Eighth graders Jazy Brancel and Darcy Stilp, who are members of Kromrey Middle School’s Allies Club, raised the Pride flag with District leaders and staff members at the District Services Center on June 1 in honor of Pride Month. The ceremony reflected MCPASD’s commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their authentic selves.
Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue, Assistant Superintendent of Operations Jerrud Rossing, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning Dr. Jan Chynoweth, Kromrey Middle School counselor Joe Bins, and School Resource Officer Cassidy Ruchti joined the students to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.
The Allies Club offers an inclusive, welcoming environment for students in sixth to eighth grades. Students learn about impactful LGBTQ+ historical figures and advocates.
“It’s a safe and comfortable place for kids to meet people like themselves and learn about others,” Stilp said.
Bins is the club’s previous advisor, and he explained its importance for middle school students.
“One of the benefits of Allies Club is that it creates an environment where kids can feel comfortable with their identity,” Bins said. “It prepares them for high school, where they can be bigger advocates in the Sexuality and Gender Equality, or SAGE, Club.”
SAGE students visit the Allies Club members at Kromrey Middle School. Bins said the mentorship that happens between SAGE students and Allies Club members helps ease the transition to high school for middle school students.
Eighth graders shared what Pride Month means to them.
“It’s a month of visibility where I can feel comfortable in who I am and my identity,” Stilp said. “It feels nice to be supported.”
“It feels like I'm being recognized and not in the dark,” Brancel added. “It means a lot to me and my friends.”
Kromrey Middle School will host Pride events throughout the week. MCPASD students also plan to attend the City of Middleton’s Pride Festival from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, at Stone Horse Green in downtown Middleton.