When Emily Zheng founded a School the World club in East Meadow, New York, she didn’t let a missed school deadline hold her back. Too late to register as an official school club, she did the next best thing—something even better, as it turned out.
She took the club to the community.
With support from her co-founder (a fellow student at East Meadow High School, who dreams of becoming a teacher), Emily launched the East Meadow chapter as a grassroots effort that would welcome not just high schoolers, but younger students too. Middle schoolers joined through word of mouth—friends of her younger sister—and now the group gathers regularly at the local public library. There, they host educational and creative events open to anyone who wants to get involved.
By holding events in the library instead of the school building, Emily’s club has become a bridge between different age groups and social circles.
They’ve hosted a Central American trivia night, complete with snacks and prizes. They organized a community soccer tournament that brought in younger kids and older students alike. They’ve produced nearly 100 handmade bookmarks and bracelets to be sent to students in Central America.
But perhaps their most imaginative project yet? A bilingual storytime video series. Recorded in the children’s room of the local library, club members read English-language picture books aloud—then edited each video with Spanish subtitles so children in Central America can follow along. The result: a heartfelt cultural exchange that promotes literacy, inclusion, and joy.
All of this is planned and coordinated virtually via monthly Google Meet calls among the club’s executive board, with smaller meetings before each event to finalize roles and responsibilities. That flexibility has made it easier to balance busy high school schedules—and has kept the momentum going even during college application season.
What makes this club stand out isn’t just the consistency of their events or the creativity of their projects—it’s their commitment to making everyone feel included. “Even if someone shows up alone, we make sure to talk to them and help them feel like part of the community,” Emily says.
Their approach is working. Each event draws returning members, and their growing social media presence helps spread the word. While fundraising has included a donation box at events and an upcoming bake sale, it’s the culture of participation—not just donations—that makes this club so special.
As seniors like Emily prepare to graduate, the club is already planning a leadership transition. Underclassmen will be invited to apply for new roles, ensuring continuity and new energy for the years ahead.
Whether or not your school has an official club system, there’s room to make an impact. Emily’s story is proof that where you meet matters less than why you meet—and who you invite to be part of the journey.
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