Milton Students Promote Advocacy at Fontbonne Social Justice Fair

Nine Milton residents participated in the Sixth Annual Social Justice Fair at Fontbonne Academy on Thursday, March 28. The Milton students presented on various topics from body image to adoption at the showcase for seniors.

Each Fontbonne senior must complete a Social Justice project where they research, advocate for, and complete direct service relating to a topic of their choice as part of Fontbonne’s Theology curriculum. The public and underclasswomen viewed presentations and displays at Thursday's fair.

Milton residents Jen Gemma and Christine Carroll partnered with Becca Simmons for a presentation about body image and eating disorders. The trio used the school's annual "Love Your Body Week," which is hosted by the Wellness Center, as a platform to promote their project.

The group held an after school screening of the documentary, "Miss Representation," which draws attention to how mainstream media contributes to the underrepresentation of women. They also created comment cards called "hugs" that students could give their friends with positive affirmations written on them.

Milton resident Kristen Robinson, who focused on childhood hunger, also gave a presentation during the Social Justice Fair. Robinson and her partner Courtney Russo, who presented on elderly hunger, volunteered with My Brother's Keeper in Easton, delivering food.

"I saw that many people go without and I know I wouldn't want to be without food," Robinson said of why she chose her topic.

Laura Sullivan was one of many students with a display board of her project at Fontbonne Academy on Thursday. The Milton resident researched adoption, a topic close to her as she was adopted from Louisiana.

Sullivan volunteered at South Bay Mental Health and helped plan events for foster families. She also plans to have her display board and discuss adoption at intermission of the upcoming Musical Talent Night.

The other Milton residents in the Class of 2013 are Emma Byrne, Lauren Kinsella, Ye Lim Kee, Sungji Park and Liyuan Xiong.