Winter Solstice Special Awards - 2006
Luba Fineson
Very often our solstice parties are graced with presentations by special people. At our December 2006 winter solstice party, we made a presentation to two very special guests.
Chiara Corso and Andrew Purzak are New Rochelle High School students. Last spring when Chiara was a freshman, she became upset with the South Dakota anti-abortion resolution. She was angry that a state would try to take away a right that is protected by the constitution. Chiara and Andrew and two other friends decided to do something positive. They held a bake sale to benefit the campaign of Planned Parenthood of South Dakota to vote down the resolution....and they raised $250 for the campaign.
With Chiara's parents, Fiorella and Guido Corso attending the solstice party, Chiara and Andrew were commended and warmly applauded for their efforts to protect a woman's right to choose and ensure women's choice in South Dakota. This was particularly moving because, along with the pro-choice Democratic landslide in November in both houses of Congress and in the majority of governors, the South Dakota resolution was defeated.
There was a great feeling of joy and optimism at the party, not only because of a pro-choice victory, but also because there is hope in the new generation of students. We particularly need these young people now to go to work once again to defeat this renewed attack on women's right to make their own reproductive decisions.
