Learning to become leaders and productive members of society is something members of the Lincoln High School Urban Club are striving to do.

“I think readers should know that the Urban Club at Lincoln High School is something that is for society,” said Urban Club president Toni Oluwafemi, 16. “We make students productive members of society by getting jobs and going to college. We set them on the path.”

The Urban Club does fundraisers for the school, according to Oluwafemi, and also takes field trips to be exposed to culture and also to have some fun at Six Flags.

Oluwafemi “likes the opportunity” the club has given her to meet new people and hold meetings since the Urban Club meets every Tuesday during lunch.

“It has taught me to make plans, schedules and organize for the future,” Oluwafemi said.

The club’s adviser is Alex Joe, a special-ed teacher at the high school.

“It’s an organization on campus that provides leadership opportunities for students, where they learn to have goals and a purpose,” Joe said.

The club has students in all grade levels, Joe said, and is a way that students can “sit in a meeting and learn how to interact with students and teacher.”

A few different fundraisers the students participate in each year include candy sales and the Coin-A-Day fundraiser.

“We have students carry boxes and collect coins every day,” Joe said.

This year’s Coin-A-Day fundraiser was in January and the students raised more than $700, which was donated to help Haiti, according to Joe.

The club will also participate in Relay for Life, which is in May.

Cultural events Urban Club members have attended include ballet and Chinese acrobats.

“I think it’s important because it gets people together, teaches them leadership, and to reach out to people in need,” said Urban Club member Jaqueline Mink, 18.

Sheree Utterback, 17, “is grateful for the club” because she said it helped her get a job and more responsibilities.

“I like helping out other people and we have a great group,” Utterback said.

The Lincoln News Messenger profiles a nonprofit organization every week. If you would like to see an organization featured, please call 774-7967 or e-mail stephanied@goldcountrymedia.com.