Tuesday Night Lights. The football is flying. Pompoms are shimmering. But, this isn’t your typical game. Powderpuff Football, an opportunity for the DECA team  to raise money for charity, has long been a part of our school.

Unlike past years, however, this year, the Powderpuff team was randomly selected. DECA co-sponsor Allison Goodman hopes that this new strategy will help increase the inclusivity of the activity.

“With the new system girls were able to sign up no matter what activities, sports, or classes they are in. It increased inclusivity by having the teams be a true mix and representation of each class. Everybody wins when activities are inclusive,” Goodman said.

But, this trend is not reserved for DECA. There is evidence of increasing inclusivity around our school.

This year, Unified Club, a friendship club between students with and without disabilities, was started. Unified Sports and Sparkle Cheer have gained popularity. SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance) has involved more input and updates from the administration. And Girl Up, a female empowerment club dedicated to resolving gender-related issues in our community and around the world was started.

However, with these clubs, some students think that high school has become too politicized or that inclusivity is unnecessary. But, these clubs must be acknowledged in order to create a sustained change at our school.

Even in Powderpuff, with a change as small as the team’s selection method, there was a visible difference in the crowd’s mood.

“At the game students were encouraging of one another and made sure that every team member got to play. They also cheered for one another,” Goodman said.

Students are vital in increasing inclusivity at our school. By recognizing the need for change, they are able to form student-based activities such as Unified Club or SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Awareness) that increase visibility for parts of our student body.

“I think student-led activities and groups have had a big impact on diversity within our school and has opened students minds about topics that aren’t usually discussed in class,” sophomore SAGA officer Ireland Coyle said.

With increased inclusivity and diversity within our school, all that can be said is that there is hope in Millard North’s future. We can all learn from one another.