One of the newest clubs at school, Safe Spaces for Young Women, offers a tight-knit, safe haven for girls here at Merrillville. The club is run by CNA teachers Mrs. Angelique Todd and Mrs. Brandi Knocke.

“Our goal is to hopefully answer tough questions and ensure that young women know their worth and value as they journey ahead,” Mrs. Todd said.

Senior Kailey Wise joined because being in a club that gives young women a voice is important to her.

“It’s nice to know that there are teachers in our school like Mrs. Knocke and Mrs. Todd that truly care about us,” Wise said.

Over summer break, the Safe Spaces for Young Women club took a trip to the Dunes, where the girls paired up with girls they have never met to learn more about them.

“We asked about their dreams, hopes, and what’s most important to them. While we did this, we hiked the Dunes and got to learn how to work together, even though we got lost. At the end of our hike, we all hung out on the beach together playing volleyball before we had to leave,” Wise said.

The club, which has more than 35 members, meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. New members are welcome.

“Our meetings will consist of discussion of student topics along with correlating activities and community services outings that will help promote individuality and team building,” Mrs. Knocke said.

“Our mission is to give them a place to be and belong, ask questions free of judgement and develop skills they can use throughout their high school journey and beyond.”

Along with the club’s meetings, there will be participation in different monthly activities.

“Our first activity will be the Breast Cancer Walk on October 13th at the Fairgrounds in Crown Point,” Mrs. Todd said.