Partners Club brings Wasilla High students together

WASILLA — Wasilla High School has a reputation for outstanding all-around sports, and that goes hand-in-hand with its reputation for outstanding clubs.

Clubs and activities play an enormous role at Wasilla High School (WHS), with some notable organizations such as Band/Choir, Student Government and Business Professionals of America.

Only half of these clubs involve athletics.

“Wasilla High School has many clubs ranging from activities through the day to after school teams that students participate in, and only about 50 percent are competitive,” said Assistant Principal Ed Ripley.

One club that peaks a lot of interest at WHS in particular is the Partners Club.

A WHS student might meet a high needs special education student in mainstream classes or see a special needs student in the hall.

However, Partners Club members actually get the benefit of knowing these special students beyond a casual “hello.” Through the mentorship of special education teachers Marcy Meeks and Barbara Morris, Partners Club members become more of a community service than a regular club.

The goal of Partners Club is to help students realize who these special teens are and how much they have in common. These special students are just typical kids who have iPhones, use Facebook and send text messages just like other high school students. However, due to their special needs, these students are often forgotten. Here enters WHS’s Partners Club. It works to help these students feel welcome and a part of the Warrior Nation.

“They are just like you and me. Just give them a chance,” said Brian Palmer, WHS senior and Partners Club member.

Partners Club impacts not only special education students but regular education students as well.

“When I first came to Wasilla High, I was shy. I would sit in a corner by myself and want to leave. Because of Partners Club, though, I have become happier and more comfortable. Partners Club is like a second family,” said Ramsay Swanson, a WHS Partners Club member.

Some students began Partners Club because they thought it would look good on their resume, or because they wanted something to do. Now the students are there for a completely different reason. They are in Partners Club because of Meeks, Morris, and the students. The Partners say they stay in the club because it is a fun environment where they can have a close, bonded relationship with the special needs students.

“I like watching my students faces light up at the smallest things; finally understanding a math problem, making a basket, or simply meeting me at the door in the morning as they get off the bus. Just seeing them grow and progress in life. Their pure joy is what I love most about this job,” Meeks said.

Partners Club gives anyone in WHS the same opportunity to get to know these extraordinary students, playing and working right alongside them.

Partners Club has many different events that partners can do with the special education students, one of which is Unified Bowling beginning Nov. 6. Partners Club also helps with Special Olympics.

“Reuniting with my friends from past school and the interaction is one of the best things about Special Olympics,” Special Olympics athlete Logan Christianson said.

In the spring, Partners Club also holds their very own semi-formal dance, which about 75 percent of special education students and the partners attend. This is similar to a prom where there are themes, decorations and the students dress up to attend. Partners Club and Special Ed students from the schools across the Valley look forward to this special dance.

“It’s really just a fun night for the students and partners to come and have fun,” said Meeks.

WHS Partners Club meets Wednesdays during fourth period advisory.

For more information about Partners Club contact Marcy Meeks or Barbara Morris 352-8223.

Rebecca Barnes is a senior at WHS. She joined Partner Club this fall, and enjoys every minute of it.