Every other Thursday during lunch, the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) club gathers in room 225 to lead students in deep diving into learning about different cultures. The club, run by juniors Sophie Kim, Kyra Mahal, Julia Gianni, Saki Beattie and Sabina Leung, was created to spark community at school for AAPI students.
Co-president Mahal notes the inspiration and importance of the club’s creation.
“We noticed that there was a large lack of community within the Asian [population] at Redwood. Redwood is a primarily white school, so having a place where people of color, specifically Asian people of color, can come to bond is definitely something that I think is crucial,” Mahal said.

At each meeting, the AAPI club brings traditional food according to the country they are studying during the meeting. Before the presentation begins, every club member has an opportunity to try some of the cultural food brought in, courtesy of the club leaders.

Then, the club leaders present a slideshow about the country. The slides consist of an informative overview of the country including its geography, fun facts specific to its origin, how to say certain words in the country’s native language, all followed by a film from that country.
Junior club member Eily Diener joined the club through peer influence, before finding her own personal connection.
“I first joined this club because a lot of my friends were doing it. But then I learned more about the club and I realized it was an Asian, American and Pacific Islander club. My family has some Pacific Islander roots, so I thought it would be cool to learn more about that,” Diener said.
Though the club was created to unify students of Asian descent, they welcome any student, no matter their race or ethnicity. For junior Tobias Foster, the environment that the AAPI club created drew him into joining the club.
“My favorite part about this club is the friendly, social aspect. It’s very welcoming and it’s a good time,” Foster said.
The AAPI club continues to inspire students to educate themselves on different heritages or even their own. For Diener, it motivated her to learn about her ancestry.

“This club teaches me a lot about different Asian ethnicities and countries and I’d say it really inspires me to get more in touch with my heritage and to explore more of my family history,” Diener said.

Over time, the club’s community is continuing to improve and expand. Currently, the AAPI club is planning an event to commemorate the Lunar New Year along with other schools in the Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD).
“Right now, we are planning a Lunar New Year event with all the other AAPI clubs at Tam, Archie and Terra Linda. That’s something we definitely see in our future, is expanding our communal outreach,” Mahal said.
The AAPI club welcomes all in room 225 every other Thursday. For more information, follow their Instagram @redwood.aapi to stay posted on their upcoming meetings and events.