Igniting Dreams, Empowering Futures: The Story of S Club

In 2015, a spark was lit at Calistoga Junior-Senior High School (CJSHS) when a call for mentorship came from school staff, asking for support for young women facing academic challenges. Soroptimist International of Calistoga (SIC) answered that call with open hearts and a powerful vision—thus, S-Club was born.

Guided by Soroptimist’s mission to transform the lives of girls and women through education and access to resources, we knew we could make a lasting difference. What began as an academic mentorship quickly grew into something far more powerful—a decade-long journey of growth, service, and empowerment.

For nearly 10 years, S-Club has become a safe space and launchpad for dozens of young women, helping them bridge the gap between high school and college with confidence and community. Through hands-on service projects and dynamic personal development programs, S-Club members gain not only leadership experience, but also a deep understanding of their own power to transform the world around them.

These remarkable young women have rolled up their sleeves and:

• Served meals at our annual community Thanksgiving luncheons

• Created and delivered seasonal gift baskets and handmade cards for seniors in assisted living

• Led food distribution to local families in need

• Beautified community gardens in senior housing

• Participated in our Purses with a Purpose outreach for women in transition

• Supported SIC’s fundraising efforts like our annual Crab Fest

Their impact is visible, tangible, and inspiring.

Implementing the Learning Objectives of SIA’s  Dream It, Be It curriculum,  we’ve brought in speakers and mentors to guide them in life-changing conversations around:

• Discovering personal values

• Creating Achievable Goals

• Managing emotional well-being

• Exploring career paths

• Financial literacy

• Rising above Obstacles

• And most importantly—putting their dreams into action

In truth, S-Club is more than simply a club—it’s a launchpad for leadership, a sisterhood of support, and a gateway to possibility.

As 2024 CJSHS Valedictorian Evelyn Garcia—now a proud first-generation college student at UCLA—shared,

“Being part of S-Club for four years was heartwarming and empowering. These fabulous women became family—always showing up for us, believing in us, and giving us the tools we needed to believe in ourselves. Thanks to S-Club, I’m living a dream I once thought was impossible.”

For more information about S-Club, please email: sclub@sicalistoga.org