Looking to fill free time? Wanting to meet new people? Thinking of ways to build your college application? Join a club at SHS! No matter what grade you are in, there is a club for you! From Amnesty International to Student Council, SHS has clubs for everyone. 

Here are a couple of club summaries from upperclassmen: 

One of the best ways to strengthen your college application is to be involved in your school community. Senior Cleo Belber, a member of seven clubs, spoke on her role in Amnesty International: “Amnesty International is a worldwide organization that promotes human rights around the world and fights against human rights abuses.” Amnesty International has a “Human Rights Day” each year when all students view presentations and have a chance to sign petitions. Later this year, a documentary will be created and produced by the members of the club. Amnesty International meets Thursdays at 2:45 PM over GoogleMeets, so if you are interested in joining, feel free to reach out to Ms. Emerson ([email protected]). 

If Amnesty International isn’t for you, there are still 30+ other clubs for you to consider. If you were a peer leader at Gates or are simply interested in having a student leadership role in our school community, Allies Not Bystanders might be the club for you. The club meets Wednesdays after homeroom but is very flexible, as many other clubs meet at this time. Junior Clara Sullivan, a member of Allies Not Bystanders, said she “would definitely suggest joining this club to anyone who is interested because it is such a fun and positive atmosphere and you get to help others while also helping yourself.” Allies Not Bystanders leads several peer facilitation groups throughout the year for both high school and middle school students. The topics of these discussions range from spreading positivity to giving advice to younger students and creating a safe environment for all students. If you are interested in joining Allies Not Bystanders, you should contact senior Rosie Tyrcha ([email protected]) for more information.

Another popular club at SHS is Student Council. Unlike Student Government, SHS Student Council is made up of representatives from all different grades. Although you might not know it, the Student Council plans and leads many of our school events, including pep rallies, powder puff, food drives, and spirit weeks. Senior Abby Lochiatto, secretary of the club, shared why she joined the Student Council: “I wanted to join the Student Council because I really wanted to be a part of leading our school-wide activities.” Student Council is also a really fun way for students in different grades to meet each other and work together. The Student Council meets Wednesdays at 11:40 AM. If you are interested, please contact Ms. Hendrickson [email protected]). 

According to Abby Lochiatto, “The clubs that I am a part of are some of my favorite parts of high school. I would recommend joining multiple clubs that fit people’s individual interests.” Student Council, Allies Not Bystanders, and Amnesty International are just a few of the clubs that SHS offers. No matter how many clubs you are currently a part of, joining another club would be a great way to have fun and fill free time during the hybrid learning model.