What started as a small group of students wanting to inspire change in society, grew into a successful club of 20 students, according to Arika Mareck, the Student Oragnization Against Racism (SOAR) adviser.

SOAR leader Charis Tshihamba said the original intent of the club was to make students aware there is a safe place to discuss racial and social issues.

“We have hung up posters around the school, had different announcements and have tried to have our group members let underclassman know that this is a place they can go for the next few years to talk,” Tshihamba said.

According to Tshihamba, this past year SOAR has had a variety of highlights including a speaker from Project Footsteps, a talk with staff members and bonding with the club.

“We are proud of becoming a closer group which made us more able to speak up for others outside of the group. (We are also proud) of gaining awareness so people know we are available,” Tshihamba said.

Tshihamba said although the club has increased awareness of racism in educational environments, she has encountered skeptics of the club in the past year.

“Some people do not really take (SOAR) seriously,” Tshihamba said. “They do not think it can make a difference but I think it does make a difference because discussing is the first step to action and we discuss how we are going to take action.”

Tshihamba said current SOAR leaders have not determined who will take over leadership positions in the club for the upcoming school year, but she said there are underclassmen and juniors who would be willing. As a club, they will discuss goals for upcoming years.

“I trust that they can take charge,” Tshihamba said. ”(Goals) for future years would be to take action on what we say we want to do. Maybe go to a protest or try to lead our classes in activities that build strength and knowledge.”

According to Mareck, the club is in the process of planning events that will make the greatest impact on students for next year and possibly a book club for the upcoming summer.

“This year, we are more gathering information and next year is the more critical part of actually creating major impact,” Mareck said. “Our goal was to get the conversation started, to try to give kids ways to talk about hard things so that everyone is heard and to try to listen without judgements but to help each other grow.”

Next year, Mareck said she would like to get students on a board with teachers in order to influence decision-making around the school, have community conversations and possibly get speakers for next year, such as policeman.

“I think (SOAR) is in the beginning of making a difference. They have made a big difference in how I work with teachers and the information I use when I am trying to figure out how I can support teachers better meet the needs of kids,” Mareck said.

As for this upcoming summer, Tshihamba said SOAR plans to get together to discuss next year’s goals and bond with fellow club members.

“I think a lot of people know about the group. They know there is a place to go to talk about any issues or comments about the topic of social and racial issues,” Tshihamba said. “I am really proud of everyone because I feel like this is frequently considered an awkward subject and people are being very open to it.”

Mareck said she invites anyone to attend a SOAR meeting at least once.

“I think it so great seeing kids of all races, genders, religions and grade levels come together and have some conversations around hard things,” Mareck said. “I am really proud that they are able to share what is true for them.”