By Ian Sorensen ‘26
The Diversity Club is making a meaningful impact on the school community by promoting cultural awareness, fostering inclusion, and celebrating the unique backgrounds of students and staff.
After being inactive for several years, the club is now in its third consecutive year since its revival. The club’s mission is centered around appreciation and representation.
“What we’re trying to do with the club is show our appreciation for the various cultures that are out there, let alone in our school,” Mrs. Van Assen said. “We try to celebrate our differences and see them as a good thing.”
The club plays a key role in helping students embrace and take pride in their identities.
“The club makes a difference by showing students other cultures and provides a place where they are proud of their culture and who they are,” senior club president Keenan Wheat said.
One of the club’s most impactful initiatives is its annual movie screening, held to raise awareness and spark meaningful discussions.
“Every year the Diversity Club plays a movie to spread awareness for our club and the cause,” said senior Darrion Phelps, the club’s vice president. “The types of movies we pick are ones that show achievements such as overcoming obstacles like being the only person of your race in a community who sees you as a stranger, even an unwelcome guest, hardships of poverty, and finding who you are when everything is against you.”
These films reflect the lived experiences of marginalized communities and help students better understand the challenges others face.
In addition to movie nights, the club also maintains a hallway display that highlights cultural traditions, artifacts, and historical figures. This February, the Diversity Club plans to partner with the Mother’s Club to host a dinner event celebrating cultural unity and community.
Through these efforts, the club continues to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where differences are not just accepted, but celebrated. By encouraging open dialogue, recognizing cultural heritage, and organizing engaging events, the Diversity Club is helping to build a school culture rooted in understanding, pride, and respect.
