At Lakeland High School, a unique program is helping young women build meaningful friendships, strengthen their confidence and create lasting connections.
Known as "She Shed," the weekly group was created by school staff as a supportive space where female students can come together to discuss life's challenges, celebrate successes and learn from one another.
During each session, students talk about everything from how the school year is going to upcoming events and personal experiences. The conversations encourage participants to consider different perspectives and seek advice from both peers and trusted adults.
"I think that anytime we can get students to connect with each other that may otherwise not have had an opportunity, that can only better our school community," said Jillian Haney, assistant principal at Lakeland High School.
The impact of those connections extends beyond the weekly meetings. Students say the relationships they build in She Shed provide a network of support throughout the school day and beyond.
"It's nice because even when we're not in the She Shed room, we can turn to those friends and talk about things," one student shared. "We can turn to the adults and staff here because we've built those connections."
What begins as a 30-minute weekly gathering often develops into genuine friendships. Students who once barely knew one another are now spending time together outside of school, attending birthday parties and supporting each other in their daily lives.
For many participants, the program has been transformative.
"I've been doing She Shed since it was first introduced last year," said one student. "It was a really good opportunity for me to meet new people and feel more comfortable around people that I didn't really know. It gave me a chance to meet a lot of friends that I still have this year."
Organizers say they have been amazed by the program's growth and success. They credit the students themselves for creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Students also report that the confidence they gain through the program carries over into other areas of their lives, including academics and extracurricular activities.
"A lot of my confidence is built on the people that I have around me," another student explained. "Being able to meet more people within She Shed and having those people there all the time has helped me grow a lot within myself and my academics."
As the program continues to expand, She Shed remains focused on its original mission: creating a safe, supportive space where young women can connect, grow and thrive together.
"It's really nice to be able to get away from school for a minute and just hang out with people that you like and trust," said one participant. "I highly recommend joining."
