Two students saw a problem on campus and now more than 30 are making a difference. Last spring, then-freshmen Brent and Harry Schaefer were dismayed to see the lack of students at the funeral of a student who had disabilities.

The brothers realized they’re needed to be more interaction with ICAP students and with the help of sponsors Kailah Ramsey and Hector Vega, they created the Amazing Raiders Club that started this year.

“Few students who knew [him] were at his funeral,” Brent Schaefer said. “And the club is changing that so everyone can know everyone at Rouse.”

Despite being less than a year old, the club has been incredibly popular with about 37 members.

“It’s really about creating a good culture,” Vega said. “Creating an inclusive environment and getting everyone to know each other better.”

ARC helps ensure that ICAP students feel included at school by interacting with the other kids on campus. The club meets once during Advocate and plans to volunteer year-round.

“It creates awareness and friendships that pull people together,” Ramsey said. “And [it] develop friendships among fellow peers.”

The club members play interactive games that help them get to know each other better and raise awareness for different students in the school. At the October meeting, the club met under the pavilion and wrapped each other in toilet paper, creating mummies. At other monthly meetings, they’ve shared chocolate desserts and played games like Rock, Paper, Scissors.

“Many clubs provide service outside the school,” Brent Schaefer said. “We provide service right here at Rouse. There are plenty of students that we can serve within our own school community.”

Sophomore Rebekah Tuckner, who is the treasurer of the club, joined because she thought it would be really cool to work with ICAP students.

“I think that even the people in Rouse and even not in ICAP do not feel included but when in ICAP that gets amplified,” Tuckner said. “They become friends with each other and everyone is happier.”

Freshman Teonna Moore likes ARC because it’s given her the opportunity to play games and hang out with club members.

“I get to meet new people,” Moore said. “I think that it’s nice to meet other people.”

Ramsey has worked with SPED students in the past and felt privileged to sponsor the club.

“Personally, it’s been an opportunity and a blessing to build relationship with SPED students and teachers and watching general education be with them,” Ramsey said. “It’s a daily reminder and humble reminder not to judge someone. Everyone is special and can bring something to the table.”