Students, parents, teachers, supporting staff members and administrators added their hands to Everyone Matters Tree at Rice Elementary School for Everyone Matters Day.[/caption]
On April 2, Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere will kick off national "Everyone Matters Day" at Rice Middle School. This is the first time the city of Plano has recognized this worldwide celebration of diversity, according to city officials.
Festivities begin at 10 a.m. at the school, located at 8500 Gifford Drive. LaRosiliere will visit with students who created a large "Everyone Matters" tree decorated with hundreds of hands by students, parents, teachers and staff.
LaRosiliere joins more than 30 other mayors across the nation who are adding their voice to the growing movement. The mayors are posting #IAM selfies in affirming pride-in-identity and inviting residents to upload their own #IAM selfie to celebrate their own uniqueness, according to the news release.
"We are a globally diverse city and our residents embrace what we have in common while respecting our differences. You see, in Plano, everyone matters, all 270,000 citizens," LaRosiliere said in a video produced by the city. "They all contribute their individuality and uniqueness, and that is what makes us the city of excellence. As mayor, I invite you to celebrate everyone's individuality especially our youth. Let's treat each other with dignity and respect – without conditions, without judgment because in Plano, everyone matters."
Everyone Matters Day recognizes individuality and acknowledges one's right to dignity and respect, as well as being allowed the freedom to be who they are – without shame, judgment, attack or censure, according to a city of Plano news release.
For more information, visit www.everyonemattersday.com.
Note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct location for the "Everyone Matters Day" event.