As the next half of the semester comes around, a new club is going to make its way into St. Louis High School– S.P.A.R.K, which means, students portraying acceptance resulting in kindness. The club was formed as a way to make an impact in the school and help others feel included. Students worked together to put together this club to work with kids who are part of the RESD Moderately Cognitively Program, (MoCi). Currently, the club hasn’t engaged in any official activities. However, just before winter break, three students and the club advisor visited the classroom to introduce themselves and share the club’s goals with the staff and students. They also handed out candy canes as a holiday treat.
Andraelle Snyder, the club’s advisor said, “Starting a peer-to-peer club has been a goal of mine since I began teaching at St. Louis High School. Though I haven’t taken action on it until now. My cousin, who teaches at Brighton Public School runs an incredible program called LINKS, which has been a great source of inspiration. I’ve worked closely with her to learn about their approach so we can develop our club into something equally impactful. For me, working with individuals with disabilities isn’t just a career—it’s a deeply personal passion and a significant part of my life. Helping students feel included and valued within the school community, especially when they are so often overlooked by society, brings immense joy and fulfillment to my life. I think it’s incredible that a student has taken the initiative to bring this idea to life. It’s something both Mrs. Paksi and I have wanted to implement but never took the steps to make it happen.”
Snyder also said, “S.P.A.R.K will benefit all students involved. While the MoCI students are technically Gratiot-Isabella RESD students, they see themselves as St. Louis Sharks, and this school is their home. Integrating students with disabilities into more activities and events within the high school environment will not only help them feel like a part of our school community but also provide valuable opportunities to practice the skills they are learning in class and apply them in real-world situations. For the St. Louis students who choose to participate, this initiative offers a chance to develop qualities such as patience, compassion, empathy, and understanding—traits that are increasingly needed in today’s society. The goal of SPARK is to ensure that all students feel accepted and valued. It aims to promote kindness and inclusivity, regardless of individual abilities.”
Some of the students who helped form the club are excited and ready to see where the club takes them. Senior Alex Tatroe not only heard about the club idea from the president of the club, Senior Kaydence Heiden, but also helped form the club and participate in its first event with the MoCi class. Tatroe said, “I wanted to join this club to make a difference in the community, including everyone, especially those who have a harder time making friends. I think this will help everyone feel included in the community, and inspire a positive change in the school.” Tatroe also said, “I think this will be a great idea. Having students get involved in the school by including everyone is a great way to bring positive cheer to the Shark tank and club involvement would be a good look on resumes. I also think that this is a good idea to have everyone get involved. Making a difference can be small. Sparking a difference in lives can be the highlight of his or her day. Just knowing someone was thinking of another who had less fortune in their lives is a difference that could help someone.”
The club works to make a difference not only in the RESD students but also for students here at the high school.
