Students have multiple ways to express themselves outside of the classroom. There are so many different clubs and organizations students can join. Many students also use hobbies to their advantage to express themselves.

“What I love about East and their activities are that they are fun and loud and very interactive,” Junior Jordan Batiste said.“The clubs give you the opportunity to grow and learn a couple things.”

Batiste bedazzled her letterman jacket. Her hobby allows her to combine fashion with personal achievements, transforming her jacket into more than just clothing. Creativity, like Batiste’s, helps students show individuality and inspires others to do the same.

Her inspiration came from social media, where TikTok creators have turned bedazzling into flourishing businesses. Seeing others succeed gave her confidence to try it herself, and she began experimenting with her own jacket.

“The reason why I bedazzled my letterman is because I want my letterman to stand out from other people’s,” Batiste said. “What inspires me to be creative is the people around me here at this school.”

For Batiste, bedazzling is not only about glue and rhinestones, it’s a way to shine beyond academics. She wanted something that truly represented her style and accomplishments.

“High school has made me more creative and has given me a lot of opportunities to express myself and my skills,” Batiste said. “There are a lot of people who are very diverse and creative.”