In today’s political climate, there are many controversial issues—and young people are getting involved. Fenwick has many student-activists with strong values that stand up for their beliefs in these topics. There are many clubs at Fenwick that support students in these pursuits, including the Respect Life Club, the Black Student Union and the Environmental Club. These groups advocate for racial, environmental and pro-life issues of concern to Fenwick students.

Fenwick’s Respect Life Club seeks to promote and uphold the dignity of all human life from conception until natural death. The club promotes respect for the sanctity of every individual human being created in God’s image and likeness, including unborn children from the moment of their conception, those newly born, persons with disabilities and special needs, the elderly, and those who are dying. The main objective of the Respect Life Club is to communicate a comprehensive, inclusive pro-life message in the school and to help build what St. John Paul II called a “culture of life” within Fenwick’s own community. 

A passionate group of Fenwick students, parents and teachers traveled to Washington D.C. this year along with tens of thousands of other men, women and children to march for the lives of unborn children.

One participant, Erin Hayes, stated, “I’m grateful my parents chose life so I can experience beautiful things like this trip.” 

The trip and march were a success; some club members continue to volunteer in the community at Hephzibah House, and the organization continues to promote life for all.

A strong advocate for women’s rights and a leader in the Fenwick community, senior Fiona Sarvis was inspired to become an activist in her community because she saw that there were issues that needed to be fixed, and she wanted to become a part of the change. At Fenwick, Sarvis is a part of SAFE (Students Advocating For Equity), as well as the Environmental Club. During her sophomore year, she helped to plan Fenwick’s walkout to end gun violence in schools. She also worked to spread awareness to the student body through efforts including helping with morning announcements and distributing flyers. Sarvis stays active in her community by attending marches and going to group meetings for causes that are important to her; she also values having educated discussions with people even if they disagree and attempts to find common ground. 

This year, Sarvis attended the Women’s March in Chicago and said, “My favorite part was feeling united with both men and women towards a common cause of making a more just and equal society, and it felt important to be a part of a community with a common goal.” Sarvis hopes to make changes in her community when she goes to college by joining clubs that work to make positive changes, and by becoming more educated on what issues face our world today and what she can do to fix them.

The Fenwick community is a safe place to respectfully express views, especially through these clubs. There are many ways to step up for personal beliefs, and participating in these extracurriculars at Fenwick is one such opportunity for students.