Gates Chili Central School District

Approximately 30 girls, ranging in age and background, packed into the chorus room of Gates Chili High School. While most of them had never met before, they would soon find ways in which they are all connected. Though the after-school group is not about music, it does focus on harmony; the harmony of race, gender and social issues.

This all-girl group is named SAVVY and is led by School Psychologist Dr. Stacy Killings. SAVVY’s mission is simple: build a sisterhood within the high school. Part of that mission means focusing on fostering respect for one another, developing leadership skills and creating a sense of unity. Senior Nazzaih Cheeks joined SAVVY when she was in 10th grade. She explained that these bonds are not superficial. For the girls, SAVVY is a place to form friendships and understanding.

“We don’t talk about our hair and nails. We discuss real issues going on,” said Cheeks. “Race, unequal representation of males and females in society. It’s not just for girls of color, it’s for all females.” Junior Alayna Delice added, “We do touch on topics of race, sexuality. We’re being given a safe place to discuss those topics.”

“Let’s focus on things we have in common, our similarities,” Dr. Killings said, as she led the group through its first exercise. “Too often girls judge and look at each other as a competition, at our differences.”

Throughout the school year, the group will hear from strong female voices as speakers and will do a variety of activities around the school building. Dr. Killings aims to bring SAVVY on a field trip once a month, focusing on female empowerment.

“Everybody hears about famous, important female figures who have things to say. As a student it makes it important to hear that, to see it locally,” shared Delice. Veteran members of SAVVY cited that local connection as a major reason to join the club, adding that they get an experience through SAVVY they can’t get anywhere else.