Getting Acquainted New Event Will Bring Nevada-Lidgerwood Middle-Schoolers And Neighbors Together

Thu., Sept. 18, 1997

By Kathy Mulady kathymu@spokesman.com

They travel in packs, with their baggy jeans, loud voices, and enough energy to shame the pink Energizer bunny.

Middle school students can seem intimidating. At least until you know them.

Getting acquainted is the idea behind a new event planned in the Nevada-Lidgerwood neighborhood.

Students, senior citizens and other neighbors are invited to attend the “Breaking Down the Barrier” gathering at Garry Middle School Sept. 27-28.

Besides entertainment and crafts, participants will have a chance to meet seventh- and eighth-graders.

“Older people turn away from us,” said Crystal Wilckin, 13, a student at Garry Middle School “They think we are all on drugs, or that our clothes aren’t right.

“They need to come and meet us, middle school kids are really misunderstood,” she said. But getting along isn’t always a one-sided issue, Wilckin added.

“Some kids really aren’t with it, and don’t want to give older people a chance, but most of us do,” she said.

“I’m going to go around with other girls and meet people and tell them more about us. Hopefully, it will help open up the lines of communication,” said Wilckin.

Deborah Wittwer, a member of the Nevada-Lidgerwood neighborhood council, is organizing the event.

Wittwer has had a hand in other neighborhood events designed to help residents feel more comfortable and confident in their communities. “Take Back the Park” and “Take Back the Night” were two recent activities.

“Being young now is so different than when we were younger,” said Wittwer. “Kids are so limited in their freedom. They can’t play like we played. There are even complaints about them playing basketball in the streets.

“This age group is not well understood,” she said.

Charlene Milota, assistant principal at Garry Middle School, said the event offers a chance to share their school with the community.

“Middle school students are truly in the middle,” said Milota. “They don’t know where they fit, they are trying to find an identity for themselves. Socialization is big for them.”

She’s anxious for the community to meet the Garry students.

“They are wonderful, they are polite, pleasant, great kids,” she said. “Nobody needs to be afraid of us.”

, DataTimes

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