Video: Students Reflect on the Meaning Behind their Names

Jan. 29, 2025


​An inspiring initiative at Colonel J. Fred Scott School is sparking meaningful conversations about identity, belonging and inclusion — offering lessons for schools and workplaces across the CBE and beyond. 

The elementary school’s “What’s in a Name” project was inspired by the TEDx talk "Getting it right: Why pronouncing names correctly matters" by education leader Gerado Ochoa. The original talk was shared during a CBE leadership earlier this year, motivating Principal Scott Robinson and staff at Colonel J. Fred Scott School to act at their own school. 

“It was such a powerful activity that teachers took it back to their classrooms to have students participate,” Robinson said, adding that something as simple as pronouncing someone’s name correctly can have such a positive impact on an individual’s sense of belonging.  

The activity’s impact has been noticeable. As a result of the exercise, Robinson says they are seeing and hearing students and staff feeling comfortable correcting others on the pronunciation of names and are witnessing individuals glow with pride to have the opportunity to share why they are proud of their name.  

To celebrate and share the impact of the project, a video was created featuring students’ reflections on their names and the pride they feel when their identities are acknowledged. 

See this wonderful work in action for yourself by watching the 'What’s in a Name' Video. 

 
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