Students of diverse backgrounds come together

By Meagan Pruitt

   Alex Hash, community outreach coordinator, started the Affinity Group  to bring students of different diverse backgrounds together to learn and understand one another’s cultures. 
   There are 20 students in the group representing a wide range of interests and backgrounds, whether they’re black, white, Muslim, Catholic or atheist. 
   “We hope Affinity Group can be something that can have a more meaningful and longer lasting impact,” said Nitza Fernandez-Plaski, who is the assistant group organizer. 
   About five years ago, there was a student run diversity group called VIBE, but it disbanded once all the essential members graduated. Since then, there has been talk of starting up a group, and there have been presentations to the student body, especially around Martin Luther King Jr. Day. However, until now, nothing big had taken root.   
   “I think that the Affinity group is a good thing for North Cross because it allows students to make sure their school is a place where everyone is happy,” said Caroline McGimsey, who is a member of the student-run group.