As AP exam season looms and classwork becomes harder to manage, having a community to go to to de-stress is more than essential. This month’s featured clubs, FCCLA, Educators Rising, and Women in Entrepreneurship, make sure to foster a close-knit community that is sure to make you feel a little less stressed.
FAMILY AND CONSUMER CAREER LEADERS OF AMERICA (FCCLA)
Meeting before school every other week, FCCLA plans events which are devoted to creating a closer school community. To club president and senior Jill Brockway, this club is “like a large group of friends.”
FCCLA participates in several of the school’s events, such as Trunk or Treat, but also hosts their own drives and bake sales. They also visit nursing homes and prepare gifts to make a greater impact.
“I hope that students learn how to make a difference in their school and community through FCCLA, as well as feel inspired to take what they’ve learned and do their part themselves,” Brockway said. She adds, “I think we’ve definitely made a positive difference in our community by hosting all our annual drives and events, as well as finding lots of ways to give back.”
Brockway mentioned that she has always been interested in FCCLA after she found a passion for it freshman year. She also mentioned that the club sponsor, Dorene Kuebler has helped her throughout her years in the club by simply being a good leader.
“She has had the biggest influence on me throughout my whole high school experience,” Brockway said.
For the rest of the year, and many years to come, Brockway wants the club to stay true to its values of helping out wherever they can.
“I really love being able to be an integral part of my community,” junior and three-year member Emma Hawkins said. “I want to be able to continue in this club and be able to use these skills to be a better person in the community.”
EDUCATORS RISING
Meeting only once a month, Educators Rising welcomes all, especially those who want a career in education or one working with children.
A national organization, their goal of “inspiring and growing current and rising educators to become community leaders and advocates for high quality education” has been brought to County through this club.
“We want to make an impact in the community, while also trying to build a brighter future in the field of education,” said senior club president Grace Galos.
Educators Rising leads several activities such as “PEP meetings” where club members will take care of kids while their teachers are in meetings, tutoring, or when the club is hosting a book sale.
“We collect used books and then sell them for one to two dollars,” Galos said. “Whatever books we have leftover after the sale, we give out for free at the school’s community table event.”
As the school year progresses, the club is looking at doing another book sale during the spring to continue raising funds for activities.
The club encourages all who are interested in education, or simply love kids, to join Educators Rising.
“We are a very inclusive group and love any new members who are interested,” Galos said.
WOMEN IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
At their monthly meetings, Women in Entrepreneurship unites to create an inviting and successful environment.
Senior club president Sofia Habibzai, along with senior co-president Jordan Garman, begins the morning with updates or opportunities regarding guest speakers and drives. Then, the club starts their activity for the day, typically an interactive arts and crafts project for local retirement homes and shelters.
“We made Valentine’s Day cards for Spring Arbor Retirement,” senior club member Molly Graham said. During the holiday
season, the club also made cards for Team Mathias in order to contribute to raising awareness for childhood cancer.
As a community that brings together women who have an interest in entrepreneurship, the club provides its members with knowledge about pursuing projects of their own.
“We help bring awareness and activism towards women in the business field,” senior club member Simran Aujla said.
As they continue meeting, Women in Entrepreneurship hopes to expand, building a strong community of independent business women and leaders.
“A lot of our stuff isn’t about the club itself, it’s more for other people within the community,” Graham said. “It’s just showing the community that other people care, and that you don’t have to do everything just for yourself.”
