A 10th grader in the Warren County School District is working to expand the reach of the Warren County Area Chapter of Club America by having the Board of Education recognize the club.

Timothy Geiger, a 10th grade student and vice president of the Warren County Area Chapter of Club America, spoke to members of the Warren County School District Board of Education recently about an opportunity for the club.

Geiger said the assassination of Charlie Kirk was a cause for concern by some of his peers. Bothered by the fact that people do not talk about problems like they used to, Geiger was approached by peers about what can be done. Club America has a mission to promote beneficial civil discussion amongst peers and people in the community. It is a non-partisan organization that focuses on expressing speech, supporting the community including its veterans, and learning about the U.S. Constitution.

Four students got to work immediately to spread information and get the club brought into the school. Stressing that Club America is non-partisan, Geiger said he encourages those of any political leaning to join, pointing out that it allows growth and additional information from others’ views. The focal point will include helping veterans and also inviting them to speaking engagements at the school as well as students volunteering to work at the Allegheny Valley Veteran Center in Clarendon. Community service will include inviting the veterans to a senior signing military day to be hosted with a farewell ceremony to the senior class members who will go into the military. In addition, participation in the annual Allegheny River cleanup which is held each September, will be an endeavor of the club. Even more, club members plan to help with voter registration for all political parties.

“Finally, Club America will help students know the Constitution so that they can protect their freedoms and rights for generations to come, ” Geiger said before thanking the board for the time to speak in consideration of allowing Club America to be brought into the school.

Next, Kenneth Hahn spoke about his attendance at the first meeting of Club America. He was impressed by the students who organized the meeting.

“What I saw was young adults learning to be leaders, learning how to communicate, learning how to debate, in a peaceful manner,” Hahn said.

Hahn said the club could help students learn how to work with each other and promote conflict resolution without violence, pointing out the political violence the country has been facing. That includes a politically motivated attack on Gov. Josh Shapiro earlier this year. Hahn said he truly believed in the organization and its benefits, but said that there are some misconceptions that include people thinking the club is political. Club America focuses on civic skills, respectful dialogue and learning American principles such as liberty, freedom, democracy, and community responsibility. It does not endorse candidates or political parties. He said the Warren Area High School students purposefully chose a neutral location for their first meeting.

“They need to learn how to be stewards of the community,” Hahn said.