Lt. Governor visits Chief Mo

Teaches students to embrace differences

MOSES LAKE - Lt. Gov. Brad Owen visited Chief Moses Middle School Wednesday morning to discuss how differences among people make them better.

Owen opened the assembly singing "La Bamba" by Richie Valens and later covered by Los Lobos.

He said America is the home to all types of people from all over the world.

Owen told three groups of students to survey who was sitting in the bleachers in the gymnasium to find out what their nationalities are.

While the students raced to identify as many nationalities as they could, Owen sang "Johnny B. Good" by Chuck Berry.

The students found people in their school representing several nationalities including, German, Hispanic, Irish, Portuguese, Scottish, Ukrainian, Canadian, African, and Japanese. One person professed to be from Wyoming.

After the students read their lists of nationalities, he explained why he chose to sing the songs he sang.

Owen said it was difficult for some musicians to get on the radio in the past due to their nationality or color. He said Berry and Los Lobos paved the way for other musicians.

When their songs were released, there was strong prejudices and discriminations against certain nationalities and skin color, he said.

"They were wrong," Owen said.

He went on to identify successful athletes and actors from all different backgrounds to make the students understand that differences are not bad.

Owen questioned why some students are bullied and teased.

He said some of the reasons include height, weight, nationality, skin color, clothes and disabilities. He said differences help people to be good at different activities.

Owen surveyed the students to find out what they are bullied for.

Nearly every student in the gymnasium raised their hand to indicate they were teased for something.

Some of the reasons included clothes, acne, weight, eyes, disabilities and deformations. Some students said they have been punched, kicked and slapped for their differences.

It hurts people when insults are made, he said. The insults can stick with someone and bother them for the rest of their life.

"It's very hard to fix a heart," Owen said.

He said if a student is being picked on, they should talk about it to prevent it from harming them. He said students should get involved with activities and network amongst each other to prevent bullying.

Owen said sometimes people are teased for not doing drugs or drinking alcohol. He said students should get involved in an activity he refers to as an "anti-drug."

He said he has a friend who cares for babies born addicted to drugs. He said the babies have no control over their bodies and go through withdrawals from drugs consumed by their mother. He said the babies don't responded to being nurtured.

Toward the end of the assembly, Owen gave the students a challenge.

He told them to get involved in a positive activity and to bring a friend.

Owen concluded the assembly with a sing along of "Proud to be an American."