On Tuesday, May 7, 2019, students in the V.I.B.E. & I.M.A.G.I.N.E. program at Copper Beech Elementary School had an opportunity to participate in the groups’ 10th annual closing exercise. V.I.B.E., which serves as the boys’ program, stands for “Voices Invoking a Brotherhood of Excellence,” while the girls’ group, I.M.A.G.I.N.E., is a sister program with the acronym, “I’m A Girl: Intelligent, Noble and Educated.” The purpose of both clubs is to provide students of color in grades four through six at Copper Beech Elementary School with a forum to self-advocate, improve self-image, and to generally enrich their lives. V.I.B.E. and I.M.A.G.I.N.E. assist the students in embracing their talents and goals.
Topics in regular meetings can include everything from leadership and self-confidence, to resisting peer pressure, to academic excellence and addressing issues that could interfere with performance. Members participate in discussion groups, special events, and also have opportunities to be exposed to positive role models so that they can become one as well, with emphasized attributes including perseverance, fortitude and teamwork.
The concept for the groups began in Abington Junior High School in 2007, and have since expanded to the elementary schools and Senior High. An example of one of these special events is the annual I.M.A.G.I.N.E. Tea Party at Copper Beech, a culminating celebration that’s now in its ninth year. The event is something the girls look forward to, and this year it included a special guest, newly appointed Copper Beech Elementary School Principal, Ms. Fatima Rogers.
At the 10th annual closing exercise, the students’ parents participated in a “human bridge ceremony,” and in addition to enjoying a meal together, attendees had the opportunity to hear from Copper Beech Elementary School alumna, and Abington Senior High School class of 2009 graduate, Ms. Joselyn O’Hannon, who is a singer that has reached the Gospel Billboard Charts. Ms. O’Hannon graduated from the Berklee College of Music, and now also works in music therapy.