SPRING 2010

STYLE WEEKLY’S MAGAZINE FOR RICHMOND VOLUNTEERS AND PHILANTHROPISTS

SCOTT ELMQUIST phOTO

pEdaL pOwErHigh-school senior Ronald “R.J.” Barnes sets out on a cross- country bike trip for autism.pagE 4

OUTdOOr VOLUnTEErIng

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ThE $100,000 SUrprISE

pagE 5

JOhn C. pUrnELL Jr.

pagE 6

a SISTEr’S LOVE pagE 8

wOOdSTOCk rEVISITEd and

a rOOfTOp SOIrEE pagE 12

wInnIng pEaCE ESSay

pagE 15

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I need your help to lick cancer

Live Music

Live Auction

Cocktail Reception

Pets & More

$50 Per Human / $20 Per Pet 804.525.2193 | info@FETCHaCure.com

positivevibecafe.com Stratford Hills Shopping Center

Forest Hill Avenue & Hathaway Road Richmond, Virginia

804-560-9622 Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 9:30 pm, Sunday

10 am - 8:30 pm, closed Monday

Think of it as a way to give to others without giving

up anything yourself. Simply visit the Positive Vibe

Café for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and a portion

of every tab will keep funding our training program

for people with disabilities. Helping them to find

jobs, build futures, and live with dignity.

1812_DiningOut_4.4x10.75.indd 1 5/12/10 10:20 AM

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2010Editor in Chief: Jason Roop, Jason.Roop@styleweekly.com; Richmond Giving Art Director: Jason Sullivan; Photography Editor: Scott Elmquist; Contributing Writers: Raymundo Gomez, Rich Griset, Michelle Guerrere, Katherine Houstoun; Copy Editor: G.W. Poindexter. Richmond Giving, distributed quarterly, is published by Style Weekly. It may be distributed by authorized distributors only; readers are limited to one copy per person. To reserve advertising space, receive additional copies, become a distribution site or respond to an article: Richmond Giving, 1313 E. Main St., Suite 103, Richmond, Va. 23219. 804-358-0825. On the Web: www.styleweekly.com. By e-mail: letters@styleweekly.com. Copyright © by Style Weekly Inc.™ 2010. All rights reserved.

SCOTT ElMquIST PHOTO

Community sERviCE nEWs, notEs AnD iDEAs • by kAthERinE houstoun

1 help protect and promote the waterfront with James River Association. volunteers must attend trainings,

so this is a good opportunity for folks interested in long-term volunteering. Learn about watershed restoration and maintenance training Aug. 28, or prepare to host canoe day trips sept. 2. www.jamesriverassociation.org.

2 Put your handyman skills to work as part of ElderHomes Renew Crew. you can help seniors and disabled

individuals remain in their homes by improving their living conditions through painting, yard work and railing installation. saturday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

3 Give a hand to man’s best friend as part of the farm help crew at BARK, a volunteer-run organization that finds

homes for unwanted, abandoned and mistreated animals. Duties include giving the pups some one-on-one love and assisting with miscellaneous farm tasks. select saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

4 Get active outside during the Blue Sky Fund Church Hill Games, in which up to 150 kids try out 10 different

sports at Jefferson Park. About 120 volunteers are needed to do everything from teach sports, shepherd children, take pictures, serve lunch and more. While you’re there, learn more about other outdoor volunteering opportunities with blue sky Fund. June 5 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. www.blueskyfund.org.

5 beautify Richmond’s oldest municipally owned cemetery, Shockoe Hill Cemetery, est. 1822, the resting place of

the Great Chief Justice John marshall and Elmira shelton. volunteers are needed for raking and weeding, as well as grave restoration. A specialist will be on hand for guidance. sunday, June 6, 1 to 3 p.m.

NAtuRAl GiviNG10 ways to volunteer in the great outdoors.

