During recess, the dark, lingering musk of woodchips fills the playground.

Clusters of students gather in familiar circles, laughter rippling between children who look like one another. Nearby, 9-year-old Mariah Calvillo watches from the edges, her feet shifting in the ground, unsure of where she belongs.

Among classmates, the divisions between groups are clear. She notices it, even at a young age. As someone who is mixed race, where was her place?

“Growing up, I didn’t feel like I fit in,” said Calvillo, now a Coppell High School senior. “I didn’t know who to talk to because it’s like you’re always trying to pick a side. I didn’t want people to do that.”

Years later, this same girl stands as the president of CHS Black Student Union, her early observations of division shaping this leadership.

“I wasn’t seen as Black enough growing up,” Calvillo said. “Whenever I decided to run for president and bring people together, it made me feel good because of what happened in my childhood and not being able to have that self-identity.”

Her childhood experiences taught her to make no student feel excluded.

“That’s what I try to do at BSU: make everyone feel comfortable so that everyone can just come together,” Calvillo said.

As a result, Calvillo designs the club so that every interaction allows members to be comfortable sharing and connecting with one another.

“We have a lot of students who come in, Black, white, mixed, Hispanic, Asian and she doesn’t judge them,” senior BSU member Destiny Kombe-Kajue said. “Race is a very hard thing to talk about at times, and Mariah does a great job of including everyone in the conversation.”

This dedication creates a sense of community. Consequently, BSU has evolved into an environment where students can feel at home.

This commitment naturally flows from her love for Black culture.

“Besides making sure everything’s set for the club, she always shows that she’s passionate about Black culture,” senior vice president Obie Gilmore said.

Calvillo’s connection to Black history is deeply personal, rooted in her family.

“A lot of things that happened to Black people weren’t that long ago,” Calvillo said. “My great-grandma still remembers segregation. It’s part of history that shouldn’t be ignored.”

Her vision extends beyond BSU itself. Calvillo wants BSU to act as an example of how all school organizations can operate inclusively.

“What Mariah is trying to do is not just a Black culture thing,” Gilmore said. “She wants culture to be spread and for BSU to be an example for clubs where everybody is involved in each other’s culture.”

It is her hope that BSU will be an educational resource to students and provide them with opportunities to learn about Black history and how it relates to everyday lives.

“Black history is such an important part of American history,” Calvillo said. “A lot of people try to overlook or ignore what happened in the past.”

Specifically, Calvillo wants to ensure the lessons of Black history are not limited to only one month out of the year.

“I feel like instead of just celebrating Black history for one month, it’s such an important topic that needs to be talked about year-round,” Calvillo said.

Looking ahead, Calvillo hopes to continue raising awareness about Black history and eventually use her voice in politics.

“It’s not going to be perfect,” Calvillo said. “It’s never going to be perfect. But if we can take steps now to help the next generation, it can help everyone in the long run.”

In the meantime, the most rewarding moments of leading the club are the simple ones: seeing students laugh, perform and enjoy each other’s company.

“I just love seeing everyone happy together,” Calvillo said. “That’s the most rewarding thing.”

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