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West Orange High School Celebrates Pride Month with Flag Raising and Chalk Walk

WEST ORANGE, NJ - West Orange High School celebrated Pride Month on June 12 with a flag raising outside the Conforti Office and a Chalk Walk under the bridge.

"The students that presented at our Progress Pride flag raising are the personification of bravery," began advisor Jen Dahl.

"To share personal experiences and the raw emotions that accompany rejection, questioning, judgment, and love despite shaking hands and quivering voices to possibly bring about increased understanding and a little more acceptance -- that's courage. I am in awe of these young folks, and so incredibly proud of them," she stated.

Organized by the Lambda Equity and Diversity Alliance (LEAD), the event served to recognize and support LGBTQ students and their allies. Co-presidents Parker Hawley and Alyx Martos welcomed faculty and students. LEAD member Jasmine Rojas read an original poem and Martos described the "Progress" Pride Flag being flown:

The stripes on the Progress Pride flag have specific meanings beyond the traditional rainbow colors. Black and brown stripes represent LGBTQ+ people of color, and the black stripe also honors those lost to HIV/AIDS. Light blue, pink, and white stripes represent the transgender community, reflecting the transgender pride flag. The chevron design emphasizes the need for ongoing progress and inclusion.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Black and Brown: Represent LGBTQ+ people of color, and the black stripe also commemorates those lost to the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Light Blue, Pink, and White: These colors, from the transgender pride flag, symbolize the transgender community, with pink representing girls, light blue representing boys, and white representing those who are intersex, transitioning, or identify outside the gender binary.
Red: Represents life.
Orange: Symbolizes healing.
Yellow: Represents sunlight.
Green: Signifies nature.
Blue: Represents peace and harmony.
Violet: Represents spirit.

"The Progress Pride flag was selected to rise over the rooftop of our high school because it best represents our community and its goals, said advisor Jen Dahl.

"And while West Orange is far more accepting than many places, progress still needs to be made, as the right-facing chevron in the flag indicates. I've learned a lot over the past three years as adviser to LEAD, but the most important thing I've learned, the one thing that has resonated louder than any other, is the importance of acceptance. Everyone wants to be accepted -- they want to be loved -- for who they are, as they are," she explained.

Comments by student Hunter Sedita Lott followed, and Martos ended the ceremony with a reading of "A Litany For Survival" by Audre Lord.

The Chalk Walk was held throughout the course of the day, with art students, teachers, and more drawing words and pictures of support for LGBTQ.

"Art was the vehicle of unity once again, allowing students, faculty, staff, and administration to unite in a sunny day filled with bright, beautiful chalk drawings.The weather matched our Pride vibes," noted Dahl.

See video clips from the Pride Flag raising ceremony below.

SEE PHOTOS FROM THE FLAG RAISING AND CHALK WALK HERE.

(L-R) Band director Lew Kelly, Principal Oscar Guerrero, Asst. Principal Dr. Kimberly Mancarella, Tech teacher Deb Coen, Choir Director John Hellyer, ELA teacher and LEAD advisor Jen Dahl

Pride and Chalk

LEAD co-president Alyx Martos welcomes students and faculty

Pride and Chalk

LEAD members with advisor Jen Dahl

Pride and Chalk

Lead co-president Parker Hawley

Pride and Chalk

Progress Pride Flag

Cynthia Cumming
June 12, 2025