From discussing relationships to potentially hosting a gala, paraeducator Helen Barbee created Etiquette Club for students as a project for her last year at Free State. Club meetings take place every Tuesday in room 508 at 3:30 p.m.
Over her years working with kids, Barbee said she started teaching etiquette at previous schools she has worked at because it felt like it was a skill many students could benefit from.
“I’ve worked with many ages, but in high school, I can deliver better and understand a lot more what they’re going through,” Barbee said.
English teacher Kylee Johnston is assisting in sponsoring the club, and said she did this to support Barbie and her idea. During club meetings, Johnston said they will cover friendship, healthy relationships, professionalism, interviewing skills, courtesy and table manners.
“It’s a nice place to be able to talk about things you don’t talk about in classes, and if you want to get advice from your elders,” Johnston said. “Usually, I say Barbee has great life wisdom.”
At the Etiquette Club’s first meeting, Johnston led a discussion about relationships. Junior Leo Stevens was in attendance and said the club’s usefulness immediately exceeded his expectations.
“We talked about relationships, like toxic ones, at the first meeting, and I started seeing the signs on my own,” Stevens said.
Despite etiquette no longer being a commonly taught idea in school, Barbee said that she thinks it’s still valuable to learn because it aids in connecting with other people.
“Eventually, you will be out in the real world as you grow up, and you have to learn these things in order to, many times, survive,” Barbee said. “You will always need people to do whatever you want to do. You need people, so you really need to know how to interact with others.”
Sophomore Ester Bigirimanam, who’s been to all club meetings so far, said she plans to continue going for the rest of the semester because she’s making connections through the club.
“It’s helped me feel more free,” Bigirimana said. “I’m talking to people who understand me and who help me feel more free in whatever I’m going through. I can talk to them and help me grow more.”
