Popular clubs such as DECA and Interact engage students in the school community, but what about students interested in newer, less populated clubs and activities? While Indian Hills already offers a wide variety of clubs, students continue to develop new, creative ideas to expand the club range. Every year, new clubs emerge to engage students in different interests. This year, two unique clubs were formed: Bring Change to Mind and Forensics and Criminology.
Bring Change to Mind is a club affiliated with the national organization of the same name, which focuses on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health on a student-to-student level. This club was created by junior Gianna Chiaravalloti, whose goal is to educate her peers and spread awareness. Chiaravalloti says, “If my club ends up helping one person within Indian Hills, then its purpose has been fulfilled.” This club is also led by sophomore Kalina Piela, junior Nehali Reddy, and junior Ava Blanke. The Bring Change to Mind organization provides resources to help educate members. Chiaravalloti clarifies, “It is not a therapy club. Bring Change to Mind purely exists as a way to educate the students of Indian Hills on the importance of mental health and the available mental health resources.”
Chiaravalloti expresses her excitement about this new club, saying, “I am really excited to help people. I understand the importance of mental health, and I’ve noticed the decline in mental health education and awareness recently, specifically in high school students.” Piela also says, “I am really excited for Bring Change to Mind because it creates a space where students can openly discuss mental health and support one another. Our goal is to break the stigma and encourage conversations that help everyone feel heard and understood. I can’t wait!”
Another club that was recently created was the Forensics & Criminology club by juniors Ava Blanke and Agustina Saldano. Their shared interest in forensics and law inspired them to create a club focused on criminology. They later partnered with freshman Bridgette Brown to bring the Forensics & Criminology club to life. Ava Blanke says, “Our goal was to showcase our potential majors in college through a new club and hopefully steer others towards that direction.” Blanke also notes that the club introduces criminology topics through fun activities and discussions, ensuring a safe and open environment for students. At meetings, the club explores solved and unsolved cases as well as career paths related to criminology.
The Forensics & Criminology club includes engaging activities that get students interested and involved in the field. At their last meeting, they played Jeopardy and even provided free Crumbl Cookies. Blanke emphasizes, “Many many think that criminology only has dark and scary truths to it, but our club makes it interesting and intriguing. It is so important to learn about crime that takes place and figure out if criminology is something you may want to pursue in the future! We recommend coming to our next club meeting if you might be interested in crime in general, want a fun club setting surrounded by an engaging group of students, or simply for some laughs and snacks!”
Both Bring Change to Mind and Forensics & Criminology provide students with exciting activities and opportunities to explore topics they may want to pursue in the future. Students are encouraged to explore these clubs as well as the other thriving clubs at Indian Hills.
