J.C. Harmon High School Opens Special Boutique for Students

With scissors in hand and surrounded by J.C. Harmon High School students, faculty, and Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools staff, the school marked a new beginning.

On Thursday, May 7, an excited crowd gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Harmon Boutique, a student-led initiative designed to help support classmates in need.

The boutique, more than a year and a half in the making, offers gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, bedding, personal hygiene products, and other essentials, and it's completely free to students.

The idea was born through Youth Lead KC, where a group of Harmon students began noticing that some classmates lacked access to basic necessities, including clean clothes and hygiene items. Rather than ignore the problem, students felt compelled to do something about it.

“The whole point of this project was for us to give our classmates any basic necessities that they may need,” said Candy Lopez Morales. “We know that sometimes if you don’t feel confident at school, your academic performance may suffer.”

“I was heartbroken to know someone my age that goes to my school was suffering this way. I just wanted to help in any way possible,” added Safia Ahmed.  

To make the process more dignified and accessible, students created a system using a QR code posted in school. Students can scan it to fill out a form and request the items they need.

To keep the boutique stocked, students partnered with Catholic Charities of Eastern Kansas to help manage inventory. Faculty members and students themselves have also contributed donations, turning the boutique into a true community effort.

The project wasn’t without challenges. Ahmed said the group faced communication issues along the way, and at times struggled with people fully understanding their vision. Still, they continued pushing forward.

“I’m extremely proud, not just for opening the boutique, but proud of my classmates that helped make this project come to life,” Ahmed said.  

What began as a classroom project has now become a lasting resource for students at J.C. Harmon High School.

And this is just the beginning. Next year, students hope to expand the boutique and include non-perishable food items.