McNeil Student Launches Campus Self-Defense Club
The program provides monthly training sessions to help high schoolers prepare for life after graduation.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Teens
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McNeil High School junior Nikita Devasthale has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award after launching a student-led self-defense club on campus. The initiative provides high schoolers with essential skills before they head off to college.
Why it matters
As students prepare to transition to college campuses, having foundational self-defense knowledge can increase confidence and personal safety. Devasthale started the program to bridge the gap between high school and the greater independence of university life.
The self-defense club draws 15 to 20 students per session, with 88% of attendees indicating they would recommend the program or return for future meetings. The sessions are designed to be concise, lasting 30 to 40 minutes after school.
The players
Nikita Devasthale
A McNeil High School junior and second-degree black belt who earned a Gold Award.
McNeil High School
The Austin-area campus where the student-led self-defense club is held.
Golden Hands Martial Arts
The local training facility where Devasthale practices martial arts.
The details
Devasthale, a second-degree black belt who trains at Golden Hands Martial Arts, launched the club in 2025 as part of her community service project for the Gold Award. The program operates monthly at McNeil High School to teach students practical skills. The Gold Award serves as the highest achievement a Girl Scout can earn, reflecting the significant time and effort invested into the club's development.
Timeline
The self-defense club began meeting in 2025.
Devasthale received the Girl Scout Gold Award in October 2026.
The Texas Context
The project follows the structure of the Girl Scout Gold Award, which requires scouts to identify a community issue and create a lasting solution. This initiative continues a trend of Austin students using community service projects to address safety and campus life concerns.
Students at McNeil High School interested in personal safety can join the monthly club meetings to learn techniques from a black-belt instructor. These short, 30 to 40-minute sessions are designed to fit into a busy high school schedule.
The takeaway
Students looking to build self-defense skills should check their school's activity calendar for the next monthly meeting. Devasthale intends to apply her experience in self-defense and community leadership to her future studies in mechanical engineering.
Further reading
Find more stories about student initiatives in our Teens section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KXAN.
Live Poll
Is it a priority that high schoolers receive formal self-defense training before leaving for college?
