STUDENTS TAKE ACTION TO DISPLAY UKRAINIAN FLAG IN CAFETERIA

By: Ted Campbell

March 22, 2022

Cony High School hung the Ukrainian flag in the school food court on March 22 in support of Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia a month ago.

Cony has a tradition of displaying the flags of exchange students' home countries, including France, Russia, Germany and Brazil. The hanging of the Ukrainian flag is unique in the fact that it does not represent a student.

Kristin Merrill, the student representative on the Board of Education, organized and led the flag ceremony with support from board members and school administrators. Merrill said the flag is being flown to show support for Ukraine’s people and to raise awareness among the student body about the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Conflict, while it drives people apart by definition, can bring people together,” Merrill said.

The Russian-Ukrainian conflict feels personal to many because they are able to see what is going on in real time over social media, Merrill said during the ceremony.

Merrill was inspired to hold the flag-raising ceremony because of student suggestions, she said. She then corresponded with Principal Kim Silsby about possibly hanging the flag and got her approval, Merrill said.

Merrill considered removing the Russian flag on display in the food court as part of the ceremony, but the idea was set aside. She and Silsby decided it would be more “progressive” to fly both, Merrill said.

Silsby said that the ceremony was meant to, “Celebrate the people trying to fight for their freedom.”

Amanda Olson, who is the chair of the Augusta Board of Education, also spoke at the ceremony.

Olson said, “I’m proud of our student community for coming together to advocate for this addition."

Cony High School senior Cade Parker, who attended, said that he found the ceremony “heart-warming.”

Merrill said there are presently no other planned actions in support of Ukraine. Merrill said that she would be “absolutely” interested in running a fundraiser to support Ukraine. Though Merrill also said that it would be easier to organize such a fundraiser with the assistance of a club such as the Student Council or NHS and that research would have to be done in regards to charities supporting Ukraine.