Rachael Padgett is a vocal member of the prominent community-based club Women of Woodhaven. Padgett plays a huge role in this club, as she has been a part of it for over 3 years. During this past year as a senior, she played as a leader of the club, running meetings and activities when needed. Women of Woodhaven does a number of things to better the WHS community, but let’s learn more about the club as a whole with insight from a student perspective.

What made you want to become a part of this club?

I knew some friends who were in it, and I was a sophomore who was new to the school. Being a sophomore I wanted to find a way to branch out and make friends, and this club was a good way to do so.

What is your favorite part about this club?

I love the community that it has, everyone seems to be on the same page as far as talking about our feelings and what we want for the school.

How has this club affected you as a person?

I think it strengthens my voice as far as speaking out. Its helped me be more confident in who I am and voice what I want to happen.

What are the main goals this club has for the school and its students?

One of the main goals of this club is to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and everyone feels that their voice is being heard. Another big goal we have is to make this school a more equitable place for everyone.

How has WOW helped the community for the better?

My sophomore year we helped get the dress code changed, which was very beneficial for the female population of WHS. I think it has also brought more awareness on things that aren’t commonly focused on. A huge project that WOW does is the hygiene drive during March, where we provide female necessities for the community.

What other activities did WOW have during the month of March?

We did the hygiene drive, but another big activity we hold is the PBLZ Day, where we celebrate successful women in the workforce, entertainment, and more. We also use this day to uplift women and show that these things are possible.

Do you think priorities ever changed/diverted over the years for this club?

Yes, because the club changes every year based on how many students are involved and who are involved. The students are what move the club, the past years we had a huge club that made their voices heard and dealt with a lot of change, but this year mainly focuses on being a support group who is their for the community.

How has the club developed/changed as a whole?

The club has been running for a long time, but as far as I was involved I feel as if there were so many people passionate with their ideas for the club and the community and it was a very challenging and chaotic thing to work with. As for now we are more mellowed down group who can focus on ideas and projects in a efficient manner.

What do you think could be changed/added to better the club?

I think one of the only things this club could focus on is maturity. I feel like as a club, including myself, we get so passionate about a topic that feelings kind of cloud our actions. I feel like as I grew with this club as a sophomore to a senior now, I really matured with my ideas with more efficiency, and hope that younger students who are just starting out can do the same.

What would you tell students who are interested in the club to get them involved?

I would say that even if you aren’t sure what WOW does and if it is right for you, I feel like having a community whether it be a small one like now or a larger one like past years, will make your high school experience go smoothly with the support this club provides. I see this club as a family, and hope that everyone has the opportunity to find some sort of support group similar to the one that WOW has provided for me. I hope that students find that within WOW because I think this club has done really amazing things for students individually and as a whole.