By Brittanie Fenley

Special to the Journal

Friday Harbor High School and Middle School have got the beat. On Wednesday, September 28, Kenya Masala came to our school and jammed with us in the Turnbull Gym. We played the drums, laughed, and had fun with Kenya, an energetic man from Jamaica who did not put up with what he refers to as “ITC”, an “I’m too cool…”attitude.

The students jammed together for an hour, while Kenya talked about the benefits of being involved with the community and how it gives us a good feeling.  After the high schoolers went back to their classes, the eighth graders stayed and learned what marijuana does to your body. The eighth grade students also defined what Courage, Communication, and Commitment meant to them. They said that courage is standing up for what you believe in, communication is expressing your thoughts and ideas to others, and commitment is sticking to your goals and giving your all in everything you do. The students were split into groups and made up sayings that they could use in the community.

After the day was over, I realized that everyone in our community is a leader. Also everything you do should always give you power over yourself. Stand up and become a part of your community in the San Juan Islands!

Thank you to the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition for putting on this full-day leadership summit.

Kenya Masala uses a technique called Kinesthetic Rhythma-Learning through which people interact with the basics of community development (respect, responsibility, synergy) via dynamic rhythmic sensory awareness activities. To learn more about Rhythm of Life with Kenya Masala, visit http://www.rhythmoflifedrumming.com/.

For further questions, inquiries, or to become involved, call the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition at 378-9683 or email at prevention@centurytel.net. You can also visit their blog at: http://blogs.sanjuanjournal.com/voicesforhealth/ or become a fan on Facebook.

— Brittanie Fenley is a Friday Harbor High School freshman.