As the new school year rings in (or rather tolls in the case of this year’s new bell), many students look forward to joining new clubs.

I’m looking at you, freshmen!

Clubs are a great way to show your interests, be involved in school activities, and to build your college resume.

Now you may be thinking, “Genna, I don’t have to focus on that stuff now, I’ve got a few years.”

And while I can't blame you for being wet behind the ears, I sure can encourage you to avoid the mistakes many other high school students make by following my advice.

Join more clubs!

Clubs help you connect with your peers and give you a voice in your community.

A loud voice in an aptly named club called SHOUT (Social Handprints Overcoming Unjust Treatment) encourages students to eliminate negative footprints and replace them with positive handprints.

On its sixth anniversary, the club has come off one of their most successful years and is looking to share the wins.

The SHOUT Cookout Kickoff is one way you can get involved.

A newer tradition, the SHOUT Kickoff is a fun way to show interest and join in on the club's splendors.

This year, the cookout was held at the garden-like outdoor class space by the little theater exit with accompanying foods like hotdogs, chips, and water.

With beautiful scenery and the handprint mural this kickoff was a great success, evident by the numerous handprints on the windows and the clearing of the free hotdogs.

Speaking of success, preparations for the next SHOUT-sponsored Day of Giving are already underway with a completed fundraiser on DonorsChoose for materials worth $700, along with a $500 donation from Google.org Teen Mental Health Initiative.

Day of Giving is held on the half day before Thanksgiving break. All high school students sign up to give back in a small way—helping at the elementary schools, campus clean-up, making cards for service personnel, and so much more.

One student, senior Danica Purtell, stated that she loved last year’s Day of Giving and gained a new hobby from it.

Last year, Purtell volunteered to read to the animals at the Humane Society—one of last year’s most popular requests.

The experience proved to be a fun time influencing Purtell to keep volunteering at the Humane Society.

Purtell remarked, “The Day of Giving gave me the push I needed to get involved.”

SHOUT’s efforts remain inspiring and conjure a connecting and compassionate environment while remaining knowledgeable about the community.

Purtell attested that “I didn’t know how to get involved. The Day of Giving was the perfect gateway to learn about the resources to continue volunteering.”

This connection with the community marks SHOUT as a special sort of club that fosters growth and support for our fellow humans.

The new Diaper Needs Awareness Drive was another branch SHOUT extended to the community.

This drive for Adoption Connection was held September 23–27.

A collection of diapers (or money with which to buy diapers) was held at the front office, and donors were able to register for a gift card raffle.

Speaking of registering . . . SHOUT will be holding a voter registration drive to register eligible students to participate in the democratic election process.

This event will be student-led by SHOUT seniors Genna Sisteck and Kallie Reap.

(See Reap’s article in this issue of the ECHO for more information.)

Along with making students’ voices heard at the ballot box,SHOUT will place free period products in the girls’ bathrooms.

(More information on this topic can be found in the next edition of the BASD ECHO.)

Always active, SHOUT is looking forward to holding a schoolwide mental health presentation during Mental Health Awareness Month, a possible schoolwide talent show to raise money for future community helping projects, and last but not least the No Place For Hate handprint mural to solidify our school as a No Place For Hate community in the spring.

Want to get involved? If so, see sponsors Mrs. Bixler or Ms. Firmani in rooms 408 and 407.