“Relating to the younger generation of Black girls at Poly was one of my main motivators for pursuing this program… As we’ve continued to host more sessions, I can confidently say the S.I.S.T.E.R.S. community has grown such a strong bond, and I can’t wait for this program to expand to its full potential!” – Tunmise Rasaq ’27

Whenever our youngest and oldest students come together, something special happens. These moments reflect the heart of what makes Poly Prep one school united across two campuses, anchored in shared values of academic rigor, developmental growth, and a commitment to creating beautiful, meaningful spaces in which students may thrive.

Many of these spaces, whether new affinity groups, student-led clubs, or even future campus gardens, begin as dreams. They’re shaped by students reflecting on what their legacy at Poly will be after they cross the stage at Commencement. As this milestone approaches, students deepen their understanding of identity and seek authentic ways to express themselves.

Grade 12 student Rani Green ’25 exemplifies this spirit through her initiative, S.I.S.T.E.R.S. (Sisters Inspiring Success Through Encouragement, Resilience, and Support), which was first imagined as a Service Learning Team (SLT) project in 2023. In the SLT, students researched the experiences of Black girls in predominantly white institutions, conducted surveys, and crafted a detailed proposal. Their work was presented during a day-long professional development session in Spring 2024, where Upper School SLT leaders shared projects spanning a variety of topics that offered meaningful insights into how Poly can continue to grow through the lens of student voice and lived experience.

With a team of nine Upper School mentors, the mission of S.I.S.T.E.R.S. is clear: to create a safe, affirming space for Black girls navigating life at Poly Prep. The program aims to build a lasting community that spans kindergarten through Grade 12—and eventually, to alumni—addressing the gaps in belonging and connection that the founding members themselves have felt. Through S.I.S.T.E.R.S., they are shaping a more inclusive and supportive future at Poly.

“As a Black girl in a predominantly white institution, I have firsthand experience navigating a space that presents many social and cultural differences,” reflects S.I.S.T.E.R.S. mentor Tunmise Rasaq ’27. “Relating to the younger generation of Black girls at Poly was one of my main motivators for pursuing this program. During our S.I.S.T.E.R.S. sessions, we aim to foster a safe space and, most importantly, a community and network among all participants in the S.I.S.T.E.R.S. program. I would say one of my favorite memories from our past sessions would have to be bonding with two mentees during our natural haircare session. I enjoyed learning about some of the girls on a more personal level. As we’ve continued to host more sessions, I can confidently say the S.I.S.T.E.R.S. community has grown such a strong bond, and I can’t wait for this program to expand to its full potential!”

The group’s inaugural meeting on Friday, February 28, held during the annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week, was a thoughtful conclusion to the 5-day series of programming, designed to foster connection and community inclusive of Poly’s youngest students. The agenda was full of intentional bonding activities: an icebreaker where participants stood in small groups and named their chosen superpowers, the creation of personalized handshakes in trusted circles to be used when they see each other around campus, and plenty of laughter. The mentors set a clear goal for the younger girls: to leave the first meeting seeing themselves as future members of the S.I.S.T.E.R.S. community—and, most importantly, feeling a genuine sense of belonging in a space created just for them. “It is our hope, the mentors shared in their presentation, “that S.I.S.T.E.R.S. continues for years to come, offering many more Black girls the opportunity to experience this safe and empowering community.”

The second S.I.S.T.E.R.S. event brought even more joy and fostered deeper bonds among the group. On Friday, April 25, the Lower School buzzed with excitement as the long-anticipated afternoon gathering  finally arrived. Held in Prospect Park on a warm spring day, the meetup offered a variety of fun and meaningful activities planned by the mentors; everything from hopscotch and chalk drawing to hair braiding.

Reflecting on the significance of hair braiding, Lower School Kindergarten Head Teacher and Co-Advisor to S.I.S.T.E.R.S. Kim Davis shared, “While it may seem like just a hands-on activity, hair braiding holds deep cultural significance in many Black and Afro-diasporic communities. It’s a practice tied to history, identity, and connection across generations. As the girls practiced their braiding skills, conversations naturally flowed, and the group shared stories, laughed, and built stronger relationships. The meetup offered more than just braiding technique—it offered connection and cultural exchange. Hair braiding is often a time when traditions, values, and personal experiences are shared.”

The activity also sparked deeper conversations about hair textures and how hair serves as a powerful form of self-expression and pride. Another favorite moment was the “Getting to Know You” hopscotch game, which brought plenty of movement, laughter, and lighthearted fun to the day.

Mentor Mali Jalloh ’27 describes the heartwarming nature of the mentor role, witnessing the young girls’ openness and excitement as they learn and forge new connections during meetings: “S.I.S.T.E.R.S has been such a fun space to be a part of, especially when we see the young girls’ bright smiles and know we left them with fun memories and knowledge; it is the best feeling in the world. The program is so important because it shows young Black girls that they deserve community, it builds up their confidence. Speaking from experience, being in a space where few look like you is very hard so it is vital to [create spaces where] young Black girls feel special. During the braiding hair workshop, we provided the girls with mannequins and taught them how to detangle, braid, and style. The light in their eyes when they got it right was heart-gushing. I even had one girl email me after! [Being a mentor] is so rewarding and we can’t wait to expand the program even more next year!”

Already a vibrant and growing program, S.I.S.T.E.R.S. continues to unite Black girls from Nursery through Grade 12, offering a safe, joyful space for mentorship, support, and shared experience. With just its first two meetings, the group is already building a powerful legacy of connection, empowerment, and community.