Founded on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Game Changers Club serves as a platform for students to engage in deep and meaningful conversations around social justice issues, race, and ethnicity.
At its foundation, Game Changers strives to create a supportive environment where students can express their opinions and share their experiences without judgment.
“The point of Game Changers is to give students a voice, highlighting the diverse backgrounds and stories within our community,” said Blake Hernton, the sponsor of Game Changers. “We want to foster a space where anyone can speak openly about the issues they face.”
The club has seen an increasing amount of growth in recent years, largely due to the increase of interest in topics related to race and social justice among students. As common issues arise in classrooms and hallways, students are motivated to join Game Changers to gain a voice in their community and find solutions to the challenges they encounter.
Through a variety of activities, the club has successfully engaged students and promoted awareness. One notable event is the Black History Month Vendor Fair, a gathering that showcases several Black-owned businesses. This fair is not solely to support local entrepreneurs, but to also inspire students to consider a career in entrepreneurship as a viable path for their futures.
In addition, the group is looking ahead to its annual talent show. The Game Changers aim to further amplify Black and minority voices within the school. The event will allow a range of performances, including poetry, public speaking, and singing, creating an opportunity for students to showcase their unique talents.
The talent show is a platform for different voices to be heard,” club president Maddie Miller said. “We want to celebrate the diversity we have in our school and raise funds for educational experiences.”
Profits from the talent show will help fund an upcoming civil rights tour, where students will visit important historical sites relevant to the civil rights movement.
“We want to allow our students to tour through a bunch of our historical places where the civil rights movement took place and actually walk in the footsteps of a lot of those activist,” Hernton said.
Members of Game Changers believe that their involvement has made them more well-rounded individuals.
“Being part of Game Changers has helped broaden my perspectives,” junior Journee Sanders said. “I used to be quite narrow-minded, but through our discussions, I’ve learned to appreciate different viewpoints and dialogue.”
As the club continues to thrive, so does its impact on the student body. Game Changers not only inspires its members but also contributes to a broader understanding of social justice within Ritenour.
“I love being in Game Changers. Since I was a freshman, I always had a want to join the club, I feel really well-connected with students around the school from different demographics and different things,” Miller said.
For aspiring students seeking a community that values open dialogue and social activism, Game Changers represents a light of hope and opportunity. As the culture of understanding and acceptance grows in Ritenour High School, the contributions of this incredible club will without question make way for a brighter, more equal future.