From the class of 2028 to class of 2025, North Atlanta is diverse at its core. Students walking through the halls of NAHS are met with variety of race and culture. North Atlanta also has many ethnic clubs. Students are encouraged to engage in these clubs because the connections made and the change pushed for provides growth in all aspects of life. Ethnic clubs bring awareness and foster the learning and appreciation of new identities. Diversity is not hard to find at North Atlanta, but is representation?
Black Student Union Club:
Showing up to Mr. Baeza’s door after school automatically makes you a member no matter your ethnicity at Black Student Union. BSU strives to create a safe space for discussion and hard conversations that African-Americans and other students may face. Without this space, opinions that many have never been spoken about are now heard. For BSU, change has constantly been challenged with no fear because they underline the importance of representing a minority group. They do this through discussion groups, promoting and participating in Black History Month, spirit week, and its showcase!
- Why do you love being a part of this club?
“I love that it’s a place where I can truly be myself while enjoying my time with friends and classmates.”
- How does your club create a sense of belonging and collaboration?
“We encourage and allow our members to talk with new people. Every time they come, we are willing to hear all new opinions.”
- Does your club encourage diversity and also teach it at the same time, and how?
“Our club invites students of all ethnic backgrounds and cultures to join. We make sure to include these other groups in our lessons and discussions to hear their personal opinions about topics that we may discuss.”
(Interviews from Co-president of BSU Brea Houston, Senior)
Instagram: @northatlantabsu
Chinese Culture Club:
Anyone wanting to learn about Chinese culture is welcome to join the Chinese Culture Club! CCC meetings consist of slideshows, crafts, and discussions were they deeply connect with the culture. Members have a fun time showcasing an aspect of Chinese culture every meeting, whether that’s Chinese opera, makeup, or holidays. They highlight that while the Asian population of North Atlanta is not high, their joy for spreading awareness is.
- Why do you love being a part of this club?
“I love it because I’m able to share my culture with other people that are different from me, meaning I am able to strive in my own culture because I am surrounded by the few that are the same as me.”
- What unique cultural contributions does your club make to the school?
“We are currently planning an Asian arts performance with the Indian Culture Club so we are excited to collaborate with a different culture club, appreciating both.”
- How can people join the club?
“You can see us around the school promoting our meetings or on instagram so just ask and joining is easy for everyone.”
(Interviews from President Taylor So, senior)
Instagram: @nahschinesecultureclub
Hispanic Heritage Society:
Their commitment to promoting cultural diversity is their dedication to promoting a whole week for a spirit week, showcase and other holidays that are dedicated to Hispanic Culture. They understand the feeling of not always being included and make it their mission to participate in the club because participation fosters the feeling of connection. The welcoming nature of their club helps the popularity of their mission. They hold the idea of creating relationships with people of a shared culture more than the constant learning.
- Where do you meet?
“We meet in the College and Career Center on the 8th Floor, so just come on in once we have a meeting.”
- Why do you love being a part of this club?
“The reason why I love being a part of the club is that I get to volunteer to spread our culture throughout the school, especially during spirit week, and also because I get to see new opportunities, whether that is college opportunities or just getting to volunteer.”
- Why is your ethnic club important in general to the well being of NAHS students?
“I think my club is important is because it allows students to come in at any time and feel welcomed, especially if it’s the newcomers or students who are not from America.”
(Interviews from participator Grace Cowell, junior)
Instagram: @nahs_hispanicheritagesociety
Indian Culture Club:
As they focus on creating a performance for Indian Heritage Month in November they simultaneously continue to provide a safe place for those who are of Indian culture to relate to one another as well as those who aren’t. As they explore and discover the in Dr. Patke’s room, they stress having a great time, being open-minded and respectful. Through participation in their club and activities there are various opportunities down the line. They give every student an outlet to learn about Indian culture while also practicing their activities in the right way. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in one of the most important Indian holidays, the Diwali festival!
- Why do you love being a part of this club?
“I love being a part of this club as it lets me identify my Indian culture and allows me to learn more about it.”
- Why is your ethnic club important in general to the well being of some NAHS students?
“It stands ground for the Indian Americans who go to our school while also opening up new opportunities for others to learn more about Indian heritage.”
- What unique cultural contributions does your club make to the school?
“It allows people to learn more about the Indian heritage and lets those who are Indian have a feeling of belonging as their culture is being represented, which is important in general, but specifically very important to have in a place of learning for students.”
(Interviews from participator Shikha Tellabati, junior)
Instagram: @nhsindianc
Religious Groups:
Jewish Student Union Club:
In room 7161 you’ll find the Jewish Student Union in any meeting having to do with tradition or activities frequently done in the Jewish culture. Their purpose is always to have a place for Jewish kids at North Atlanta to be together, make friends, and share their experiences, yet they encourage everyone to join no matter what ethnic religion you practice. They are unwavering on the idea that understanding people’s differences from yourself fosters learning and open mindedness for the importance of diversity. They invite everyone with open arms hoping to see more people in their next meeting on November 6th.
- Why do you enjoy being a part of this club?
“I love learning something every time I come and always enjoy the yummy food. We always have Starbucks and Krispy Kreme.”
- Why is JSU important to you?
“I think that with the rise of antisemitism throughout the US, it is so important for Jewish high schoolers to have a place to express their identity where they are not considered “other” or outside of the norm.”
- What does JSU do for you?
“As Vice President and ambassador of JSU I feel It is really nice to have a space with people from a similar culture and understanding of shared history, and that is exactly what JSU does for me”
(Interviews from Sophia Rose, senior)
Instagram: @northatlanta_jsu
Student Christian Leaders:
Where students connect with their faith in fun ways SCL allows for spiritual growth and making lasting friendships. With lively conversations, engaging activities, and games, not only does the club aim to deepen the faith of a student, spread love and empowerment, they also aim to lead. Confidence and connection are key essentials in their club while learning the meaning of essential values and growing as a person in general. As they continue their morning meetings with various speakers SCL assures that celebrating the journey of oneself and others as well as creating a supportive environment allows them to guarantee their ability to shine.
- What is the Student Christian Leaders Club?
“SCL is a non-denominational Christian sports ministry that focuses on Coaches, Campus, Camp, and Community ministry.”
- Why do you love being a part of this club?
“Everyone is welcoming and it’s vey fun. We play games, have a guest speaker who comes in which is always a fun experience. We get to hear and learn about someone new and their experiences.”
- How can people join the club?
“Anyone is welcome to come anytime. We usually meet every other Friday morning at 7:15, sometimes the schedule changes but there is always a post on Instagram.”
(Interviews from Bradley Koontz, junior)
Instagram: @nahs.student.shristian.leaders
