Jervis. An official New York State Historical Marker was installed at the site of the event. The PJHS Equals Movement, a student activity group at the high school, led by advisors Jacqueline Jenkins and Meika Mark, facilitated an essay writing contest that asked students to reflect on "why it is important that we remember the lynching of Robert Lewis each June 2nd, and how can we work to promote inclusivity in Port Jervis today?" Aaliyah Summons, a senior, was the grand prize winner. Landon Paperstian took second place, and Amia Summons won third. Additionally, Senior music student Braeden Ross organized a select choir and directed them in the singing of his own original arrangement of "Amazing Grace" and "Homeward Bound."
The Port Jervis learning community is proud of our students who took part in this community event.
