Laurel senior pitches after-school faith-based revival club to school board

Melanie Reyes Panada, a senior at Laurel Senior High School, told the Laurel School District board she wants to start a student-led, faith-based "revival" club to provide weekly peer support and spiritual lessons for youth.

"I believe in our community of Laurel is need for a revival," Melanie said during the board's public recognition segment, describing the group as a place "that can be available for and welcome anybody" and noting the program would be bilingual in English and Spanish. She said planned weekly activities would include movies, trivia and group discussions tied to lessons intended to address issues such as decision-making, healthy relationships and mental-health support.

Board and staff members asked logistical questions after the presentation. District staff advised that if the activity takes place during official after-school club hours it can be student-led with a teacher adviser and generally would not trigger facility rental fees; evening meetings outside club hours would require an adult liaison, a building rental request and likely custodian and constable fees. Melanie told the board her plan is to run the program during after-school club time and that she expects to find a teacher willing to serve as adviser.

A staff member who introduced the guest said she would forward Melanie's written proposal to the appropriate administrator to bring the idea to the board for any further consideration. The board did not take formal action on the proposal during the meeting.

Next steps: school staff advised Melanie to secure a teacher adviser and, if evening meetings are considered, to follow the district's building rental and application process and arrange necessary insurance and fees.