Hage Elementary School in Mira Mesa has won the fifth annual Unity in Action Award for elementary schools, given by the San Diego Regional Hate Crimes Coalition’s (SDR-HCC). The award was presented on Friday June 18 for Hage’s Games Coach Program, where upper grade students work closely with lower grade students to create a safe environment during recess. Hage’s motto is “together we will make a difference,” and the Games Coach Program is very much in that spirit by addressing issues such as conflict resolution, leadership and promoting diversity.
The SDRHCC’s Unity in Action contest was developed as a way to recognize programs in our schools that promote unity, diversity and/or acceptance. The Coalition found that there are many excellent programs in San Diego County.
“On behalf of the San Diego Regional Hate Crimes Coalition, we congratulate the Games Coach program at Hage Elementary School for their winning entry in the annual Unity in Action Contest for 2010,” said Deputy District Attorney Oscar Garcia, who is the Chairman of the SDRHCC. “This program clearly embraces the mission of the Hate Crimes Coalition, which is to promote the appreciation of diversity and the prevention of bias motivated behavior. We applaud the Hage students for committing themselves in such a positive manner for the betterment of our community. We are proud to honor them with this award,” Garcia added.
“I was very pleased in Hage receiving this award especially since it recognizes the efforts of Keith Kaneko, one of our PE teachers, who has organized our game coaching program that supports our students, said Hage Principal Eric Takeshita.
Rincon Middle School in Escondido is the Unity in Action winner for secondary schools, for its PLUS Program, Peer Leaders Uniting Students. The award was presented on June 3, and detailed in a previous news release.
The San Diego Regional Hate Crimes Coalition was formed twelve years ago to unite law enforcement agencies with community-based organizations to tackle issues presented by hate crimes in our community. Members of the Coalition include representatives from all law enforcement agencies in the county and members of many diverse community-based organizations.