For most, December 1st is just the start of another new month, for others it is one of the most important days of the year. December 1st is World AIDS Day, a day for remembering those who have died of AIDS, supporting those currently living with HIV/AIDS, and spreading awareness to the general public.
“It’s a really important day for those in the HIV/AIDS community,” senior Katie Kingsley said. “As Sunny D’s it gives us a chance to raise awareness and show our support.”
The Sunny D’s are HHS’s HIV/AIDS Peer Educators. It is a group made up of juniors and seniors who dedicate their time to educating others on the facts of HIV. They can bbe seen giving presentations in freshman health classes, selling baked goods to raise money for the Nebraska AIDS Project, or at the local AIDS Walk.
“I love being a Sunny D. It has given me the opportunity to give others the tools they need to be educated and protect themselves, as well as given me experience talking to my peers about touchy subjects,” senior Neli Morales said.
The Sunny D’s did many different things around the school to celebrate World AIDS Day. They hung posters announcing the date of World AIDS Day and HIV/AIDS facts. Several members read a few important facts to keep in mind over the intercom after the Pledge. They hung the Sunny D’s banner in the main stairwell, the banner is signed by every member of the group and is the exact size of a grave, honoring all those who have lost their life to the virus. Every member also wore red clothing, the color of the AIDS ribbon, and handed out little packets of candy and facts tied off with a red ribbon.
“Its no secret that high schoolers love candy, and they’re much more likely to read and pay attention to HIV/AIDS facts if they are attached to a sweet treat,” Kingsley said.
For more information about World AIDS Day, HIV/AIDS facts, or how you can get involved in the fight, please check out www.aids.gov or www.nap.org
