ARTistocrats | Arts & Entertainment

Club Unity
By SHAYLA BIVINS, Business Manager

      For the past several years Stanton’s step team, Club Unity, has been stepping into the hearts of students across the city of Jacksonville.
      In 1991, Anita and Ike Dempsey became the sponsors of this club and have positively affected the lives of past and present students, teaching them how to act respectful at all times and to be responsible. Both seniors Roshanda Dennis and Chris Dalit, presidents of the club, help the Dempsey’s enforce these concepts. They ensure that things are running orderly and that things don’t get out of hand while at the same time having fun. In Club Unity, the students just want to have fun, help the community, and compete.
      To become a member of the club, candidates go through a strenuous, yet exciting one week process. Each day participants dress up in costumes with hopes of convincing both the presidents and Mrs. Dempsey that they want to be a part of the organization. During that process they are also taught a step routine that they are expected to perform by the week’s end. Bridget McMillan, a 12^th grade member who endured this process said, “it’s challenging because of the limited time you have to prove yourself, but it’s rewarding because you feel good after making the team.” Once becoming a member, Mrs. Dempsey says students are expected to come to every practice and are required to keep and maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
      According to Angeli Patel, a 10^th grade member, “participation in all activities is imperative because it shows both dedication and commitment.” In addition, Club Unity also volunteers and performs at various places in and around Stanton’s community. However, the club only helps organizations that invite them to events. Among these organizations that have invited the club in the past are the Kesler mentoring program and Jacksonville Electrical Association’s annual black history program. Club Unity also recently performed for a local missionary society attempting to raise money for a church that burned down.
      Although Club Unity appears to be busy, Mrs. Dempsey says that she rewards the participants for their community service and charity work.
      She rewards the members every year by taking them on a trip to Virginia during Spring Break, and she hosts the annual Senior Banquet; recognizing the seniors and celebrating their hard work.
      Whether it’s stepping in front of crowds of fans, or helping those less fortunate, Club Unity and its advisors are committed to the continuation of both entertaining and helping the community.