If you’re into gardening, you’re in luck. Regular opportunities abound for getting your hands dirty at urban and community gardens around town. Just a few:

6 Science Museum of virginia, at 2500 W. broad st. volunteers are needed to help prepare the new urban

Farm by putting down a mulch pathway, digging, hauling and planting. Gardening gloves, supplies, water and snacks will be provided, but bring your own sunscreen. saturday, may 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

7 tricycle Gardens’ urban Farm, located at 9th & bainbridge streets in old manchester. bring gloves and

closed-toe shoes. simply show up tuesday through thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

8 William Byrd House Farmlet, at 224 s. Cherry st. in oregon hill. visit www.byrdhousemarket.blogspot.com

to sign up to pitch in.

9 lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Community Garden, at 1800 Lakeside Ave. on the north side. volunteers

needed saturdays and mondays from 9 a.m. to noon. Produce goes to Central virginia Food bank.

10 A Grace Place, at 8030 staples mill Road. Green-thumbed volunteers, who are also gentle teachers,

are needed for gardening therapy with seniors with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. Projects available monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Except where noted, sign up at www.handsongreaterrichmond.org.

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Hollywood Touch: New Nonprofit Gets Creative

Creative professionals who want to share their real-world expertise may find the perfect outlet in Media

Legacy Institute, a new nonprofit organization founded by Hollywood veterans Tim and Daphne

Reid. The institute, based at the Reids’ production company in Petersburg, provides training

to help emerging filmmakers bridge the gap between academics and the reality of the film

business.

“It’s hard for young people to get in touch with people who are actually working in

the business,” Tim says. “Our workshops will be run by professionals from all areas of

the media, from producers to directors to photographers to

writers to people who work behind the scene, people who

can talk about intellectual property rights. You can’t teach

all of that in college. That comes from practical use.”

The Reids hope that by helping the next generation

of filmmakers gain practical experience, they’ll be

encouraged to stay in Virginia, thereby increasing the

local work force and growing the state’s film industry.

“People who have professional interests or

occupations have to be a part of the program or there’s no

need for doing it,” Tim says. “Hollywood doesn’t have a lot of

patience. It’s not a training program. These young people have

to be able to hit the ground running.”

To GeT Inolved: The institute is work-ing with students at Virginia State Univer-sity, whose tuition is covered by the school, with plans to expand to other institutions. A small Sundance-style independent film festi-val is also in the works, with hopes of launch-ing in fall 2011. Infor-mation at 957-4200.

Daphne and Tim Reid have started a nonprofit to help young talent.

3,634 Miles to GoWhen Ronald “R.J.” Barnes bikes the first mile on

his 3,634-mile, cross-country journey, he’ll have

a few important things in tow. “I’m bringing my

baseball bat because I’ve got to stay in swinging

shape,” says Barnes, a senior at Benedictine High

School who plans to play ball in college. “And

some good food – peanut M&Ms and Twizzlers.”

He’ll also tote some key equipment: tire tubes

donated by a bike shop in Florida, biking clothes

given by Conte’s Bicycle shop, a tent, a sleeping

bag – and a pretty impressive mission.

Barnes, an Eagle Scout and a captain in

Benedictine’s cadet corps, embarks June 5 on a

two-month bike trek to raise awareness for autism.

He doesn’t have a personal connection to the

disorder; he simply observed a mother struggling

to read with her young autistic son at the Belmont

Library where he studies after school, and decided he

wanted to do something to help.

“It’s one of the more prevalent disorders today,”

Barnes says. “One in 10 children are born with it, and

you can’t cure it. It can be really hard on families.”

The National Honor Society member plans

to depart the day after graduation, biking from

Charlottesville to San Francisco. In the process he

hopes to raise $10,000 for Autism Society of America.

So far he’s received almost $2,500 from local businesses

and individuals, including fellow students and alumni.

Though Barnes is focusing on autism during this

trip, he hopes his endeavor sends a bigger message. “I

want to enliven people to dream big and do something

for others,” he says. “If everyone gives a little piece of

the pie, pretty soon the pie is complete.”

