LHS will be integrating the Muslim Student Association (MSA) as a part of the school’s clubs this year, as it continues to grow in numbers.

Headed by sophomore Areebah Wassem, the club meetings will involve religious discussions, and sometimes a game.

“[We welcome] Christians, Jews, anybody. Our talks are very secular, so it doesn’t only apply to Islam,” said Wassem.

In addition to educating students and the community, Wassem hopes to correct negative stereotypes regarding Muslims, especially with the recent ISIS conflicts.

“When I was in sixth grade, my teacher once thought that I was a terrorist,” says Wassem. “[Our goal is] to educate the people of Islam and comfort people because [Muslims] aren’t bad like people think… [We also hope to] also to unite Muslim students,” stated Wassem.

Although the club is without a staff advisor as of now, Wassem says that Mrs. Lauren Pothast, a social studies teacher here at LHS, seems to be a likely option. The club still has logistics to figure out, but it is well underway to be a strong addition to the clubs at the school.

“I am currently the advisor for the club and would remain the club advisor if it weren’t for another conflict I will have on Wednesday afternoons later in the year (I am the Orchesis assistant director from November to March). There are several teachers in the Social Studies department who are interested in getting involved with the club as well,” commented Pothast.

“Right now we have five [students] who will come continuously, but there’s about 10 Muslims in the school and I’m trying to reach out to them one by one,” stated Wassem.

The club has been trying to pick up speed for about a year, said Wassem. It takes determination, she says proudly. The group meets after school every Wednesday, although the meeting place is not yet permanent.