SFHS JOI
Bringing Optimism to Life.
Welcome to the Junior Optimist International (JOI) Club at South Forsyth High School—SFHSJOI. Our club is dedicated to spreading optimism and making a meaningful difference in our community. Through service projects, leadership opportunities, and acts of kindness, we empower students to give back, uplift others, and create a lasting impact. By working together, we aim to build a more compassionate and service-oriented world, one project at a time. Join us in bringing positivity and change to our school and beyond!
About SFHS Junior Optimist International
"People look at you and me to see what they are supposed to be. And, if we don't disappoint them, maybe, they won't disappoint us." — Walt Disney
The History
The Mission
Our mission is simple: spread optimism, serve our community, and inspire others to do the same. In JOI, we don’t just hope for a better future—we create it. Join us and be part of something bigger than yourself.
Meet The Team
Founder & Director
Sanjana Diddige is a junior residing in Georgia. As the founder and director of the Junior Optimist International (JOI) Club at South Forsyth High School, Sanjana started this initiative to empower students to serve their community, develop leadership skills, and spread optimism as a way of life. She believes in the life philosophy—anyone can either find a way or make one. She is passionate about public speaking, leadership, and community service. In her free time, she enjoys figure skating, playing the flute, and mentoring others. Through JOI, she aims to inspire kindness, foster teamwork, and create opportunities for youth to make a meaningful impact.
Co-Vice President
Shruthi Medicherla is a junior at South Forsyth High School who loves being part of creative and optimistic communities! She joined JOI to support individuals who need a little optimism in their lives and to help uplift people who are having a bad day! She believes the smallest act of kindness can make a big impact on someone’s life! Currently, as JOI’s Co-Vice President, she is responsible for helping with project ideas and coordinating meeting content while working alongside some of the greatest officers and members. Outside of JOI, she loves to paint and play the piano!
Co-Vice President
I am a junior at South Forsyth High School, having moved to the country a year ago. Being an extrovert, I love connecting with people and have a strong passion for singing, cooking, and photography. As the Vice President of Junior Optimist International (JOI), my primary responsibilities include communication and outreach. I joined JOI because I am passionate about spreading optimism and leaving a positive impact on others.
Secretary
I have a little brother named Rishik in 5th grade. I am named after a river, and I like to dance. I also love reading, especially fantasy/romance novels about mythology. I joined JOI because I really wanted to be part of something that spreads positivity and joy in the world as well as give back to the community. As secretary, my main job is to keep track of everyone's service hours.
Treasurer
I’m Aasrita Durvasula, and I’m a junior at SFHS. I love reading books, and my hobbies include dancing, singing, and playing the guitar, as well. As treasurer of JOI, I manage all the money and donations the club receives from any fundraisers or drives we conduct, and I ensure that the donations are sent to the right place. I joined JOI because I am very passionate about giving back to the community, and that is exactly what the club does. Not only do we help the broader community, but we spread kindness and optimism within the school, and I found that being a member is an amazing way to connect with your peers.
Social Media Manager
Doris Gu is a Junior at South Forsyth High School. She is ecstatic to be a part of SFHS’ JOI Club because she loves to spread optimism and hopes to make a positive impact in her community. As the Social Media Manager, she keeps the Instagram page aesthetic and updated and works with the other officers to ensure a smooth running meeting. Outside of JOI, she enjoys shopping, dancing, and volunteering at Open Arms with special needs kids. She can’t wait to spread positivity through JOI this year!!
Organizations We Work With
At SFHS Junior Optimist International (JOI), we collaborate with local and global organizations, school clubs, and community groups to maximize our impact. Through volunteer efforts, service projects, and fundraising initiatives, we support food security programs, mental health advocacy, youth development, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping those in need.
We work alongside organizations like Meals by Grace to provide food for families in need, Dress for Success to uplift women through encouragement, and the Children’s Center for Hope & Healing to raise awareness about child abuse prevention. Additionally, we partner with other student-led clubs, including SFHS Interact, to create meaningful service opportunities, such as affirmation card drives, de-stress events, and school-wide collaborations like Trunk or Treat and The Longest Table.
Every contribution we receive—whether through donations, service hours, or advocacy—goes directly toward spreading optimism and creating a positive impact in our community. If you are interested in an organization in need or would like to participate by volunteering with us, please reach out to us by filling out the form below—we would be more than happy to collaborate with you!
Our Projects
Welcome to our projects page! Here, you’ll find a showcase of our initiatives and activities aimed at spreading optimism and making a difference in our community. Join us in our efforts to create a positive impact and be part of the change! If you’re interested in learning about our upcoming initiatives, please click on the Future Projects link.
Cake Kits - Meals by Grace
To support families facing food insecurity, SFHS JOI partnered with South Forsyth Middle School and Meals by Grace to create 20+ Cake Kits. These kits provided families with the ingredients to bake and enjoy a homemade cake, bringing joy and nourishment to those in need. To learn more about Meals by Grace, click here
Affirmation Cards - Dress for Success
In collaboration with the SFHS Interact Club and Dress for Success, JOI members wrote 100+ affirmation cards to empower and uplift women who have experienced trauma. These handwritten messages provided encouragement and support to help women rebuild their confidence and self-esteem. To learn more about Dress for Success, click here
Affirmation Letters for Senior Homes
Spreading warmth and kindness, JOI students wrote affirmation letters to seniors in local nursing homes. These heartfelt messages provided companionship, encouragement, and a reminder that they are valued and remembered.
Trunk or Treat
As part of South Forsyth High School’s Trunk or Treat event, JOI members embraced the spirit of optimism and community by handing out candy to middle schoolers and elementary students. This initiative created a fun and inclusive environment for younger students to celebrate Halloween while connecting with their community.
JOI De-stress Fest
Understanding the pressures of academics, SFHS JOI organized a De-stress Fest to promote mental well-being and optimism among students. This event provided a space for students to unwind, enjoy food, games, and relaxation activities, and find positivity before the stress of midterms.
The Longest Table
JOI members participated in The Longest Table, an event organized by SFHS PTO to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and community engagement. This initiative aligned with JOI’s mission to bring people together through optimism, conversation, and shared experiences.
Future Projects
Welcome to our Future Projects page! Here, you’ll find a preview of our upcoming service initiatives designed to spread optimism and make a lasting impact in our community. Join us as we work to uplift others, raise awareness, and create meaningful change! If you’re interested in supporting our efforts, please join us.
Art Supplies Drive
TSFHS JOI is organizing an Art Supplies Drive in collaboration with the Children’s Center for Hope & Healing, a nonprofit dedicated to stopping the cycle of child sexual abuse. Art plays a crucial role in their counseling programs, and we aim to collect much-needed supplies to support their efforts in healing and recovery. To learn more about the Children’s Center for Hope & Healing, click here
Guest Speaker – Children’s Center for Hope & Healing
ITo raise awareness about child abuse prevention, JOI is hosting an informative session featuring a therapeutic counselor from the Children’s Center for Hope & Healing. This session will educate high schoolers on the impact of abuse, the services available for those in need, and ways to support vulnerable children and families. To learn more about the Children’s Center for Hope & Healing, click here
Winter Clothes Drive
As temperatures drop, many families lack access to warm clothing. To help, SFHS JOI is organizing a Winter Clothes Drive in partnership with The Place at Forsyth. We will set up donation bins across campus to collect coats, scarves, and gloves. Our goal is to gather 100+ donations and bring warmth to those in need during the colder months. To learn more about The Place at Forsyth, click here