To GeT Involved: You can contribute to Barnes’ effort through his Web site, rjbarnes32.webs.com. Track his daily updates, including seeing video from a helmet camera donated by drink company Fruit 66, on his blog, rjbarnes32.blogspot.com.

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Selected eventS for a good cauSe

OPPOSIte tOP: SCOtt elMquISt PHOtO; OPPOSIte bOttOM: aSH DaNIel PHOtO; tOP: SCOtt elMquISt PHOtO; bOttOM: SCOtt MIStuRINI

May 21 the Dooley Noted Society, which supports Maymont, holds a benefit at Crossroads art Center from 6-9 p.m., 2016 Staples

Mill Road. See art inspired by the park. Free. 358-7166, ext. 310. maymont.org.

May 22 think you can bike to Williamsburg and back? take the challenge while benefiting the Central Virginia Chapter of the

National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Meals, rest stops and bike mechanics are there for support. $55 registration; $250 fundraising minimum. Call 591-3034, or visit .irideforMS.org.

May 22 Mothers against Drunk Driving holds a fundraising 5K walk at dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Road. Registration 8 a.m.

Call 353-7121 or visit walklikemadd.org.

May 24 Play a round of golf at the dominion club to benefit St. Jo-seph’s Villa and its programs to care for children with devel-

opmental and intellectual disabilities. the 26th annual tournament is part of the 2010 Innsbrook Classic. Call 553-3220 or visit NeverStopbelieving.org/news.

June 5 the James River association, which works to protect and nur-ture the James River, holds the Westover lawn Party. Seafood,

cocktails and bluegrass music are in store, along with children’s outdoor activities and fundraising auctions. at historic Westover in Charles City County, 3-7 p.m., $75. Call 788-8811, ext. 202, or visit jamesriverassociation.org.

June 11 Sip on James River Cellars wine and legend brewery beer under the stars. the Massey alliance holds its eighth annual

Moonlight Magic at James River Cellars to raise money for the Massey Cancer Center. Music by the Remnants and tracy Retchin. tickets start at $30. Information at massey.vcu.edu/moonlight.

June 11–12 there are all kinds of volunteer opportunities at the Special olympics virginia’s Summer games. Vol-

unteer to Cheer more than 1,200 athletes from across the state. Held at the uni-versity of Richmond and St. Christopher’s School. Information at 726-3025, or at volunteer2cheer.com.

June 12 the World Beer festival, coming here for the first time, of-fers tastes from 80 breweries on brown’s Island. In addition to

enjoying the event as a guest you can sign up to volunteer. Presented by all about beer magazine and benefiting Fetch a Cure, which works to alleviate cancer and the effects of aging in pets and raises money for families who cannot afford medi-cal treatment for their animals. Call 380-5581 or visit fetchacure.com.

June 21 the Virginia Cancer Patient Fund holds its second annual charity golf tournament at Stonehenge Golf and Country

Club, 1000 Farnham Drive in Richmond. $100 per ticket. Call 276-0640, or visit vcpf.org.

July 24 Operation Homefront Hampton Roads, which serves parts of the Richmond area, holds a 5K run to benefit military mem-

bers and their families. Registration 7:30 a.m., at Fort Story in Virginia beach. Preregistration is $15. Call 757-806-6150 or visit operationhomefront.net/hamp-tonroads.

July 31 Chase little duckies to the finish line at the 21st annual duck race to benefit big brothers big Sisters of Greater Richmond

and tri-Cities. the fundraiser offers prizes for the winning quackers on the Haxall Canal at brown’s Island. 10 a.m. Call 261-4940 or visit bigbrobigsis.com.

Eyes on the PrizeSheila Pleasants was undeniably

giddy the day after the Big Give.

The previous night, she’d stood

onstage at the Weinstein Jewish

Community Center to accept

a giant cardboard check for

$100,000 to her organization, the

Southside Child Development Center, which provides

child care to Richmond’s working class. The center was

one of four finalists for the grant money: A vote of 170

women ultimately sent her home with the money.

