Many student-led groups have flourished at Powell High School, and if a group of students have their way, the PHS GSA will be the next.

In fact, several students and staff members have decided to join the Gay-Straight Alliance club and make it available to the community. The presence of a strong LGBTQ+ community at PHS has sparked the creation of a more welcoming environment.

“It’s just like an allegiance between just people of the LGBTQ community and people who aren’t in it, that say ‘Hey, we see you. We accept you. We’re happy for you,’” senior Sawyer O’Rourke said.

The GSA is a worldwide group, but it is new to PHS in 2020 and has been in the works for a while. Due to the growing scrutiny of peers, organizers say a safe place has been challenging to find. 

O’Rourke expressed happiness that the club had gotten started when he’d been pushing for one for a while. 

“I’m really happy that we finally got the club started,” O’Rourke said. ”I’ve been trying for a couple years to get [a club] started before I graduate from high school.

“I think this is especially cool for middle-schoolers and the freshmen that are just entering high school. It’s a great way for them to experience a positive environment.” 

PHS sophomore Matthew Alley attended the second GSA gathering and explained tat there was a respectable turnout of about 20.

“There weren’t a lot of people there but I would have to say it was a great turnout,” Alley said.

Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community, Alley liked the idea of having a place where he felt welcome and safe. 

“I felt so comfortable with the group we had and I felt very welcomed,” Alley said. “There were lots of positive people surrounding the room and I felt that more people should be coming to these meetings.” 

PHS band teacher Mr. John Fabela, who is one of the co-advisers of GSA, said starting a GSA club at PHS would be great, especially for students who do struggle with their identities.

“Having conversations with students over the years, [Mr. Cappiello and I] have seen that there’s been a demand for a group,” Mr. Fabela said. “Students that feel marginalized don’t do as well in school, especially if they’ve experienced bullying.

“We feel that it is important to understand what they are going through and make sure that they are doing alright.”

One of the very reasons Fabela was invited to be an adviser is because his daughter is part of the LGBTQ+ community, and he had seen her cope with her identity and how she was bullied throughout high school.

“Seeing her struggle with identity issues in high school, bullying and not feeling like she fit in really hurt to watch,” Fabela said. “So it was super important for me to become involved here so hopefully other students feel more supported and safe here.”

Senior Maggie Cappiello, who submitted paperwork Dec. 7 to make the club official, attended both GSA meetings and is eager to see what the club will become. 

“I think the advisers and students are getting the information about the meetings out very well but there’s only so much you can do before [the club] gets approved,” she said. “Especially with all of us because we are so excited about [the club] we are trying to get the word out as much as possible.” 

Maggie Cappiello also said this year is the “golden year” of pushing for a GSA club.

“It’s always been something that [my dad and I] thought would be very beneficial for our school for sure,” she added. “This year seemed like the perfect time to go ahead and pursue it.”