MHS principal honored for work against hate

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Marblehead High School

Principal Dan Bauer was honored by the Anti-Defamation League of New England on May 10 and given its North Shore Community Service Award.

Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli was also honored.

“In a world where hate and bigotry are all too common, our challenge is to ensure that the communities in which we live, work and learn are built on the foundation of mutual respect, reflecting our core values of justice and inclusion,” said Melissa Kaplowitch of Marblehead, chair of the ADL’s North Shore Advisory Committee. “Our honorees this morning have demonstrated their commitment to that work.”

Holocaust

From P. A1

Bauer was presented the award by MHS sophomore Jared Kaplowitch and his sister Averi, who graduated from the high school in 2018.

Averi Kaplowitch described how Bauer supported her after an antisemitic incident at the high school when she was a sophomore.

“Mr. Bauer has always created a safe and welcoming space for all students and staff,” she said.

“He never brushes an incident of hate of any kind aside. Under his leadership, students have been taught about how to be respectful and kind, but more importantly they have learned about how words and actions can be hurtful and harmful.

Averi continued, “In the world we are currently living in where acts of hate are occurring each learned. I think they feel empowered to make a difference in their world.”

After leaving the cattle car, students viewed artifacts from the Holocaust, including a yellow Star of David that Jews were forced to wear and a red Nazi armband with a swastika. ShadowLight educator Tara Silberg asked students what they felt in the cattle car. Some responses included:

“I thought it was really sad and scary.”

“It was shocking because you wouldn’t expect something like that to happen.”

“It was very surreal to be in the cattle car.”

“It’s really shocking because so many people died.”

Silberg then asked students if they see any signs of hate or prejudice in their own community. One student mentioned the recent cases of antisemitic graffiti at the Village School.

“Hate isn’t something that skips over our district,” she said.

Silberg urged students to stand up against hate when they see it — whether it’s in their schools, communities or online.

“Kanye West has spread Jewish hate [on Twitter],” said one student.

“When Kanye says, ‘Let’s hate Jews’ it gives people power and people think it’s okay,” Silberg replied. “And when people joke about things, there are people who think it’s okay.”

Silberg wrapped up her presentation by asking, “What can you do to stand up to hatred?”

Teacher Kristina Sholds said, “If you see something, say something.”

Silberg added, “Don’t be afraid to rock the boat. You have the power of one.”

MHS senior Arielle Mogolesko helped organize the exhibit as her senior project.

“We’re the latest generation that has living survivors,” she said. “We carry on their memories. If we don’t learn about history, it can repeat itself.” and every day, we need more people like Mr. Bauer who can teach students what is right versus wrong while also being a sense of support. I certainly don’t know how I would have navigated acts of hate and the aftermath I experienced without Mr. Bauer’s guidance, reassurance and help that I was making the right decision in speaking up, even though it was a scary one.”

Jared Kaplowitch spoke about the recent Hate Ends Now exhibit at the high school where students boarded a replica of a World War II cattle car to learn about the horrors of the Holocaust.

“This is just one example of the many programs Mr. Bauer has brought to Marblehead High School that teaches students more about life and the world more than a textbook,” Jared Kaplowitch said.

More than 300 people attended the ADL Essex County Law and Education Day event, including U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins who spoke about the importance of combating extremism.