“I am real big on empowerment of women,” says Pleasants, the center’s executive

director. “I think we have to empower each other. It was awesome to see all these

women come together to transform and impact the future.”

The voters were participants in Impact 100 Richmond, an initiative designed

to bring women together to raise enough money to significantly affect the lives of

women and children in Richmond. Each woman or group of women, organized

into an impact circle, donated $1,000 to the pot. Because the group, a partner of the

Community Foundation, received overwhelming support, it provided each of the

runners-up – Art 180, Elk Hill Farm and the Vernon J. Harris Health Center – with a

$3,000 grant.

to get Involved: Next year Impact 100 Richmond hopes to double its participation so it can give away $200,000. To find out more or make a pledge visit impact100richmond.org.

Karrington Smith and his daughter, Tiana, who was tapped as the night’s

princess, were among the fathers and daughters taking to the dance floor

at the third annual Date with Dad at Plant Zero on March 21, helping raise

money for Camp Diva. The nonprofit aims to prepare girls for womanhood,

focusing on a five-week day camp for young women growing up in chal-

lenging environments.

Big vote: Sheila Pleasants received $100,000 for the Southside Child Development Center.

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Friend of the Family

STATEMENTphoto

by scott elmquist

interviewed by rich griset

For 40 years John C. Purnell Jr. was at the helm of Friends Association for Children, a nonprofit that serves low- and moderate-income families. A father of two and grandfather of two more, for Purnell, children come first.

He oversaw the organization’s expansion of child-care and family services, the addition of two community centers and the creation of a community-arts program that serves 500 children a year.

Since announcing his retirement in December, Purnell received the Changer of Lives Award from the Better Housing Coalition on April 29 – adding to numerous other awards in the field of social work.

Beyond Friends, Purnell serves on the board of ChildFund International, Partnership for Families Northside and Voices for Virginia’s Children. He’s also past chairman of the Shelter-ing Arms Hospital board of directors and former director of Cadmus Communications Corp.

Giving: You’ve devoted the past 40 years to this organiza-tion. What made you decide to get involved?Purnell: Richmond’s my home. I grew up in the Church Hill community. I’m a social worker by training, even though I have a graduate degree in public administration. It’s really my passion. It’s really a very special opportunity to provide services that really help to prepare children to become good, strong citizens in life.

What do you get out of working with these families?When I kind of look back over the years and I see the many, many successful kids who have been a part of our program, that obviously says that this agency has provided care and service at a time when people could benefit from it the most. I feel we do what is in the best interest of the people that we serve.

What are the main problems facing the families you serve today?Certainly the economy, because there’s some very tough problems here. Challenging problems. I think also the point of helping children to understand and appreciate the need to achieve in school so that they can prepare themselves for being productive in life. I think that if kids can just do it incrementally – complete elementary school, complete high school to move onto higher education – once you’re able to get a solid education their earning potential increases, and they’re better able to create a sound, healthy lifestyle for themselves.

What do you still hope to achieve?One of the main things is financial stability in the midst of a very, very tough economy. That’s a huge challenge. The sec-

ond is to be able to come up with the resources and the personnel to be able to institute performance-measure techniques. The ques-tion is often asked, “How do you know you’re succeeding?” I think that we have some tools in place. I don’t think we have broad enough a scope of tools that can really help us statistically track progress in the way that we would like to have that happen.

To GET INvolvEd: To help people get to know the organization, Friends holds a free lunch every third Thurs-day of most months (the next is May 20, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.). For informa-tion call 644-2357, ext. 14, or visit www.friendsassn.org.

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GetHandsOn.

Volunteer.

www.handsongr.org

Adoption Foster Care NURTURING CHILDREN

Individual/Family Therapy Home Care Guardianship Developmental Disabilities Deaf & Hard of Hearing Advocacy

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES

Pregnancy Counseling Homeless Services Emergency Food and Financial Assistance

SUPPORT IN CRISIS

1512 Willow Lawn Drive Richmond, VA 23230 804.285.5900 www.cccofva.org

Your support helps kids like Zoe!

