The PHS Seed Club meets every Wednesday to reinforce the importance of recycling. Photo by: Shelby Harrell
By Shelby Harrell
Imagine it, hundreds of eager student applicants lined up at the door of the admissions office of the college of their choice. One thing sets all of these students apart; the fact that they were all involved in various clubs for their community.
Of course, there are other benefits of joining various clubs, such as meeting new people, making new friends, and ultimately, getting to know another group of students on a more personal level. Junior John Stillson says that his club offers such advantages as “having a set time each week to meet and pray with other fellow students.”
Getting to know other students is just one way to describe certain clubs. Although coming up with a way to summarize specific clubs in just one single word can be a challenge to some, McClellan came up with the perfect word to describe all of the clubs that she is involved in. “These clubs are a great experience,” said McClellan, “more simply put, they are FUN.”
Before joining these clubs, students should be fully aware of what dates and times that some of these clubs meet. In order to provide information, PHS Junior and KEY club member Breanna Morrow said “We had our first official club meeting on Tuesday, September 18, 2012.” After the first official meeting, each club attempts to develop a clean and organized schedule and agenda for meetings.
For example, a club of students gets together every Wednesday morning for fellowship of students, breakfast, and prayer. “We meet Wednesday mornings at 7:20 a.m. in Mr. Beguin’s room.” said Stillson. Prayer club will be holding these meetings every week for the remainder of the school year.
Along with the benefits that everyone gains, there are also benefits that certain individuals might receive as well. Some of these perks might include meeting new people, making lifelong friends, and gaining a personal satisfaction out of helping the community. When students were asked if they personally have benefited from their clubs, Morrow responded with “Yes, I get to volunteer and help people, which is something I love to do.”
Aside from personal gain, the clubs at PHS are coming up with new and innovative ways to help the school and community. “My club does many service projects in the community,” said Stillson, “and we also help organize ‘See you at the pole.’” These community projects serve many great purposes to the community.
Some of these purposes include helping other groups or organizations, volunteering around the community, and making the world a better place to live in. “SEED club’s purpose is to help the community through recycling,” said McClellan. Seed club recycles every Wednesday during SRT. Some clubs also do projects with other clubs and organizations.
Interacting with other clubs, is when two or more clubs with similar purposes work together on one of more of their projects. “In a way,” said Morrow, “ our clubs go hand in hand with NHS, and other community work.” Another example of interacting clubs would be the KEY club, and KEY club’s sister organization Kiwanis. Both KEY and KIWANIS clubs will be working together, along with Heart Club, on the annual Riley’s Dance Marathon fundraiser that will be taking place this upcoming winter.
Clubs and community service projects are common factors that college administrators review. Students who participate in a variety of clubs and service projects ultimately show they care about their community and their world.