Classes gathered in the chapel on April 2, to commemorate and hold a vigil for the lives lost and affected by genocide in honor of Genocide Awareness Month.

Held throughout the school day, Academics Project Manager Louise Geczy organized John Carroll’s vigil for an eighth year, remembering what Genocide Awareness Day really means.

Students from different classes were invited to attend the vigil, listen to teachers speak of the importance behind genocide awareness, and light a candle in honor of the individuals who lost their lives.

During the vigil, as a person’s name and age was read by a faculty or staff member at the podium, Mrs. Geczy rang a bell to remember that individual who suffered as a result of genocide. Then a student in attendance came forward to light a candle, placing it on the ground in front of the altar.

As a part of the mission at JC, human rights are a key concept taught to students and supported within various lessons and classes.

Mrs. Geczy explained at the vigil, “Think about the way you behave, think, and the way you treat other people…just because it’s not happening to us here doesn’t mean it’s something we shouldn’t think about.”

Regarding the numerous historic genocides read aloud, Mrs. Geczy wanted to share concern on why others should act.