North does its best to create an environment where everyone feels included. Staff and students work together to create a welcoming space where students feel that they belong. This is especially done through the different clubs available here at North.
“I believe that to help others feel like they belong at North and in this community, even little things can have a big impact,” senior Chayce Turner said.
To help foster this sense of belonging, North has multiple clubs dedicated to spreading support and kindness. Kindness Klub and Hope Squad are two examples of student-led clubs trying to make a difference. These clubs organize different activities to help others feel they are seen and valued.
“One of my favorite things that we do as a club is promote National Kindness Week. One of the things we do during this week is set up a table in the hallway and pass out flowers to students who walk by in the morning. It’s a simple way to start the day, but it’s something that everyone can enjoy, and I love seeing people’s reactions when they feel seen and valued. It’s something that can brighten someone’s day. Seeing people from all grades and people throughout the whole school participating in our activities shows that kindness is truly something that can ripple outward and touch everyone’s lives,” Turner said.
Helping people feel involved also teaches helpful life skills, which is a big part of why clubs like Hope Squad are helpful and valuable.
“In Hope Squad, my role is president. I help others feel involved by talking to new people and always finding ways to make sure everyone stays involved whether that’s in a game, a project, or simply a group challenge. Hope Squad has helped me become more active with my classes, and it also helps me learn more about skills that can help me grow as a person. It’s definitely helped other members by building certain skills while making them into stronger leaders to help others in the community,” sophomore Sam TalaveraHind said.
North is a big school, and having different groups and clubs there to help people find their sense of belonging is crucial.
“It is incredibly important to me that everyone feels like they belong at North. Liberty North is a very large school, and there is almost always a group to welcome anybody in, no matter what. My philosophy is “it never hurts to ask,” whether that’s an invitation to a club, meetup, or even a group chat, including others, strangers even, into your life,” senior Ethan Allenbaugh said.
Ways to Get Help
- Missouri’s Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center
- What is Suicide and Suicide Prevention
- 988 Lifeline
- The International Association for Suicide Prevention
Belonging at North
“I’ve always felt most at home in the 600s hallway. There’s always something going on and some of the funniest people in the school are there. I mean, there’s a whole club dedicated to it. It’s not just a place where people are so they can get credit and move on with their lives. Most of the kids there are passionate about what they do and it’s always refreshing to see and be a part of,”
-senior Monty Jones
“I feel like I belong on my sports teams and in broadcasting because I have fun doing those things and have friends/coaches/teachers that I trust and make everyday enjoyable,”
-sophomore Madden Kittleson
“I feel like where I belong is still to be determined. People tend to have preconceived notions. I do think that I belong with my friends, but not the general population at Liberty North. Hopefully this changes,”
-freshman Ethan Hall
“I feel that I belong most at Liberty North in my Practical Leadership class because of the positive environment and the friendships I’ve built along the way,”
-sophomore Annabelle Bauerle