Shawnee High School Holds Social Justice Choir

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Shawnee High School hosted a Social Justice Choir, using the guidelines and recommendations set forth from the national organization, Justice Choir.

Students and staff members used the lyrics of songs to promote discussion about equality, social justice, perspectives, empathy, and what we can do at Shawnee and in our community.

Participants have the option to sing or simply listen as the choir discusses lyrics to songs such as “The Gift to Sing” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, both from James Weldon Johnson, and “Rise” from Arianne Abela.

Robert Joubert, Shawnee’s Choir Director and Advisor for the Social Justice Choir, explained the group’s origin: “Shawnee Justice Choir grew out of an idea.  Theodore Roosevelt said ‘Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.’ With the call to be an Upstander, and need to connect across the hybrid platform, Justice Choir began.  We have met to use the gift of music as a vehicle for conversation on the topics of social justice. Our primary focus for this group is not a performance, but to provide a safe place to inspire, challenge thinking, and promote unity both in our own circles and beyond.”

About LRHSD

The Lenape Regional High School District’s four high schools – Lenape, Shawnee, Cherokee and Seneca – as well as the Sequoia Alternative Program, educate approximately 6,850 students from eight communities in Burlington County.

The communities served include Evesham, Medford, Medford Lakes, Mount Laurel, Shamong, Southampton, Tabernacle, and Woodland.

The Lenape Regional District is among the highest-achieving districts in the state, with an average graduation rate of 98% and an average combined SAT score of 1139.

A leader in progressive education, the LRHSD’s mission is to develop physically and emotionally healthy students who excel in an everchanging world.