By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Dr. JoBeth Gonzalez uses the stage to allow students to address touchy issues. It is there that they find a voice on difficult topics like human trafficking, suicide and racism.
On Friday, Gonzalez was given the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Peace Award by the Bowling Green Human Relations Commission. The program, in the library atrium, reminded people through words and song that “the journey is not over, the struggle is not done.”
In accepting the award, Gonzalez thanked the commission for being a microphone for such issues, and Bowling Green High School for allowing her to explore edgy topics.
She also thanked her husband, Al Gonzalez, for challenging her to think with depth and breadth, and her drama students at BGHS.
“Good leaders are good listeners, and I’ve learned to listen to my students on the topics that are important to them.”
“I accept this award humbly on behalf of, and because of, my students,” said Gonzalez, who is known to students and fellow staff as Dr. G.
The Drum Major for Peace Award is given annually to highlight significant efforts by people who further the betterment of human relations in the Bowling Green community by actively promoting justice, peace, and respect. The spirit of this award is captured in King’s “Drum Major” sermon, in which he encouraged his congregation to seek greatness, but to do so through service and love.
JoBeth Gonzalez accepts Drum Major for Peace Award.
Gonzalez is accustomed to accolades, having earned national and state recognition for her work with youth theater. In fact, she is recognized as a leader in her field, explained Jennifer Dever, a fellow BGHS teacher and a member of the human relations commission.
Theater education has benefitted from Gonzalez’s contributions. However, closer to home, the community has benefited even more, Dever said.
“Dr. G’s positive impact on our community has inspired our community’s students — students of all backgrounds and abilities — to honestly look at their world and have the difficult conversations necessary to affect positive change,” Dever said.
Gonzalez has said, “Drama may be the most successful portal for creating a safe space for honest dialogue among young people.”
Her work reflects this, Dever said. In each production and class, she encourages students to explore social issues and share their new-found awareness.
“After all, how better can we create lasting empathy for all than to nurture it in our youngest citizens,” Dever said.
One example of that encapsulates Gonzalez’s work is the Social Issues Theater class she began teaching 12 years ago, Dever explained. Each class selects a social issue that will be the focus of their research, writing, and performing. The success of this class spreads beyond the classroom into the community. One class chose to focus their research on the issue of human trafficking, later resulting in the creation of the Human Trafficking Awareness Troupe.
Senior Elaine Hudson, a member of the Human Trafficking Awareness Troupe, said students gained valuable insight into the human trafficking that happens not only in foreign countries, but also right here in Northwest Ohio.
Gonzalez promotes justice, peace and respect through the Drama Club, which has produced plays that explore other social issues, such as suicide, racism, the immigrant experience, and intersecting identities.
Gonzalez was credited for creating safe spaces for students to deal with sensitive subjects.
Junior Charlotte Perez talked about that acceptance.
“Everyone who becomes involved in our productions has a place within our club, bringing out every aspect of theater from the technical aspects to the actors themselves,” Perez said. “It is Dr. G who brings all these people together and helps us create our common goal of one production, which in turn brings us all together. She has been the backbone of the Drama Club, encouraging the diversity and accepting what it can bring to our productions.”
BGHS Madrigals sing during Martin Luther King Jr. program.
