St. Joe’s Students Formed Eradicate Hate Club
Local students launched a new school chapter to foster belonging and cultural awareness on campus.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Students at St. Joe’s High School have established an Eradicate Hate club following their attendance at a regional summit. The group aims to encourage volunteerism and host discussions on tolerance.
Why it matters
The club was formed to create a school environment that fosters a sense of belonging and encourages local conversations regarding tolerance. It was established after students attended the Eradicate Hate Global Summit.
A total of 650 regional students attended the summit at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Ten students from St. Joe’s participated, and 18-year-old students Max Shehab and John Marino helped lead the effort to start the chapter.
The players
Tom Ridge
He serves as the global advisor for the Eradicate Hate movement.
Max Shehab
An 18-year-old student at St. Joe's High School who helped lobby for the club.
John Marino
An 18-year-old student at St. Joe's High School who helped establish the campus chapter.
The details
Students attended the Eradicate Hate Global Summit in September to learn about community advocacy. After the event, they lobbied school leaders to establish an official club on campus. The organization plans to hold meetings for students to discuss cultural awareness and organize volunteer activities.
Timeline
2019: The Tree of Life massacre occurred in Squirrel Hill.
September 2026: Students attended the Eradicate Hate Global Summit.
October 2026: The club plans to hold its first meeting.
The Home Front
The regional Eradicate Hate Global Summit was established following the 2019 Tree of Life massacre in Squirrel Hill. This new student organization reflects a local effort to integrate the summit's mission of tolerance into daily school life.
Families interested in supporting this initiative can encourage their students to participate in the club's upcoming discussions. Keep an eye on school newsletters for the date of the first meeting in October.
The takeaway
This club provides a space for students to discuss cultural awareness and participate in local service projects. Check with the school office to learn how to join the first meeting scheduled for later this month.
Further reading
For more updates on student-led initiatives, visit Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TribLIVE.
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