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At the Spring 2007 Peer Education Recognition Ceremony, Haley McCarthy introduced the Sexperts as Program of the Year. Her speech is below:
Good Evening.
I am extremely proud to be up here tonight to introduce the recipients of the 2006-2007 outstanding Peer Education program of the year award.
Having been a member of the Sexperts for four years, I can certainly attest to all the hard work and dedication that is put into our programming. So far this academic year, we have served over 4000 students through programming, late nights, and tabling.
Among the many amazing things the Sexperts do, the major reason I felt they should receive this year's award is their hard work on World AIDS Week and each year on December 1st people around the world recognize World AIDS Day. Each year Health Education and the Sexperts participate in a week long set of events to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS leading up to December 1st. For the 2006 World AIDS Week Events, two Sexperts, Rachel Faulkner and Tan Pham, along with Joleen Nevers, the Health Education Coordinator, spearheaded a week of inspirational events.
The events included informational tables, Wear Red Day, free HIV testing, an Art 4 AIDS art show, a HIV positive speaker and a candlelight vigil. Through these events 550 people were informed and educated about HIV/AIDS and what they can do to help stop the virus. Throughout the week Sexperts were also raising money for the Hole in the Wall Camps, which are a set of summer camps that work with HIV positive and other seriously ill children. In total, the Sexperts were able to raise $800 for the camps. For each dollar we raised we pledged to teach one of our peers a safer sex skill at our late night codomathon event.
Anyone can see that the Sexperts are committed to educating their peers, raising awareness, and promoting positive and responsible sexuality, which is why this year's Outstanding Peer Education Program of the Year Award goes to the Sexperts. |
