Over the course of the Holiday season, many DGN clubs host fundraisers, activities, and other festivities. Action Champions and the Changemakers are just two of many clubs that provide their own activities. Action Champions, run by special services teachers Karen Brown and Lisa Mangelsdorf, is a club that is dedicated to encouraging deep, meaningful connections between students with disabilities and their fellow classmates. Together, they work on community service projects to create a very inclusive environment. Once a month, members meet to complete their group project. December’s project is still being determined by the student group leaders.
“By working together on community service projects, we aim to create an inclusive environment where all students can contribute to their community, build friendships, and develop leadership skills. Peer Leaders will meet once a month to plan activities and will also meet once a month with the whole group to complete the project,” Mangelsdorf said.
This year is the 29th year that Action Champions are hosting The Giving Tree. The Giving Tree is a project that partners with the Humanitarian Service Project (HSP) to provide service to families in need around the areas of DuPage, Kane, and Kendall county. The HSP supplies toys to over 1,500 children and 188 seniors facing financial struggles. At DGN, the Action Champions collect gift cards in 25 dollar increments for Walmart or Target and new unwrapped toys to donate to HSP. The Giving Tree is a way to see the whole DGN community grow and support each other. Departments like DGN Fine Arts join the cause to donate towards the cause.
“Seeing the whole DGN community coming together for a common cause is the best part. For example, the DGN Fine Arts department works together every year to raise thousands of dollars to donate towards the Giving Tree. But every little bit helps. Teachers, students, staff and families from DGN all contribute in any way they can to make a difference,” Mangelsdorf said.
The Changemakers, run by English Teacher Mike Melie and librarian Katie Guzan, is a group that is focused on diversity and shining light on every student’s background. Their purpose is to promote change within the school no matter how big or small. Most recently, they created a Thanksgiving Tournament of Sides, and earlier in the year they posted notes of encouragement around the school.
“We’re looking to kick off Semester 2 with “First Half Heroes,” which will be a celebration of students & staff who made a difference during Semester 1. The Changemakers are also supporting the DGN Digital Wellness campaign, and have been helping our Associate Principal, Dr. Ludwick, in planning an ACCESS lesson for Jan. 16 that will gather student feedback on digital habit,” Melie said.
In the future, the Changemakers plan to continue their Fanny Pack Friday. This is where members of the Changemakers all wear fanny packs and pass out candy to their peers. They also have more plans in the upcoming months, but are not exactly sure what that will entail. They are aiming to build up our schools spirit and community by doing impactful things for DGN.
“It’s been really neat to be involved in leading a club. I love that change makers as focused on building community and doing positive things for a school culture,” Guzan said.
Collectively, the clubs at DGN are progressing towards a better environment for the school. With the holiday season upcoming, it only seems reasonable to implement activities now. Action Champions and The Changemakers are just the beginning to creating a thriving community for the students and staff at DGN.
“The Changemakers are special because they are nominated by teachers to join our group. They’re “hand-picked,” so to speak, by staff who recognize quiet leadership potential in those students. Our teachers do a great job of picking our members, and I feel honored to get to work with the Changemakers,” Melie said.