Above: In front of her Grecian-themed runway, brittany burke counts down to her Crossing the Line fashion show in April at Crittenden Studio.

rIGht: one of burke’s models shows off a sassy tiered dress. Most of the clothing in the show came from local stores such as roan, Pink and eurotrash.

scott elmquist photos

lights, camera,

take ActionUnder layers of beauty, a fashion show with a purpose.

by Michelle Guerrere

Alongside them is show organizer Brittany Burke,

a 22-year-old fashion merchandising student at Vir-

ginia Commonwealth University. She has more than

artistic expression in mind.

Burke’s 18-year-old brother, Brandon, whom she

calls the baby of the family, has a type of bone can-

cer called Ewing’s sarcoma. He recently had one of

his legs amputated as a result of complications from

operations. But she says he’s proven his strength.

“You know, he’s always been very admired by ev-

eryone and just a very genuine person,” Burke says.

“But it wasn’t until this that I think, ‘You know, a lot of

people really realized he’s definitely someone to look

up to, even though he’s my younger brother.’”

It’s that kind of inspiration that sparked her idea

to organize a fashion show last year and this year in-

clude it as part of Richmond Fashion Week, donating

ticket proceeds to the university’s

Models pace back and forth, practicing their walks

and choreography. The high heels gracing their feet hit the floor: gray suede, purple reptile print, black peep-toe. But it’s not only the models that are in action.

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Massey Cancer Center in her brother’s

honor. She chose the name of the show,

Crossing the Line, to reflect her thoughts

on making a difference and

where things should be when it

comes to cancer research.

Planning the show has been

a cathartic process, Burke says.

And it’s helped Burke connect

with people who could relate to

her situation.

Less than two weeks later,

the planning is over. April 23 is

here, and it’s show time at Crit-

tenden Studio in Manchester.

The cat-eyed models wear flowing en-

sembles, intricate looking jewelry and

braids in their hair, reminiscent of the

Grecian Influences theme.

Last year’s theme was street wear,

Burke says, but she wanted to broaden

the appeal for a wider audience, focusing

on something sophisticated and elegant.

“And I love it so,” she says, laughing.

And that’s all that matters.

Burke walks across the sparkly white

runway in her heels and asks her brother,

sitting in the front row, to stand. He’s

an inspiration for everything she does,

CloCkwise from top: Burke’s brother, Brandon, who has a type of cancer called ewing’s sarcoma, is Burke’s in-spiration for starting the show. with a modern take on a classic Grecian theme, models strike poses for the crowd and plenty of cameras.

Burke says. And her fashion show is nothing different.

“When you’re driven from something from the heart, you know, it makes you

even more motivated,” Burke’s mom, Sherry, says of her daughter. The family has

traveled from Pennsylvania for the event.

Some 20 models show off about 47 ensembles from predominantly local shops

such as Pink, Eurotrash and Roan. Nesbit Salon pitches in with hair and makeup.

The show ends with not only applause, but also a combined $8,500 raised for

the Massey Cancer Center.

Lindsay Ess, the model coordinator for Richmond Fashion Week, says Burke’s

show is a good addition to the lineup because in this industry people often focus

on materialistic things. “It’s nice to show the reality of life,” she says, “rather than it

just being this fantasy world of looking good.”

Her family knows only too well the harsh realities that are a part of life. “It’s

ridiculous the amount of people that are affected by this disease in one way or

another,” Burke says.

“I mean it’s changed all of us so

much,” Burke’s brother Brandon says,

referring to his illness. He says his

sister took time off from school to be

with her family, and he’s watched her

meld her passion with fundraising

and making change.

He’s not sitting on the sidelines ei-

ther. Brandon is snowboarding again,

and trying to go to school to study

cancer research and prosthetics.

“Not that anybody wants these

things to happen,” their mom says,

“but depending on your attitude and

how you look at things, if you can

just recognize all the good things

that come out of something that’s not

good, it just makes all the difference.”

