Lakewood High's One World Club is Helping the Community

Originally a gardening service project in Spring 2023, One World Club at Lakewood High has expanded into a humanitarian service group dedicated to enriching students’ experiences by creating a difference in its community.

Throughout the 2023-24 school year, student members routinely met to discuss research conditions of plants and potential factors that alter seed growth, including in-season, soil and sun exposure. This research helped in the creation of One World Club, influencing students to catalyze change in their community. The club's initiatives included hosting games for the Long Beach community at the Haunted Cause Event and collecting food donations for those in need for Lakewood’s Project Shepard during the holiday season.

Warren Booth, the Activity Director at Lakewood High, notes the importance of their student engagement. "Throughout this experience, it was necessary for students to take the initiative, communicate with their peers and consistently attend.”

One World Club has made significant progress over the years and transformed a barren plot of land into a colorful array of plants and a garden house that grows various herbs, vegetables, flowers, and succulents, creating a sensory experience for all to enjoy. Additionally, members restored an abandoned shed and utilized tools to build planter boxes to paint and adorn. The club also extends its efforts to those outside of their community, hosting fundraisers to help the Baraka Hospital in Kenya and donations to the African Well Fund, a nonprofit that improves access to clean water.

One World Club is one of the many examples of LBUSD’s System Portrait in action, which fosters a culture of equity-centered innovation and creativity that demonstrates how students can have a meaningful impact on local and global communities.