By Ashtyn Praeter

Love is in the air at Bellbrook High School with this year’s GSA bake sale and JROTC flower sale. Whether purchasing sweet treats or fresh flowers for a significant other or a friend, all money from the purchases go to good causes.

GSA stands for Gay-Straight Alliance and is nationwide club for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. It welcomes people of different races, genders, and pride. At Bellbrook High School, the club is known as the GSA Pride and Diversity Club.

The club was created to meet the needs of students in the district. “Our school is very diverse,” school librarian and club advisor Nancy Sumner said. “Some students come from other countries, some are students of color or students in the LGBTQ+ community. They have reported name calling or people making fun of them. We’d like to change that, and help others see that everyone deserves an equal chance at a great education without being made to feel less than.”

GSA is selling cookies, cake pops, brownies, rice krispies, chocolate-covered strawberries, and more February 13-15 in the library before and during lunch and after school. Each bake sale item is under $5, and most sold for $1. GSA is accepting card or cash and as well as monetary donations.

Funds raised will be donated to Daybreak Dayton, which is the area’s only 24/7 emergency shelter for runaway or homeless kids ages 10-21. 

“Depending on our sales, we might also donate to the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Community Support Center which helps community members in need,” Sumner said. “Or Sugarcreek Cares, a community-member-led organization that advocates for equity and racial justice.”

Bellbrook’s JROTC, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corp, is currently selling cards and flowers during lunch. Cards are $1. Flowers are $2. Cards and flowers will be delivered to recipients during their study halls on Tuesday, February 14, Valentine’s Day.

JROTC is trying to think of fundraisers that will benefit JROTC cadets and be something enjoyable for all students. They also figured it would be fun for their peers and more to receive flowers in their study halls during school hours.