With the completion of the first month of the 2024-2025 school year, the Global Citizenship Club sparked many students’ interests across grade levels. GCP has long been a popular and highly valued club at Hingham High School. The club actively promotes global competence in Hingham High School students through academic study, international travel, and community service. Students enhance their global awareness and appreciation of diversity through participation in GCP.
The structure of the club is divided into two branches, the Global Citizenship Program Club and the Global Citizenship Program Certificate Program. GCP club meets once every month inviting students wishing to expand their global understanding. Both students and staff work to promote the overall message of the club through numerous globally themed activities and events across the school year. When asked about her interest in joining GCP, junior Madi Trezza responds, “I would be interested in joining GCP, it sounds like I would learn a lot and have fun!”.
Students wishing to take their dedication to a global perspective to the next level are encouraged to join the GCP certificate program. This application-based program requires students to fulfill the responsibilities of a club member while also participating in the Global Symposium in May and completing a GCP portfolio.
Each spring underclassmen create applications to enter the certificate program for the following school year. Once accepted, students must excel in their global studies courses, fulfill a travel requirement, and actively participate in GCP events and meetings. Upperclassmen who complete the portfolio requirements earn a Global Competency Certificate, indicated on their high school transcript, that is beneficial in college applications.
The first mass meeting of the year in September began by welcoming new students and freshmen as well as welcoming back students who had previously joined the club. Coming up this month, students will be holding meetings before and after school with presentations, games and snacks. Students researched a variety of global topics including Oktoberfest, Women’s Suffrage in New Zealand, and German State Elections.
With Halloween approaching at the end of the month, students may also attend events on the origins of Halloween, costume cultural appropriation and Dia De Los Muertos. Junior Paige Suarez explains, “I love getting to choose from many options of events each month. This month I’m planning on attending the one on the origins of Halloween”. After a successful first meeting, GCP members and advisors look forward to a rewarding year ahead with the program.
