The HoPe club sprang back into action with a warm invitation to all NC students to join the club. HoPe, a Hispanic club organization that promotes education among the community, aims to help Hispanics feel and experience a safe place in school. Both of HoPe’s advisors, Parent Resource Specialist Martha D’Arcy-Guzman and English teacher Cristobal Cortes, cannot wait to aid the students of NC this year.

“We have open doors for all students of North Cobb. We push to get more students of all grades to join HoPe so we can provide them with all the opportunities we have. HoPe can open numerous doors. We have such a great community we’d love to spread around. We’re not just a club where we help one another like family,” D’arcy said.

On August 26 after school, the HoPe club started the first general body meeting of the school year. The HoPe leaders used a PowerPoint to introduce themselves and explain what will happen within the club, along with a welcome video. They conducted an engaging ice breaker for all the members to come together and form bonds. 

To join, members must pay a $25 membership fee, and will then receive this year’s new shirt, which reads “as strong as the leader next to me.” The motto means that everyone can lead in their own way and help others form a leader’s mentality. HoPe also offers numerous opportunities to its loyal members. By staying in the club for the entirety of high school, maintaining a 3.0 GPA, participating in several hours of community service, and attending all the club’s meetings HoPe rewards senior members with a graduation cord and medal. The club helps all members throughout the year with their needs. For seniors, HoPe offers advice on college applications, FAFSA, scholarships, and other necessities to graduate.

HoPe’s newest president, magnet senior Tatiana Cobos, looks forward to a successful year. Alongside Cobos stand numerous other student leaders who impact HoPe, including Evelyn Ontievaros, Lorenzo Alacron and Isabella Guererro. Unable to complete a full year of HoPe last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the club made a promise that HoPe will create more impact within the community and obtain a strong year of success.

“I’ve always wanted to be the leader of HoPe since freshman year. I was always very involved with HoPe because of my brother. I love what HoPe brings out in everyone and I’m hoping I can provide that as a leader. This year will be great. I want all members to remember this year as the best they’ve had,” said Cobos.

The HoPe club gives students opportunities to earn community service by volunteering at elementary schools, clothing drives, food pantries, and more. HoPe will continue fundraisers by selling Krispy Kreme donuts and chocolate, including “Moe’s nights”, and incorporating a car wash this year. The club also does after-school tutoring with the help of students from Kennesaw State and NC peers. The club’s goal entails building a community for students to feel a sense of belonging and succeed through leadership, communication, and community service.

HoPe also prepares countless activities to entertain the club’s members. For example, HoPe’s annual bonfire with dancing, singing, movies, and food, that allows the members to become closer as a family. Joining Hope provides a community that will stand by members as they grow.

“Our goal as HoPe is to serve as a cornerstone for one’s high school career. HoPe offers many opportunities to gain experience in leadership, salesmanship, and social skills. In addition to the mentioned fields, we detail many lessons compiled from personal experience of us HoPe leaders and the wise curriculum of HoPe; these lessons will help as life-long attributes,” Lorenzo Alarcon said.