Senior Whitney Patrick

While the student body only sees what happens on stage at the assembly, it’s what happens backstage that makes it all possible. Senior Whitney Patrick was stagehand for the event, working to get equipment on and off the stage so the assembly runs smoothly. While her role in the assembly goes widely unrecognized and unappreciated, it is an integral part of the show’s workings. For Patrick, being a part of the assembly is of vital importance because it showcases the role and influence of the African American community in Arlington. “Arlington is really important to the African American community,” Patrick said. “It’s especially important because of all the Robert E. Lee stuff that’s here.”

Patrick is a fan of the step dances and the songs during the assembly, both of these things showcasing the talent and skills of African American students at the school. She believes that African American talent at the school should be celebrated greatly. She is also a believer of the fact that the importance of the African American community should be celebrated and emphasized more in and out of the classroom. She is a proud participator in the Black History Month assembly to help emphasize this African American influence. “[The assembly] shows how African Americans helped our community back then,” Patrick said. “I feel that it shouldn’t be celebrated just because of Black History Month. It should be celebrated all throughout the year.”