The high school has a variety of clubs and activities that anyone can be involved in. These extracurriculars can help students be engaged and active within the school community. One club at the high school that is fairly new that some may not know about is the Nail Art Club. This club is hosted by Kristine Dixon and takes place every Monday during mentor. The name explains the overall idea of this activity, but there is still more to it.
Dixon, Transition Alliant Program teacher, helps many students who need it. She started the Nail Art Club right before winter break, and, for some students, it has been a hit. Dixon said, “Part of my role as the TAP teacher is to help students explore different careers. I had students tour La’James, and they told us the best way high school students can prepare for a future career in the field is to get as much hands-on experience as possible. Since not everyone has access to materials and/or people willing to get their nails done, I figured this would be a great way to give that opportunity.”
When the students come to Dixon’s room on Mondays during Mentor, they sign in using a QR code. For the entirety of the period, the students are welcome to work on different designs they are wanting to try. Some students bring supplies or products that they have from home, but they are not required to. Dixon said, “From donations from teachers I have regular nail polish, a large assortment of Jamberry nail strips (major shoutout to Ms. Duning!) files, clippers, nail polish remover. I also have a basic manicure kit that does include some acrylic materials and also gel polish and a UV light. Students are also encouraged to bring their own supplies if they have things they like from home.” Jamberry nail strips are pre-designed nail stickers that one may use instead of nail polish.
As of right now, this group usually consists of three to six students every week, but they are always open to more people. Braelyn Toomer, sophomore, is an active member of the club and participates in every meeting. She said, “Everyone just kind of does their own thing, but if someone wants to try something on a living person’s hands, I’m always open to being a test subject.” The students try new designs on practice fingers or other members as well.
The main idea of the club is for students to learn how to do nails and more designs. Toomer enjoys finding the right colors to go with glitters specifically. She said, “I can do simple coloring and some little decorations, but I’m not able to do anything too fancy.” Being in this activity can help students learn so much that they might not have known before.
The group is always open for more students to join and hopes to continue into next year. As of now, Dixon is the only teacher who hosts this club, but she hopes that next year can bring a rotation of about two to three teachers who would like to be in charge as well. This is a great opportunity for students who aren’t involved in a lot of other extracurriculars to get out there and try new things. It’s always a fantastic way to be involved in school by trying smaller, more non-committal activities first.
