By: Michael Palmieri 

     As some of Eisenhower’s students might have heard, on February 17, the “Snowball” took place at Warren Area High School and was sponsored by the district H.E.A.L. club. The biggest question The Squire has heard is about what they see at the bottom of the flier: H.E.A.L., what is this club? Where did it come from? How can I join? Well, The Squire is here to learn more about just that, with interviews from the club advisor, Maria Palmieri; President, Johnny Palmieri; and Vice President, Avalynne Russell.  

     First, The Squire sat down with the creator of the club and school physiologist for the district, Maria Palmieri. She shared her insight on the club and what it’s about. 

TS: What is H.E.A.L.’s mission? 

Mrs. Palmieri: H.E.A.L.’s mission is to inform and unite the community by building a foundation that communicates trust, positivity, and empowerment. We strive to inspire students to be kind, welcoming, and open to new possibilities. 

TS: What are the plans for the snowball dance?  

Mrs. Palmieri: The Snowball is a semi-formal that is being held at Warren Area High School on Feb 17 from 7pm-10pm. There will be a DJ, and refreshments. The goal of the dance is for students to have a fun event to attend, and to build connections with students across the district.  To my knowledge, this will be the first EVER all county dance. 

TS: How and why should students join the club?  

Mrs. Palmieri: H.E.A.L. is a great club that allows the members to plan and run activities in their area of interest.  We have done mentoring and trainings with the high school to elementary school in some of the locations. We can plan social events: dances, game nights, and many other things.  Additionally, we can develop new ideas and just run with it! 

TS: How can students contribute to H.E.A.L.? 

Mrs. Palmieri: Get involved! Everyone has something they are interested in. Our groups are extremely diverse and are comprised of athletes, students in the arts of music (choir and band), the theater, and many other interests.  There isn’t a checklist of what things we do, so come out and participate in the events!  We would love to have as many students’ voices heard as possible!  We run the club with open enrollment, so you are always welcome to join!    

TS: What do you have to say for people interested in H.E.A.L. but are wavering on whether to join?  

Mrs. Palmieri: Come check it out! Get a group of friends and come to the dance. You are welcome to join at any time, so don’t be nervous about joining! Our whole goal is to make everyone feel welcome and that they belong…so we’re a safe group to check out! 

     With great insight from club advisor, we move onto a look from the student president, Johnny Palmieri:  

TS: In your opinion, what is H.E.A.L.’s mission? 

Palmieri: H.E.A.L.’s mission is to provide a welcoming environment for all students and to provide support and make school more enjoyable, especially for those who may have something going on. Our goal is also to make students aware of potential traumas others may be facing. 

TS: What do you and your club do to further progress this mission?  

Palmieri: Our club stays very active in the school activities, and even create our own. We have made a winter formal for all 9-12 students county wide taking place February 17. We are always trying to create a new and fun way to keep the school trauma informed.  

     In addition to the club president, The Squire, also spoke with another officer, Vice President, Avalynne Russell, to learn more about H.E.A.L.  

TS: In your opinion, what is H.E.A.L.’s mission?  

Russell: Our mission is to create a kinder, more accepting community for everyone, as well as to help build relationships within the community.  

TS: What do you and the club do to further progress upon this mission? 

Russell: We plan fun events such as the all county dance, and we plan to do events with EES students, Eisenhower middle and high school students, and maybe even some preschoolers in the area.  

TS: In your own words, how would you describe H.E.A.L.? 

Russell: I would describe it as a club that spreads a general sense of kindness within the community. We work together as a county council collaborating with members from all of Warren County School District to bring our ideas to life, and we have a lot of fun doing it. I personally have gotten to meet many people that I otherwise wouldn’t have, and I am very grateful for it.  

     With great insight on this club and the all county dance, The Squire urges you to keep your school trauma informed and think of how what you say affects others. Any students interested in joining the club can contact Mrs. Palmieri.