Dating back to 1919, the New Trier High School Girls Club has helped establish a deep bond and strong sense of community between its members. This club was created to develop leadership experience through female empowerment and to support the North Shore community through fundraising efforts during the current school year. 

Girls Club was created not to serve as a resumé builder, but to support the New Trier Scholarship Fund and in pursuit of that, projects across the community. 

“Many of our service projects, such as the Nutcracker we are currently painting, help us to give back to our community,” senior Olivia Allen, the club’s vice president, says. “With the proceeds from doing this, we will be able to put it towards the Scholarship Fund, helping girls [who are graduating from New Trier] make their college/further education tuition more affordable.” 

This Nutcracker is being hand-painted and designed for the Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, Illinois, for its rendition of the classic ballet. Club members are eager for this event to showcase their hard work. 

This club strives to give girls a sense of belonging by working together toward a common objective. Many in participation feel this shared bond and sense of belonging, contributing to the overall feeling this club brings. 

“By being a part of projects not just in the club, but outside of the club too, we create friendships,” sophomore Clarissa Maher, a second-year club member, says. “In the past, we have partnered with the Tri-Ship club to organize a food drive giving us a sense of connection outside where we usually are.”

This food drive has occurred once a year for the past few years, giving back to those in the community who need an extra food source. Its target is people who lack food security, aiding citizens to not go to bed at the end of the day hungry. 

“Both Girls Club and Tri-ship have felt a strong sense of leadership and helpfulness by being able to help those who struggle to find the most essential ways to help themselves,” Allen says

Many club members say they participate in events inspired by passion projects.

“The girls in this club pass on what they are passionate about. They bring in certain projects, and help to carry them out together,” assistant sponsor Adena Horwitz says. 

Girls Club gives participants a sense of community and shows the power of people working together to achieve a common goal. From their various fundraisers and volunteer efforts, they have established an overarching sense of teamwork, making members want to continue to come back. 

“Although this is just my second year helping the club, the work these girls continue to contribute is incredible,” Horwitz says. “They continue to inspire one another and push themselves to do greater things. I can’t wait to see all they will achieve.”