West Milford High School’s students and staff recently celebrated Ally Week led by the Gay-Straight Alliance Club.
Nationally, Ally Week was observed Oct. 15-19 and although our school recognized the week, it was predominately celebrated Oct. 19. The GSA, along with club advisor Ms. Signorelli, organized events and projects to get our school involved. There was a pledge available for students to sign. Signees agreed to eliminate offensive remarks and actions from their behavior.
In advance of Ally Week, the GSA club made shirts and wore them on Oct. 19. By doing so, more students were interested and became a part of the celebration. The distribution of stickers also got members of the student body involved. They were free for anyone who wanted to wear one and were successful in promoting awareness.
The Gay-Straight Alliance Club is made up of ten to fifteen members. They meet every Wednesday in Ms. Signorelli’s room, 133. When asked about the club, Ms. Signorelli stated, “I started GSA six years ago for students who felt the climate of the school needed changing. I’ve watched it slowly change as more and more students accept others’ differences and treat each other better. It’s getting better and will continue too.”
The club is very proactive. They discuss current issues within the school and then they try to eliminate negativity and solve problems. In addition to talking about local issues, the club looks beyond West Milford to see what is happening around the world. Documentaries are watched and then discussed in order to gain more knowledge about current issues. Currently, the club is working on making their own video to promote more awareness as well.
GSA supports other days that endeavor to increase awareness. Besides Ally Week, a day of silence is recognized in the spring. The club members along with Ms. Signorelli organize a wide range of activities for our school throughout the year. Their goal? To endorse respect and understanding and to improve the school climate for all students.
