Many clubs at Kettle Run, such as Interact and Unified, have a large impact on the lives of students. Most times, people join clubs that suit their interests, hobbies, and passions. School clubs help improve social and leadership skills while also helping students form their mini-communities. An example of a mini community built by students in a club is BSA. BSA stands for Black Student Alliance. In BSA, they focus on building a community of selfless and motivated individuals who try to enrich the community.
About four years ago, Ms. Reed was met with a student looking to create a club that could create a positive environment. She said, “They just wanted to start BSA to have a space for minority students in the building.”
They meet during Cougar Time in room 420 and discuss how to improve the school and the community within. Since BSA is there to help diversify the school, They discuss how to weed inclusivity throughout the school terms. It’s simple to join BSA. All you have to do is attend a meeting and they will set you up with an app called BAND. The BAND app is a place for everybody in the club to communicate with one another.
Many people find out about BSA by word of mouth. Deshaun Hall, who has been a part of BSA for two years now, says that he found BSA through cheerleading. “ I was trying out for cheer and Ms. Williams was telling me about the BSA club, and I heard over the announcements so I was like “Oh” I wanna join.”
Students in BSA can participate in many fun activities. They have attended museums, private screenings of Black Panther, Homecoming parades and more. Ms. Reed and Ms. Williams, the sponsors of the club, say that the people in the club are hardworking and enjoy helping the community.
The importance of this club and the impact it has is relevant. Helena Ankomah joined BSA three years ago. She says BSA is important to her because it’s a nice community. “ I never really thought I would find a community where I felt I belonged here because I was new, but they introduced me to a lot of nice people”
There’s no doubt The Black Student Alliance does a ton for the school, but how does it impact the students’ lives? “ It makes me feel good about myself like I can accomplish things outside my community,” Deshaun says. Seeing the students and staff’s bond with each other is extremely telling about the club and its atmosphere.
Collaboration is incredibly important when you’re in a club, and BSA is aware of that. They partner with other high schools in the county, The NAACP (National Association for Advancement of Colored People), and many more.
In turn, BSA is open to all and welcomes new members daily. They have an impactful community full of hardworking students and are always helping the school. If you’re looking for a club that promotes diversity and kindness, BSA is the place for you!
