[stacey gross]

Centennial Gay-Straight Alliance

 

Centennial's Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2015, complete with a proclamation by the Mayor of Champaign, Deborah Frank Feinen!!!

 

GSA is a student-led organization; Stacey Gross and Ondine Gross co-sponsored the club since its inception through 2016.  GSA was created so that any student who is gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning,  or an ally (LGBTQA) can feel safe and have a sense of belonging at Centennial High School.  The club meets bi-weekly to develop educational and social activities to promote acceptance and awareness.  

GSA's awareness campaigns include displaying informational posters in honor of LGBT Awareness Month and participating in the National Day of Silence.   We also host an area-wide GSA pizza party, and design and sell T-shirts to raise funds for annual student scholarships.  GSA works with teachers and administrators for educational campaigns and policy change.  This year, students presented at the school and district level on ways to create a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.  In 2015, Centennial students and faculty marched in the Champaign-Urbana Pride Festival parade.