SCOtt elMquISt PHOtOS

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Boomer BallThe peace signs were out and the

psychedelic fashions were in full

swing at the fourth annual Circle

Center Boomer Ball, a Woodstock-

inspired party to raise money for

the adult day care center at 4900 W.

Marshall St.

The party catered to baby

boomers to emphasize a generation

increasingly caring for its parents.

“We are caring for frail and impaired,

in some way, elders who want to

stay at home but who

might be forced into a

nursing home facility …

if there were not adult

day care available,” says

Julia Wright, the center’s

development manager.

Five churches in the

Fan started the center,

she says, which has

been in operation for 34

years and grew into its

own facility in January

2009. Wright says the

party topped its $35,000

net fundraising goal.

THEREphotosby ashdaniel

1 2

3 4

5 6

1 Patrick and Beth Ludden join guests at a party filled with music, auctions and lots of good vibes.

2 Emcee Curt Autry, co-anchor of NBC-12.

3 Board of Directors member John Oehler with event chairwoman Paige Quilter, Audrey Skeen, development manager Julia Wright and board vice chairwoman Katie Campbell.

4 John and Sue Barrie with Circle Center Chief Executive Lory Phillippo and Kathleen Sykes, who serves on the Boomer Ball committee.

5 Glen King with his wife, Maggie, who serves as a volunteer and Boomer Ball committee member.

5 The band NRG Krysys provides entertainment.

Circle Center Adult Day Services • Willow Oaks Country Club • April 16, 2010

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Spring FlingCupcakes and chocolates were among the

sweet treats helping fuel a sweet mission: the

preschool and day care St. James’s Children’s

Center. A rooftop party raised money for the

center, which caters to children from low- to

moderate-income families, many of whom are

at-risk or dealing with special needs.

“It was a huge hit, and what was

really fun was to see people of all

ages try the Segway,” director of

development Cynthia Brown says of the

self-propelled and -balanced transports.

About 200 guests attended the

seventh annual event, enjoying dinner

by Kuba Kuba, desserts and coffee by

Caffespresso, chocolates by Gearhart’s

Fine Chocolates and cupcakes from

Pearl’s Cupcake Shoppe. And the

Jangling Reinharts sent music drifting

through the evening breeze over

Monument Avenue.

3 4

5 6

1 Jim Ukrop takes a spin on a Segway.

2 Guests relax on the rooftop of the Monument Avenue parking deck.

3 The Rev. Randolph M. Hollerith of St. James’s Episcopal Church with the Children’s Center board chairwoman, Barbara Ukrop.

4 Tracy and Doris Causey, who share their experience having children go through the program.

5 Volunteer Amy Foy.

6 Board member Tenley Beazley and supporter Bev Reynolds.

St. James’s Children’s Center • One Monument Avenue rooftop • April 29, 2010

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Style Weekly’s quarterly magazine for Richmond volunteers and philanthropists.

To find out how you can be a part of the next issue of Richmond Giving, please contact Style Weekly (804) 358-0825

Time. Money. Encouragement.

You get what you give.

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In “Letters from an American Farmer,” Michel

Guillaume Jean de Crèvecouer defines America

as an ideal meritocracy. In this land of oppor-

tunity, individuals achieve social mobility and

success through hard work and dedication. He de-

picts American society as an egalitarian melting pot:

It lacks a class hierarchy or repressive social struc-

ture, and allows its citizens the freedom of religion

and choice.

Crèvecouer’s image of the possibilities afforded

to immigrants has inspired generations of people

searching for a land of prosperity for themselves and

their families. For example, my father came here from

Mexico; for him, the United States represented a land

of increased possibility, a world in which upward

mobility was possible with hard work. Mexico did

not afford him opportunities for success; his possi-

bilities were limited, so he chose to immigrate. In my

own visits to Mexico, the abject poverty and squalor

reminded me of the opportunities and comforts en-

joyed here in America by its citizens. However, with

these opportunities and possibilities come require-

ments, commitments my father failed to uphold and

which ultimately led to his deportation.

