THORNTON – Parents and students at a Thornton middle school are speaking out about a recent career day event held at the school.
Jessica L’Whor, a drag show performer, was one of more than 100 volunteers representing a broad range of careers at Rocky Top Middle School.
Parents said they were appalled and surprised that they weren’t notified of Jessica’s appearance.
In a letter to parents, the principal at Rocky Top said no raunchy adult jokes were told and the event reflected the community’s diversity. However, she also said parents should have been notified in advance so they could decide if their child would participate.
Jessica L’Whor didn’t perform at the school but rather read a chapter form “Horrible Harry,” and spoke to students about the damage of bullying and the need to put kindness and acceptance at the forefront.
In the end, L’Whor said it was the feedback from students that made her visit worth it.
“I got messages saying I am a gay boy, I get picked on every single week,” she said. ” I got kids saying I was the best part of the day, or I had a really bad week. Thank you for coming in.”
In the letter sent home to parents, the school said in the future they will send home notification of who will be invited to talk at career days.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
