Baldwin High School has had a Gay-Straight Alliance club, often referred to as GSA, for five years, and it has only continued to grow and receive more members. The club was created as a safe place for students of all orientations to be themselves and gain support from peers, as well as serving as an anti-bullying club.

The work GSA has done for the high school has recently inspired the junior high to form their own chapter of the club, to be led by first-year BJHS counselor Danielle Messick. Teachers Amy Cooper and Erik Bailey will also be sponsors for the club.

“I’m really supportive of when students want to get involved,” Messick said, “I think that the group really supports the mission of the junior high.

Kathleen Sigvaldson has been the sponsor of the high school GSA club since its formation. She looks forward to the formation of another gay-straight alliance in the district, especially because of the positive affects she believes the club has on the school.

“We support each other, try to have fun and foster kindness and friendships,” Sigvaldson said, “I think that GSA has created a more inclusive school environment.”

The two clubs look forward to working together in the future, once the junior high club has their first meeting in early November.

“I hope we will collaborate on a project,” Sigvaldson said, ”I think our students would set a great example for the junior high and I know the BJHS students will have plenty to offer our club too.”