S P I R I T . M I N D . B O D Y . C O R D E C H O 7 Each May, high school students across the US celebrate “College Decision Day.” Traditionally, SHA students wear apparel from their future schools and gather for a group picture on the front steps. While that did not fit with our safety protocols last year, their decisions were commemorated with signs depicting each senior and her chosen school. At SHA, growth and continuous improvement aren’t just relegated to the classroom. Outside of the school day, SHA offers a wide variety of clubs and organizations that allow our students to pursue their passions and interests and to discover new ones. With over 40 clubs that run throughout the year, there are plenty of opportunities for SHA girls to practice leadership, foster new friendships, and develop talents and skills. If a SHA student can’t find a club that fits her interest, she’s always welcome to propose a new club. The 2021-2022 school year was host to a variety of new club offerings. From cultural affinity groups, to skill building and enhancing groups, our newest clubs emerged from the desires and efforts of our students. Here’s a sampling of SHA’s newest student-led clubs and activities. A.S.I.A. PATHOS WRITING CLUB BLACK HISTORY MONTH STEERING COMMITTEE SHA’s new Asian Affinity group began with a bulletin board. For Asian American and Pacific Islander month, Diya Kaur ‘25 and Mags Hassett ‘25 profiled significant figures that represented the cultures and heritages of the Asian population at SHA. Diya believes “representation embraces inclusion.” She hopes that by highlighting the accomplishments of people of Asian descent, SHA students can see people that share their culture. “This is how we will help everyone feel welcome at SHA.” Having received positive feedback on their bulletin board, and with the support of some of their friends, an idea for a unique club was formed. Mags explains, “We wanted to continue to bring awareness to the diversity of Asian culture and to create a space that will help members of the Asian community at SHA to connect, learn and grow.” And so, A.S.I.A., Asian Students In Alliance, was born. In the coming school year, Diya and Mags have plans to expand the reach of A.S.I.A. at SHA by utilizing social media to share topics and articles and to serve the Asian community at large in Buffalo. “We want to positively impact the experience of students of Asian descent at SHA and give them the opportunity to use their voices for others.” Hope Bleck ‘24 has a passion for writing. For her, writing is the way she stays in touch with herself, managing her emotions and processing her feelings. Knowing how invaluable writing has been to her maturity and development, she wanted to share that passion with others. So, she created Pathos Writing Club. At the beginning, Hope admits that the members of the club were “just a few friends indulging me” but now the club has grown and includes students from every grade level. Together, they share and discuss their own writings which come in a variety of genres: poems, short stories, vignettes. As they share their writings, they learn from each other how to use their words to bring their stories and feelings to life. While writing is the topic of the meeting, Hope says Pathos Club has taught her more than that. “I’ve learned a lot about leading discussions, talking in front of people, and mitigating disagreements. I’m really proud of this club.” Most of all, Hope is proud of the members. “Watching some of the members who are usually more quiet become more and more outspoken and free with their words means a lot to me.” Early in the school year, Phalyn Johnson ‘23 approached administration with an idea to create a memorable celebration for Black History Month. Having experienced a small-scale event in the midst of COVID last year, Phalyn dreamed of building and expanding that celebration to something bigger. She wanted to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans in all levels of society and honor the Black heritage of the SHA student body. With the help of administrators Jennifer Demert, Linda Cimusz and Michele Calandra and faculty advisors Tiffany Fanning and Lori Kiefer, a student steering committee was assembled to bring Phalyn’s idea to life. Through their planning and advocacy work, the student steering committee, comprised of Abuk Aleu ‘24, Ashley Anderson ‘24, Brooke Badger ‘25, Domonique Dowell ‘23, Ekene Ezenwa ‘24, Megan Flanagan ‘22, Layah Fortune ‘22, Brooklyn Gordon ‘23, Phalyn Johnson ‘23, Cincere McMillon ‘23, Samara Moss ‘24, Dy’Nahsty Rhodes ‘23, and Rosaly Rosa ‘24, identified topics through which Black culture and history could be taught, honored and celebrated in the SHA community. Their leadership and determination resulted in a day-long assembly with a variety of speakers, activities and experiences centered around Black culture. Ekene Ezenwa ‘24 said she hoped that “through this day, a love and appreciation for Black culture was ignited in the SHA community. I hope that SHA continues this tradition, and that cultural awareness, curiosity, and appreciation can thrive here.” The figures included on the bulletin board are from the distinct cultures of the members of A.S.I.A. They hope that by representing their cultures, they are able to spread awareness of the rich diversity within Asian culture. Divyjot “Diya” Kaur ‘25 Mags Hassett ‘25 Hope Bleck ‘24 Domonique Dowell ‘23 Cincere McMillon ‘23 Ashley Anderson ‘24 Dy’Nahsty Rhodes ‘23 Ekene Ezenwa ‘24
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTcyNDA=