Feb. 3, 2023
By Kyla Marino
Staff Writer
Female students looking to gain business skills, confidence and leadership abilities are connecting through LHS’ new club, Wonder Girls.
The partnership between LHS and the Nyack, New York-based Wonder Girls dates back to September 2021, when female members from the Future Business Leaders of America Club started working with the non-profit, after-school program.
Spanish teacher Mrs. Silvelo, who co-advises FBLA and advises Wonder Girls, said she found out about Wonder Girls from her daughter, senior Caila Barreiros, who is FBLA’s vice president.
“Wonder Girls originally came to LHS through FBLA and was offered to members of the club to fulfill their community service,” Silvelo said. “Some girls expressed that they would like to bring it to our school and offer it to other students.”
Silvelo said in May 2022, students created a petition to make sure there was enough interest to create a club.
“We got over 100 signatures from girls that wanted to have a Wonder Girls chapter at our school. Then, [principal] Ms. Vuono worked very hard to finalize it and bring the program to our school,” Silvelo said.
About 50 students came to the community day on Jan. 5 in the auditorium, where they made bracelets for victims of human trafficking. Thirty-five students attended a workshop on Jan. 18 in the media center where they learned about “calmfidence,” which means staying calm and confident.
“The meetings take place twice a month, and for the first three months, it will be in the evening. Then, for the second three months, it will take place in the afternoon,” Silvelo said. “We chose this schedule so that we could offer the club to every girl and try to pick a time to fit their schedule.”
“We got over 100 signatures from girls that wanted to have a Wonder Girls chapter at our school. Then, [principal] Ms. Vuono worked very hard to finalize it and bring the program to our school.”
Senior Natalia Ferrulli, who was elected president of the club after creating a video campaign, said students should join Wonder Girls because the club teaches females how to thrive as leaders despite economic, educational and social setbacks.
“We aim to positively impact the lives of our Wonder Girls and foster our future female leaders who are ready to make a difference,” Ferrulli said.
She said as president of the club, it is her responsibility to assist with day-to-day operations, coordinate meetings, go to volunteer events and work with the other officers.
“I love to help, teach and create new things and can guarantee I will fulfill those responsibilities,” Ferrulli said.
She said she uses Wonder Girls as a support system and encourages others to do the same.
“It is Wonder Girls’ mission to provide a space where young girls can express their emotions, take care of their physical needs and face their mental challenges,” Ferrulli said. “It is our goal to provide our young girls with an environment where they can speak their truth without being judged or isolated.”
Natalie Maniscalco, who co-founded Wonder Girls with her friend Irene Zervoudis, has attended every Wonder Girls workshop at LHS. Maniscalco said she was excited to come to LHS because there was so much interest in the club among the students.
“As word got around, more girls started to attend our volunteer days, and we were asked to bring the full program to Lyndhurst,” Maniscalco said.
She said she hopes next year LHS’ Wonder Girls program will begin in September.
“Every school can benefit from what we are teaching because we are teaching life skills that every woman needs to know,” Maniscalco said.
She said students should join Wonder Girls if they are looking to be part of a community of female leaders who genuinely care about making a difference.
“You will meet so many amazing women from all walks of life who will teach you life skills that you will need in order to be successful,” Maniscalco said. “You will learn about real-life experiences that almost every woman experiences throughout their career path.”
