Multiple Carroll students have founded organizations for the purpose of improving the community and providing educational opportunities for students.
One Suitcase is a Southlake-based organization with a primary focus on improving the community and providing high school students with the opportunity to pursue charitable passion projects. Organization founder and former Carroll student, Devi Nair, first knew she wanted to start the organization when she experienced helping an important cause.
“This started back when I was in sixth grade when a group of high school students and I collected items for kids who had parents in hospice in India,” Nair said. “It’s called ‘One Suitcase’ because we put the items in a suitcase and shipped them off to India.”
The current One Suitcase president at Carroll is senior Jiya Sharma who decided to join the organization after sitting in on a meeting.
“It’s so cool,” Sharma said.“There’s this huge variety of projects, and everyone gets to participate.”
Plates to Purpose is another student-run nonprofit with the intention of decreasing food waste. It collects surplus food that would otherwise have been thrown away and redistributes it to people in need. The club was founded by sophomore Mahir Kakarala, who faced hardships receiving food from restaurants, as many were reluctant to help.
“Lots of people think we just want to steal the food,” Kakarala said.
These challenges do not stop Plates for Purpose, as this organization is determined to help those in need. Plates to Purpose handles a highly prevalent issue, seeing as nearly four million Texans struggle with hunger and food insecurity.
“I want to make an impact now,” Kakarala said.
A chapter of Initia, a state-wide program that aims for students to be able to accomplish goals in the medical, business, and engineering fields, was recently opened at Carroll Senior High School by junior Elian Alkhoury. The organization provides opportunities for students to compete in competitions based on these fields.
“This year’s objective is to establish a chapter with consistent membership and willing participants,” Alkhoury said. “We’re looking for students who are interested in the STEM fields; people who have an interest in architecture, or researching.”
Initia is open to new members, and student participants have the benefit of including the organization in their college applications.
Another club, Eldertech, is a student-run organization with a goal to provide senior citizens with an understanding of technology. Founder Noah Subhash created the club after realizing the importance of the elderly’s access to technology.
“Through their children, grandchildren, or people around the world, they are able to stay connected,” Subhash said.
While Eldertech’s primary aim is to help seniors, student participants also have a lot to take away.
“Eldertech creates a unique intergenerational exchange that benefits both seniors and students, fostering mutual learning and understanding,” Subhash said. “Eldertech provides a chance to develop skills like communication and empathy, which are crucial in any field.”
