John Adams High School has always provided dozens of dazzling, unique clubs for their students. This coming school year, Adams debuts two new clubs, both founded by junior Iggy Mason: the Penpal Club and Women’s Political Advocacy Club. Though each have their own separate goals and practices, both are derived from the same hope: to build community.
Inspired by her hopes to further get involved in the IB program and build worldwide connections, Iggy Mason’s idea for the Penpal Club blossomed. “We live in a world full of AI and social media, and I just wanted to bring back the importance of having a physical written-letter,” Mason expressed as she reflects on her personal passion for building connections with as many people as she can, including those who come from other cultures and environments. With the helping hands of club sponsor Miss Ghering and vice-president Carlos Cubillo, the Penpal Club hopes to give their members the opportunity to do exactly this. Starting with letter-exchanges to an IB school in Vietnam that Mason’s uncle teaches at, the club plans to expand their exchanges as the year progresses. Mason continued, “I also wanted to create this club where it will last a long time and just be one that people feel safe and comfortable in.”
The Women’s Political Advocacy Club had its own unique start, with Iggy Mason’s passion for women’s advocacy and dreams to become a politician igniting that spark. Mason explained, “Women’s advocacy is something that is commonly overlooked in today’s political climate, and I wanted to spark other people to care about their own political advocacy, particularly women.” The Women’s Political Advocacy Club will promise a safe space for members to talk about issues without being shut down or invalidated. Instead, they will be uplifted and supported. Mason touched on why it is so important to have a club like this in a high school setting, where women’s relationships can be painted as disengenuine and toxic at times. “I just wanted to show that we all have a community here, and there’s a place where we can all come together and be ourselves,” the club president reflected. Like the Penpal Club, the Women’s Political Advocacy Club is a lovely team effort. With club sponsor Miss Dean and vice-president Blake Belchor, the club has long-lasting hopes for its future at Adams.
Every year, new opportunities open at John Adams High School, and the Penpal Club and Women’s Political Advocacy Club are two that students do not want to miss! Build community with your peers, make connections and expand your knowledge–whether it’s globally or politically.
