ALL ARE WELCOME: Roots & Wings Collective Works to Build a More Equitable Exeter High School Community

EXETER — The roots of Exeter High School’s Roots & Wings Collective are anchored in one vision: everyone, no matter who they are, should have a place in our community.

The student-founded, student-led club dedicated to building community and belonging meets regularly after school to discuss initiatives and work on projects that forward the concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.

These efforts can be small, such as posters explaining microaggressions and how they affect others, displays that advance other cultures, or multicultural food fairs that celebrate diverse cultures through support from local restaurants and home-cooked family recipes.

The club’s efforts strongly align with SAU 16’s guiding vision of a trusting, diverse and inclusive school community, emphasizing justice, empathy and global citizenship.

“Roots & Wings highlights the importance of inclusivity, empathy and understanding,” one student said. “In Roots & Wings, individuals work together to make our community a more accepting and welcoming place.”

For example, the students visited the RiverWoods retirement community in Exeter for a workshop on the experience of aging, led by resident mentors from the RiverWoods Inclusion Committee. Through a series of guided activities simulating age-related disabilities, students gained first-hand insight into the challenges older adults may face.

Through this multigenerational partnership, students and seniors share their views and work toward a more common understanding. Students often stay for dinner, where conversations and bonding continue.

Another student said they attended one meeting with a friend, then became an active member when they saw how students could engage and transform their community.

“The feeling of being a part of something bigger than yourself is indescribable,” they said. “The most important thing I’ve learned in Roots n’ Wings is to never be quick to judge and you never know what’s truly going on in someone’s life.”