English teacher Marissa Farrell started the Sister Club to create healthy bonds between high school girls both in and out of school.
“The Sister Project is a club for girls of all grade levels to come together and set personal goals, build positive relationships, empower one another, and give back to our community,” said Farrell.
Farrell wanted to make an impact on her students and help create something that will positively affect them for the rest of their life.
“I felt like as a young teacher, I had built special relationships with my students and felt that I had the responsibility as a role model to my female students to lead them in a direction of success and self awareness,” Farrell said.
Junior Evie Huff is glad she decided to join the club and has been able to connect with girls she doesn’t normally see throughout the day.
“I like having something to look forward to after school and getting to hangout with my friends while also getting to know other people,” Huff said.
In addition, for sophomore Charley Heideman, Sister Project has helped her meet new people and form bonds with other girls.
“It’s fun because I wouldn’t talk to some of them outside of the club but now I do,” Heideman said.
Farrell is proud that the girls were able to branch out from the friends they see everyday, and hopes this teaches a good life lesson.
“It’s important to learn to accept others who are different than us, and support people around us,” Farrell said. “I wanted girls to spread out of their typical friend groups and learn to welcome others that they typically wouldn’t befriend.”
Sophomore Michelle Khaflin appreciates the work the sponsors put in, and has been able to make meaningful connections with other girls. Each person is put with a big or little sister depending on your grade, which is a way to meet new people and have built in friends.
“I really enjoy having a sister who you can talk to when needed who has had more experience in high school,” Khaflin said. “As well as the community work we do is really great.”
The Sister Project held a Cinderella Dress Drive from March 5-April 4, that collected new or gently used prom dresses and accessories for girls to find an outfit for prom.
Farrell decided to start the club to help girls become more confident in high school and learn the different aspects of healthy relationships.
“I could see the need for mentorship in high school students when it came to building positive relationships between the girls in the school,” Farrell said. “By meeting in a safe space, we are allowing all different groups of girls to come together and create a positive school where we can work on ourselves and give back to the community.”
Even though this is the first year of Sister Project at PCH, senior Kate Benoist has enjoyed the activities and the bonding the club has given her.
“I love the club because it is so inclusive and I hope in the next few years it continues to grow and becomes huge at PCH because it really is something special,” Benoist said.
Huff has taken advantage of the welcoming community to meet new kids and make memories.
“I decided to join because I love getting to know other girls from different grades with different types of personalities,” Huff said. “In our meetings we usually have bonding activities just to become closer.”
Khaflin has been able to bond with upperclassmen and learn new things to help make the club and high school more enjoyable.
“I like the concept of the club,” Khaflin said. “I thought it would be fun having an older sister at the club so I could ask questions and have a friendly face in the halls.”
Even though the Sister Project has only been around for a little bit, Farrell appreciates the girls’ hard work and dedication.
“I adore these girls. They each have a special flair about them that make this club so enjoyable.” Farrell said. “I love seeing growth within each individual. They are taking charge and stepping out of their comfort zones to work hard and truly represent the mission of
