(This is an archive story, pleaser refer to byline for journalists name)
By Aimee Monnett
Clubs are a part of academics that are often glossed over, or not covered in detail while in high school. However, clubs are a fundamental scholastic resource for improving portfolios for college, as well as simply improving life skills such as communication skills, creativity, and practicing cooperative efforts for success that will be necessary in the workforce. If you are looking for a club, T.A.F.E. is a great organization to consider!
“We are already the second largest organization in BHS. I think that is amazing for a new organization!” Said Ava Mayeaux, Junior and President of T.A.F.E..
Additionally, T.A.F.E. is the Texas Association of Future Educators- a foundation built on career and technical skills of educational training. Moreover, T.A.F.E. is an affiliate of Educators rising - an organization empowering and challenging students to serve their communities through education. The club operates on the framework of T.R.A.F.L.E.S., or Teaching/Training, Recreation, Appreciation, Fundraising, Leadership, Educational awareness, and Service. Activities hosted by T.A.F.E. will fall under one of these categories. By way of illustration, events benefiting charities will fall under the Fundraising category.
You may consider this organization if you are looking to go into areas such as teaching, coaching, counseling, or administration. However, even if you are looking for something else, you are still welcome to join!
Those in T.A.F.E. have the opportunity to do a multitude of activities from local fundraisers to travelling for competitive events. Furthermore, students in T.A.F.E. may be able to compete on a state- or even national level in a variety of competitions selected by the students themselves, according to their personal strengths. Competing on a national level opens a variety of possibilities for students such as their very own published children's book or potential scholarships, depending on the area of competition the student selects.
“Currently we are working on raising awareness and funds for local Breast Cancer Research, as well as volunteering at multiple school events for this fall season! These are just some examples of what we do for our community!” Noted Mayeaux.
The T.A.F.E. club is a brand new organization that is currently divided into 3 tiers- Officers, committee chair members, and regular members. Officers (the President, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and 2 Co-historians) are the head of the organization. 4 Committee members work with the officers to assist and ensure that the club is running smoothly. Every member of T.A.F.E. is given a voice! Members are allowed to vote on things such as fundraising ideas, designs, and the members as a whole elected the club officials back in Sept.
On this, Ethan North, Senior and Treasurer of T.A.F.E. States that “Leadership in TAFE has many portions within it, while us officers directly impact everything (whether it be budgeting, creating events, or whatever) we are not the only thing. We recently got committee leaders, but even then they are not the end. We run through this together, whether it be members or leaders we are all working together in decisions. I'd like to emphasize that us officers aren’t here to boss members around, we’re here to lead where needed and to take a load off the shoulders of our members; we’re your allies and will stay that way.”
With all this in mind, members do have roles and responsibilities. Attendance at club meetings (hosted during bear time) is considered mandatory at least semi-regularly. Any member can and is encouraged to participate in competitions, regardless of title (after paying dues). Some competitions will need extra time outside of school to complete -such as the category of project visualize. Furthermore, activities such as working the concession stands or fundraising off-campus may be included- this is incentive, but not mandatory.
“My favorite part of TAFE is how ecstatic the students are to be in the positions they are in as leaders or members, they are all ready to do their best and change someone’s life. It is important to know leadership isn’t taken lightly - they need to be responsible and able to work hard to make things happen.” Stated Joselyn Ramos, Senior and Co. Historian of T.A.F.E.
T.A.F.E., overall, is a wonderful program hosted by a diverse group of over 30 students who potentially represent the future face of education. With this, there is a lot that goes into it- but the benefits on an academic and sociological level are abundant and students working in this organization have a passion for what they do!