Luverne students will soon carry polished stones in their pockets as reminders to make good decisions on social media and the Internet.
The stones are part of the Polished Stone Project to be introduced to Luverne fourth- through eighth-grade students.
Four local seniors have been selected to assist with various aspects of the project.
Coordinator Philip Olson of Sioux Falls leads assemblies to demonstrate ways to make better online decisions. Afterward, each student receives a small polished stone.
“The polished stones are a reminder to students to strive to make decisions that help them polish their character instead of making decisions that could leave them rough around the edges,” Olson stated.
A few weeks ago he and the Luverne seniors created a five-minute introduction to the project’s main video message
Bergin Flom, Hailey Franken, Knute Oldre and Logan Stratton were chosen based on their involvement in different school activities as well as being good role models for younger students, according to high school counselor Amy Cook.
“The big thing about this project is making students aware of the Internet, what is out there and what it can mean to students,” she said. “Even at a young age students are using technology — this will help educate them to be safer with their use.”
Through watching the finished video and interacting with the older students, the fourth- through eighth-graders will learn good choices and proper use of technology.
“It’s a good message to spread to younger kids,” said senior Knute Oldre.
The Luverne students spent 30 minutes with videographer Olson, in completing the introduction.
The students play catch with a football and later talk at a picnic table. They watch a video on a cell phone as the scene transitions to the Polished Stone Project’s message.
The students said they enjoyed their film session, but it wasn’t without its difficulties.
“It took me a couple of takes for three words,” admitted Stratton.
Both girls said they had to speak louder into their microphones.
The student assemblies will take place later this year.