Nyla Ligon Chambers also contributed to this article.
With the start of a new school year, hallways are flooded with diversity. Different cultures and backgrounds are merged, while culture clubs are formed with representatives from their countries expressing their passion. One of which, the Haitian Culture Club, is back in business with new and improved changes.
The love and enthusiasm for the club continues to grow strong as all members are working together to the best of their ability. ”It’s just, it’s a fun group and they share their culture, they share their love for music, for food, and we talk about it, and I think it’s a supportive environment,” Club member, Larielle Leconte said.
Many of the returning members feel the club is running well so far. “The Haitian Culture Club is going pretty well,” President Abigalle Leconte stated. Leconte soon added, “We try to meet as often as possible, and we try to incorporate, not just the Haitian culture, but if you need to get work done, you can come to the room, and get work done, listen to music, and talk to each other.”
The advisor, Paul Degenkolb, who has been advising the club for years, has welcomed a few new members, also including co-advisors Julson Etienne and Nadege Sully. Degenkolb feels that the club will benefit from having these additional advisors. “I think it’s important for club members to see someone who looks like them and represents their culture in an advisory role,” Degenkolb stated.
The club is running smoothly for Etienne, who is enjoying the atmosphere. “They are very enthusiastic. I see that they are very into what they are doing, and said, Well, okay, I want to be a part of this lovely family,” Etienne expressed.
Not only has the club intrigued Etienne, but Sully as well. ”I think it’s a fun club, and one of the best clubs at MHS,” explained Sully.
Additionally, more changes have been made within the club. For the first time in many years, elections were held for new roles. “This year is the first year in a long time that we have officers, and so we were actually talking in our meeting yesterday about how we might need to create bylaws, which are basically rules for an organization,” Degenkolb stated.
Meetings have been occurring each Wednesday, discussing what events should happen in the future. “We have different activities like Kompa Night, the Haitian Flag, etc. There is also a cultural event during the year,” Sully said.
Be prepared to see more of the Haitian Culture Club empowering themselves through whatever obstacles may lie ahead. Their determination will not go unnoticed!
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