Last week, members of the Teen Empowerment Club came together to create paper pumpkins written with uplifting messages, spreading positivity and encouragement throughout the school. The activity aimed to remind students that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in brightening someone’s day.

This tradition of the paper pumpkins has carried through Gorman for a few years, and it is a great way for students to be involved in promoting positivity as the holidays start up.

One of the presidents of the club, Diya Patel ‘26, says, “We want to put gratitude into the lives of many during a stressful time of life, especially seniors. We are going into college applications and making decisions about the next portion of the future of our lives and it is difficult and significant to take a step back and reflect on moments of gratitude.”

The Teen Empowerment club’s mission involves spreading their own voice and empowering young adults. They also spread messages to try and promote a positive lifestyle for the students at Gorman. As people at school walk through the halls, they are able to look around and maybe even gain some confidence or find comfort in the messages.

Another president of the club, Loren Brown ’26, says, “I think it’s important for students to uplift one another because everyone deals with their own issues and struggles, and finding safety in one another can help everyone to not feel as alone or to recognize that they can persevere through issues.”

Meeting two times a month, the club continues to grow and gather a community of students who have the desire to spread some positivity and empower others. This specific project is one of the many ways the club helps those who may not be feeling the best about themselves. 

In the future, Patel says, “We plan to have many days of gratitude and have days dedicated to not only spreading kindness and empowerment among those on campus but also among those within our community.”