Junior Grace Pelowitz sparks the creative light within teens’ imaginations in a program held at the Hennepin County library every Thursday after school called Spark My Own Brilliance (Spark M.O.B.)

Anyone in grades nine through 12 may participate in the Spark program which hosts events planned and lead by existing members of the club or the three adult leaders Kristina Fruge, Jean Olson and Erin Dahl.

Pelowitz’s role is to promote the group, communicate with the adult leaders and facilitate the meetings.

“(Spark M.O.B.) is unique because it is teen and student lead,” Pelowitz said. “It is not a bunch of adults telling them what they should do or what they should like. They get to decide what they like and how to plan it, so there is also leadership involved in the program.”

Pelowitz said she would like to foster a safe environment for participants of Spark M.O.B.

“One of our goals is (to have) an atmosphere where people can grow, learn and discover themselves and once they have discovered themselves, apply themselves to more leadership roles,” Pelowitz said.

In the past, activities have ranged from jewelry making and yoga to job fairs and college applications.

“The programs are meant to help them explore their sparks, which is what makes them happy or something that they really enjoy. The kids are exploring their sparks we are just providing them an opportunity to do so,” Pelowitz said. “There is a component about finding what you want to do and how you can apply it to your life.”

According to Pelowitz, Spark M.O.B will allow anyone to join them each Thursday, and has a strong practice of acceptance.

“There are so many different types of people that are welcome there because people tend to enjoy the same things no matter what they look like,” Pelowitz said.