As a United States citizen, I am aware of both the

legal and the moral obligations that accompany being

part of a community. To maintain the statues and the

prosperity that American citizens enjoy, each mem-

ber of the community must strive to fulfill his or her

responsibilities. It is this sense of responsibility that

can unite people of different creeds.

One of the ways to create unity is through shared

goals, such as the pursuit of education. The framers

of the U.S. Constitution borrowed much from the

ancient Greeks, a culture that highly valued knowl-

edge and education; for the sophists, arete or excel-

lence in oratory was not an innate feature, but rather

a technique or art that could be taught and learned.

Therefore, many citizens attended schools designed

to teach rhetoric, a skill which was essential to de-

mocracy. Rhetoric provided an orator with strategies,

forms and approaches to persuade an audience of the

correctness of the orator’s arguments. The Greeks had

to pay for such opportunities to learn; however, our

society offers equitable opportunities for advance-

ment to all citizens.

U.S. citizens must take advantage of the oppor-

tunities afforded by free and public education. Just

like the ancient philosophers, or lovers of wisdom, all

people must strive to better themselves and their na-

tion through inquiry and debate. Free and public edu-

cation enables citizens to not only learn a language of

persuasion, but also to learn the values and principles

of the society in which the discourse occurs. Higher

education can be possible through achievement:

Crèvecouer’s meritocracy comes through scholar-

ships afforded to those whose resources cannot make

possible college education. It is this education that

will make all people able to discourse without preju-

dice or problems. Education builds respect and toler-

ance, even where there is significant difference.

Additionally, the diverse populace must learn eth-

ical responsibilities. School begins to inculcate this

in its students. Learning about government and its

workings, for example, begins to enable students to

become good citizens. Topoi, or common topics, for

rhetoric included truth and justice. Socrates derided

the sophists for believing in the relativism of truth. To-

day citizens recognize that values are subjective, and

that different groups of people have a varied corpus

of beliefs. In schools, students quickly learn about

diversity of races and ethnicities, as well as religions

and beliefs. By engaging in studies and learning, stu-

dents ensure that the society will remain the melt-

ing pot Crèvecouer imagines in his work. However,

more than just education, a focus of diversity helps

to create a sense of community, and emphasizes the

interrelationship of all people. Additionally, many

schools have made community service compulsory

for graduation. The purpose is clear: To be a citizen

of a diverse nation means understanding the interde-

pendence of all members of the community. Address-

ing these needs and offering assistance is crucial for

the survival of the community.

Though the framers of the Constitution noted cer-

tain inalienable rights, citizens also have responsibili-

ties to uphold which promote the good of the nation.

Though the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of hap-

piness are given, all individuals must temper these

rights with the pursuit of education and the enactment

of legal and ethical obligations. Only by doing so can

a stronger individual, and by proxy a stronger com-

munity, be forged. An old adage suggests that “You

don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone”; I learned

this lesson vividly through my father’s loss of his U.S.

citizenship. It is a right which must be valued and re-

spected. Education, respect for difference, and com-

munity service are the means by which peace can be

achieved. Only then can the benefits of belonging to

a truly diverse community be reaped.

Raymundo Gomez is a

12th-grader at York High

School in Yorktown. This

is the winning entry for the

high-school category of the

Richmond Peace Education

Center’s Peace Essay Contest, the results of which

were announced last week. The more than 15-year-old

contest focused on a diversity theme this year. Gomez

receives $100 and will read his essay, along with the

other three winners, on WRIR-FM 97.3.

Opinions in First Person are those of the writer

and not necessarily those of Richmond Giving.

by Raymundo

Gomez

To be a ciTizen of a diverse

naTion means undersTanding The inTerdependence of all members of The

communiTy.

Unity in Responsibility

9120 Lockwood BoulevardMechanicsville, VA 23116 l 804.723.7000www.owens-minor.com

At Owens & Minor our teammates reach for new heights

when giving to others.

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