This year, Wakefield has a variety of new clubs looking to make an impact on the community. One Love Club, UNICEF, Operation Smile and Women’s Coalition of Wakefield are among these that have recently developed. The creators and officers of each club are very excited about the year ahead and are looking for new members.

With club meetings on the first Wednesday of every month, the One Love Club is a group focused on giving students the resources to detect domestic violence in relationships. Junior and Co-President Camryn Ledwith is looking for dedicated and eager participants to join.

“We are looking for people who are passionate about this,” Ledwith said. “We are going to host some outside activities like fundraisers and games and we want people who are willing to take time out of their days and go to these events. ”

For anyone looking to make big changes, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, or UNICEF, is a club devoted to advocating for children’s rights and educating the community on worldwide issues. With monthly meetings, junior and President Stella Tekotte has big goals to expand the club’s influence on the Wakefield community. 

“Locally, I want UNICEF to continue with what our chapter does,” Tekotte said. “We have our clothing drives and we’re looking to collaborate with the Raleigh Food Pantry. Within the school community, I’m hoping that we advocate [change in children’s rights] and continue to grow.”

Operation Smile led by Co-Presidents and juniors, Allison Lazzari and Isabella O’Janpa are looking to raise money for children’s cleft palate surgeries in third-world countries. With club meetings on the second Wednesday of every month, Lazzari and O’Janpa believe that their club is a great way to give back to those in need and that it’s important to use the resources they have access to in a way that is guaranteed to change a child’s life for the better. 

“It’s a great service opportunity and my parents always raised me to give back, especially to people who can’t have what’s necessary,” O’Janpa said.

The Women’s Coalition of Wakefield is a support system that focuses on providing a safe place for all students to discuss the struggles and challenges women face. Adviser Jessica OBerto was presented with the idea last year to create the club by a group of students looking for a place to share experiences and get support from their peers. She enjoys being the adviser as she gets to watch students bond and open up to each other.

“For me as a counselor, I like being the adviser because it’s empowering to see students care about a lot of these issues and wanting to have conversations about them,” OBerto said. “I didn’t have something like this in high school.”

These four new clubs are looking to leave their mark on Wakefield and have a bright future ahead of them. With the opportunities and community at Wakefield, these clubs have a support system that contributes to their success. 

“I think Wakefield does a good job of making sure that clubs are supporting other clubs and working together to have a bigger impact on causes,” OBerto said.