WSHS YWOE Makes an Impact

YWOE+students+pictured+with+fashion+designer+and+entrepreneur%2C+Ms.+Ayuna+Williams

YWOE students pictured with fashion designer and entrepreneur, Ms. Ayuna Williams

Riley Hazel, Lead Staff Writer

Extracurricular participation and student engagement is a popular demand among colleges and universities. More institutions are seeing the value of engagement in these activities, as they provide and enrich students with important life values and courageous attitudes. Here at WSHS, over 50 clubs and student organizations exist. Young Women of Excellence is just one of many wholesome student-run organizations.

Through serving their community, traveling around the state to attend college tours, receiving one-on-one talks with successful women of color, Young Women of Excellence exceeds in providing excellent opportunities for young women to thrive.

As a club, the goal is “to cultivate academic excellence and leadership, to nurture a positive self-image and cultural identity, and to foster friendship and sisterhood among the young women of color at Winter Springs High School.”

Jamila Williams, co-president of the organization, says that “as a sisterhood, we instill moral values by completing community service around Seminole County and the school.”

The club also exists as a class during 5th period, with Mrs. T. Williams being the sponsor. In the class, they have daily discussions about how to build self-esteem, study skills, and gender equality issues.

The Young Women of Excellence have visited numerous colleges around the state including Seminole State University, Florida A&M University, and Florida State University.

They have also had guest speakers ranging from Cadence Findley, a S.T.E.M. educator, Nancy Ford, who works in the technology field, Katrina Easton, who has talked with the club about financial responsibility, Dr. Geri Wright, the former SCPS Executive Director of Elementary Education, and Ayuna Williams, founder and CEO of Yani B Collection.

The club exists as an excellent foundation for young women of color to find friendship and valuable lessons throughout their membership. The club also focuses on etiquette, effective communication, financial literacy, education, spiritual maturity, and economic advancement.

Mrs. Williams credits district program coordinator Mr. Robert Guy, WSHS guidance counselor Marsha McBryde, volunteer Claire Taylor, and Melissa Rosa-Alvarez (from TRIO Connections of Central Florida) with helping make the program a success.

Williams says her goal is to give the young women support and every opportunity to develop into powerful feminine warriors.

If you are interested in looking into the club or joining please visit 5-219 or email [email protected]