As the 2024-25 school year begins, new and returning students alike are eager to take part in the various clubs and honor societies that are offered at MRHS. With the opportunity to explore these avenues for achievement at the club fair from September 16th-20th, club leaders and seasoned participants provided actionable advice to underclassmen regarding the role of clubs in a healthy social and academic life. Just a few days after students toured tailored booths decorating the MRHS commons they shared their experiences receiving club information and beginning their application processes.
Each club was represented by passionate members eager to recruit new faces. Tables were filled with colorful posters, sign-up sheets and interactive displays designed to attract attention. Some clubs even offered small giveaways or demonstrations to engage passing students. The Robotics Club, for instance, had a model that was built by the students, while the Chinese Club had a representative in traditional Chinese clothing. The hands-on interactions really allowed students to be intrigued and interested in joining the club.
Tyler Wu, a senior and one of the head members of the Science Olympiad, was enthusiastic about the turnout at this year’s meeting. “We’re always looking for people to join and compete with us that are passionate about science and ready to challenge themselves. Joining Science Olympiad is not just about competing but about being part of a community that loves learning and winning.” Wu emphasized.
In fact, competition is a major part of the greater club environment. With major clubs like Speech and Debate and Mock Trial offering students the ability to hone a specific academic skill outside of the classroom, clubs can be powerful resume builders that communicate to colleges an individualistic commitment to student lead excellence. This is an extremely important sentiment for many students who are looking for an extra bit of challenge to their schedule that is more self paced and tailored to their own interests.
For many students though, the Club Fair isn’t just an opportunity to enhance their academic skill, but also a chance to network and connect with peers while building friendships around shared interests. The clubs serve as platforms for collaboration and leadership allowing students to expand their views beyond academics.
“Getting to know people not only helps your social life, but can be really valuable for developing real long term connections…I’d tell the incoming freshman that joining clubs is really important” states sophomore Timothy Moon.
While many students get wrapped up in perfecting their roster of extracurricular activities to fit a future application, the core of the high school experience for many is the search for personal identity, self expression, and a core group of friends. Clubs are an easy way to achieve this interpersonal connection while also developing a set of valuable skills. The MRHS student culture is something that many schools strive to achieve, and students of all kinds would be remissed not to take advantage of the myriad of opportunities available to them either starting or participating in clubs
