Cougar Clubs

By SOPHIA LEE AND ELISHA SENGA

Families 4 Families

A relatively new club, Families 4 Families, is coming back for its second year at QO to continue serving the community. The club partners with The Lollipop Kids Foundation to provide food to local families who have children with disabilities. Families 4 Families’ club president senior Elesia Dell’Orfano says: “Our ultimate goal for the club is to release the stress off the parents to provide food for that week. We want to help support families in need and bring some joy to the kids with goodies and notes in the food bags.” The club holds food drops, where members drop off food, pack it up, and drive it over to The Lollipop Kids Foundation, where they then get to gift it directly to the families. Families 4 Families not only supports community members, but also members of the club itself. “It has allowed me to gain leadership skills and confidence to talk, lead, and organize,” says Dell’Orfano. She encourages QO students to join this club to aid people in need because “seeing the impact and joy it leaves on these families makes you feel really good after.” To become a member, join the Remind by texting the code @43cb3d8 to 81010. For more information, talk to the club sponsor, Ms.Bru, in room 321.

Circle of Friends

Circle of Friends is making a comeback this year for a great cause. After the absence of this club last year, the club’s president, junior Charlotte Nash, wanted to restart it to help out a part of the community that she cares deeply about. Circle of Friends makes thoughtful cards with nice messages and pictures for residents in nursing homes in order to put a smile on their faces. “Our goal is to try and make the situation they are going through better and to show how much they are loved,” Nash says. All students are welcome to join this club here at QO, and Nash encourages them to do so because “it is a fun and easy activity that goes towards a good cause.” Students can earn SSL hours through this club just by taking the time to share a little kindness. Text the Remind code @cofqo to 81010 to join Circle of Friends, or talk to their sponsor Mr. Dimmick.

African Student Union

The African Student Union was formed only last year, bringing all people of African and Afro-Caribbean descent to celebrate the continent’s culture and diversity. During meetings, snacks, and drinks are shared in group discussions. The leaders create slides for meetings on topics including skin bleaching and colorism, and games such as “Guess the Afrobeat song” and “Who has the best Jollof?” ASU also has a dance team that club members can try out for. ASU and BSU come together during Black History Month to form the fashion show and are always in need of club members willing to model traditional African clothes. (You can bring your own from home!) Leadership positions for this club are currently open. One of the two presidents, Junior Ivanna Kabba, wants to be able to “present performances and collaborate with other clubs at Quince Orchard.” The ASU goal is to provide a community for the current generation of African teens and share that community with Quince Orchard. If you want to help fulfill this goal, attend a meeting every Tuesday after school in Room 125.

Minority Scholars Program

The Minority Scholars Program was founded in 2005 at Walter Johnson HS to discuss various issues facing minority groups including race (ethnicity), religion, sexual orientation, and disabilities. in Montgomery County. The club is a student-led association; therefore, discussions, plans, and ideas will be made by students. “More people should join this school year for change in QO,” says MSP secretary, Junior Kamsi Iheme. MSP aims to fix the problems of minority groups in QO go through, and organize dances, food, and activities for the students at our school for Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian Heritage Month, Pride Month, and Black History Month. The club needs a large student body at our school. You can prepare for college, earn scholarships, summer internships, and lots of SSL. Towards the end of the year, MSP has a retreat in a school that includes a concert, cultural dances, poems, step teams, and free food and drinks. Meetings take place during lunch every other Tuesday. You can join today on Remind @mspqohs

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated by handing flags during lunch.

Photos from Twitter:@rjustilien

Black Student Union

The Black Student Union is a black-cultivated club at QO. Black students meet every other Thursday in Room 326 to form a safe place for Black students at our school. At each meeting snacks, pizza, and drinks are provided as students discuss racism, colorism, police brutality, injustice, and systemic racism. Senior Oceane Galamo, the SGA liaison this school year, says she hopes “more black/brown students sign up for leadership positions.” During Black History Month in February, club members join together to share ideas on arrangements for a fashion show that includes street fashion, traditional African clothes, poems, spirit week, and singers. This assembly takes place during Cougars Connect. Any active member can be a part of the spread of Black culture and problems to the entire school. BSU is currently looking for underclassmen who are willing to participate in leadership. If you want to make a difference, join today @qobsu on Remind.

Kits to Heart

Another great club to look out for at QO is Kits to Heart. The club is starting up its second year to continue making the lives of struggling children in our community a little bit brighter. Kits to Heart supports local kids with cancer by making friendship bracelets and cards for them to spread a little love. Kits to Heart’s social media leader, junior Brooke Youmans, says “the ultimate goal is to brighten the kids’ day.” Youmans encourages students to become a part of Kits to Heart because “doing little things like making cards and friendship bracelets can make a big impact in these kids’ lives.” Simple acts can make such a difference in the lives of kids who may be dealing with unfortunate situations. “I am proud to be a part of this club and help participate in making people happy,” Youmans adds. To join Kits to Heart, text the Remind code @qokits to 81010, and meetings will be held in room 340 with Ms.Miller.