Early last month, the Olive Branch Club hosted a “Chai After Dark” fundraiser after school, to great success.
The Olive Branch Club has been a vocal force in the Pace community in raising awareness of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine through events such as these.
At this event, there were food, drinks, pins, and other goods up for sale. There was also a DIY Shrinky Dink station, with visitors able to buy premade Shrinky Dinks and create their own designs. The event was held near Valentines Day and featured themed goods for sale. Devon Singh, who started his own clothing brand “Vescently” created his own T-shirt design to be sold during the event.
One of the main attractions of Olive Branch events was henna tattoos. Henna is a plant-based dye that is used for body art, lasting on skin for one to two weeks. It is a staple in Middle Eastern and South Asian culture. Ms. Mornhinweg, one of two teachers who advise the club, said, “We’ve had freshmen who are interested and have joined this club. So year after year, there is some anxiety about who’s going to step up into leadership roles…’ But we’ve been really successful at recruiting underclassmen.”
When it comes to attendance, although there was no official headcount, Mornhinweg said, “We had more people than ever.”
“I like how this club is a nice blend of social justice and creative pursuits,” she added, with regard to the baked goods as well as the arts and crafts on offer. Members were able to participate in a way that not only worked to their strengths but also to their schedule as well.
Mr. Driver, another adviser, said, “Because it’s an entirely student-run club, it’s subject to the vicissitudes of high school life—after-school jobs, big projects in classes, upcoming events from other clubs the kids are involved in, family responsibilities, etc.”
Mr. Driver also added, “The main benefit of the events Olive Branch Resistance runs isn’t really the funds raised, but rather the engagement and community-building that happens when the students in the club work together, and also when the school community as a who is brought in to participate.”
Puja Das, a freshman involved with Olive Branch, said, “The event was a huge success. A good number of people had gotten henna done, which could be spotted in the hallways during the period of the event. Others stayed to hang out during the event and made a lively atmosphere, which I think helped motivate everyone else.”
