OA Students Respond to DJ Henry Day
Danroy Henry was an OA alumn and a 20-year-old Pace University student who was shot and killed in 2010 by Officer Aaron Hess in Pleasantville, N.Y. Oliver Ames High School held its first DJ Henry remembrance day in honor of DJ.
https://www.change.org/p/new-york-governor-re-open-dj-henry-s-case
A link to Change.org’s DJ Henry petition to reopen Danroy’s case.
Mr. Auger, History Department Chair
“Speaking for myself, my own advisory was filled with passion, insight, reflection, and a strong desire to continue the conversation. I was proud of my freshmen for approaching this day with the seriousness it deserved and contributing their voices to the important dialog. So far, the feedback I have received from others reinforces the idea that this was a successful day honoring DJ’s legacy and inspiring students to think about their own legacies. The true test is to see what happens with the conversations that were started today. I look forward to hearing more reactions from the day as well as seeing how students turn their passion into action, whether that be service to their neighbors or getting involved in school and community organizations.”
Hope Culleton, Class of 2022
“It’s sad that I and many of my peers are just now being educated on Dj Henry’s death. One day a year and a 45-minute online documentary just does not feel like enough, why did it take 10 years for DJ Day to be implemented?”
Lauren Kelley, Class of 2022
“Dj Henry’s story is heartbreaking and it’s even more heartbreaking that the school is just now bringing attention to it.”
Caroline Flynn, Class of 2021
“I appreciate the school setting up a day for students to learn about and reflect on Dj Henry’s death. It was deeply sad to see his family and friends and know that they have not gotten justice. As well as the fact that to this day his family has gotten nothing but money, which will never be enough.”
Izzy Hazard, Class of 2021
“I enjoyed the documentary but it’s sad that OA took so long to recognize this day for him.”
Haley Gilman, Class of 2021
“I think it was super important to settle time to talk about it. Conversation is the only way to make progress in a community.”
Ryan Moore, Class of 2022
“I think it’s said that the school waited ten years after his murder to hold the event. It should not have taken that long but at least they finally did it.”
Hannah Carroll, Class of 2021
“I felt very sad and frustrated. It was disrespectful especially when the officers shot and left him on the street and handcuffed him without letting anybody else help resuscitate him. He deserves justice. The officer never had any repercussions for his actions. It makes me more passionate about fighting current police brutality.”
Alyssa LeBlanc, Class of 2021
“At some points I cried because it was sad to think that the family won’t be able to experience the life that they should have with him. There were some people in the documentary who stood up for the truth and wouldn’t let him be villianized. I like how the documentary gave everyone’s perspective so it wasn’t one-sided and people could give their own opinions. I really feel like the police should have consulted the family about DJ before speaking publicly because it shows that they actually care and it’s not just another case; they care about the wellbeing of the family and how they were treated.”