submitted by Caitlin Dederick
New Lebanon sophomore Christine Bienes won the Student Courage Award presented to her at the 26th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King Lecture Series on Race and Nonviolent Social Change. The award honors those who actively show personal courage by taking positive actions against racism, prejudice, bias-related violence and other forms of intolerance in their community.
The students nominated for the award were in middle or high school from across the Capital Region. Each nominated individual has demonstrated extraordinary leadership skills as spokespersons for tolerance, embodies the courage to be bridge builders and peacemakers, has taken action fighting intolerance and stands up against hate and violence.
Nominated by School Counselor Meghan Pepe, Bienes has participated in the Student Together Opposing Prejudice (STOP) Conference at Siena College, is a member of New Lebanon’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) campaigns and was recently chosen to be the ambassador of New Lebanon at the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY) conference held at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Bienes singlehandedly organized the Take a Stand Campaign in New Lebanon to promote the nurturing of all backgrounds and began a fundraising campaign for the American Cancer Society by creating clothing made out of duct tape.
In her essay written about leadership for her HOBY application Bienes discusses being a leader in her school and community.
“The most rewarding aspect of being a leader is the feeling I get by doing the right thing which is not always the most popular thing. Also, by choosing the right over the easy, I often have a positive impact on others,” Bienes said. “Part of being a leader is going your own way; no matter what other people may say or do – I learned that the rewards of integrity outweigh the risks of intimidation.”
Bienes attended the ceremony held at Siena College with family, many supportive teachers and Superintendent Karen McGraw.
Pepe is proud of Bienes’ good work and thankful the selection committee recognized her as the first place recipient.
“Without a doubt, Christine is looked up to by many. She promotes a positive school climate and culture and spreads her message of nurturance. She is a good friend, a great person and has an abundantly bright future ahead of her,” said Pepe.