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Carleton North High School's newest extra-curricular activity consists of students dedicated to raising awareness about global issues throughout the school and community.

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Students Taking Action Today members are promoting awareness of global issues at Carleton High High School and surrounding communities. Members, from left, are Jordan Trafford, Cara Harvey, Melinda Foster, Matt McKnight, Autumn Smith, Chris Stone and Daniela Fernandez.

(STAT) has approximately 25 dedicated members, with Carleton North High School (CNHS) teacher Trish Foster as the group's advisor.

"This group is a result of discussions during my world issues class," said Mrs. Foster. "The students felt that they were learning about important issues and they wanted to make sure other students in the school had the same opportunity. It was Grade 12 student Autumn Smith who really pushed that we should have an extra-curricular activity devoted to awareness regarding global issues."

Smith was determined to see the STAT group become a reality before she graduates in June.

"I feel this is important because students need to be involved in important issues which affect the world. We should focus on making a difference in the world one small step at a time – STAT gives students the opportunity to do that," said Smith.

STAT is organizing fundraisers to make a donation to World Vision to provide medical clinics, immunization shots and clean water for poverty-stricken countries. Foster and her STAT members are also educating staff and students at Carleton North by hanging educational posters throughout the school and bringing in guest speakers to talk about important global issues.

Recent events for STAT included encouraging CNHS students and surrounding communities to participate in Earth Hour, World Malaria Day, Earth Day and Habitat for Humanity.

Members of STAT are investigating the possibility of establishing a recycling program at CNHS. The students are also organizing a car wash for May 31. The location of the car wash will be announced in the near future.

Upcoming events for STAT seem promising.

"By learning about these global issues, these students are setting an example, learning to appreciate other countries just as much as our own. Even in our tiny community, we can think and be aware of global issues and of what we can do in the future," said STAT member Suzanne Fournier.