Hundreds of students gathered on the Green to check out and sign up for a wide range of clubs during Club Rush on Wednesday. Clubs lined up with decorated posters, bowls of candy, and spirit to recruit new members. From the new Science-Based Lifting Club to the cultural Intercambio Club and the Service Learning Center, there was a variety of hobby, cultural, and service clubs for Bears to sign up for.
“We had over 90 clubs sign up, so it was a great turnout,” senior and Leadership Club Coordinator Millo Skhiri said. “There was a big difference in what kind of clubs there were this year. I think there are a lot more fun hobby ones, and a lot of service ones that are happening.”
Here’s a look at 12 of M-A’s clubs.
Speech and Debate Club
Whether you love arguing, want to learn more about current events, or wish to improve your speaking skills, the Speech and Debate Club is a great opportunity. “We’re teaching people to get better at public speaking, to get better at arguing, and we’re aiming to get people to tournaments where they can compete on the weekends,” senior and Co-Captain Kai Kawaguchi said. Kawaguchi encouraged everyone to try debate. “It helps you a lot in essays, in all of your classes and presentations, your teachers will love you,” he said. The Speech and Debate Club meets after school in G-12 on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Literary Project Club
The Literacy Project Club is a service club that volunteers at libraries and raises money for people of all ages who are in need of books or tutoring. Junior and club President Zoe Deb started the club because of her volunteer experience at Redwood City Library’s Project R.E.A.D. “It really inspired me to start something at school that’s similar,” Deb said. The Literacy Project Club meets every other Thursday in C-15.4
Journaling Club
The Journaling Club is a safe and creative environment where students can journal using whatever style they like. Senior and club President Viet-Tran Do was inspired to start the club because journaling is her hobby, and she wanted to spread awareness of the calmness it brings. “We’re pretty open; there is not too much guidance. People can come and do whatever they like,” Do said. The Journaling Club is hosting an upcoming Creative Journaling Workshop with the Menlo Park Library on September 25th and invites anyone to join. They meet every Monday in C-11.
Jam Club
The Jam Club holds fun music sessions where people can watch or play instruments in a variety of styles. “Jamming is fun and the school doesn’t have that yet, and it’s nice to feel a jam,” senior and club President Emile Freeman said. ”Anyone who plays an instrument, even if they don’t have one, should come and have fun.” The Jam Club meets on Mondays in the band room.
Intercambio Club
For those seeking to learn English or improve their Spanish, join the Intercambio Club. Members from all backgrounds convene to learn new languages through activities and conversations. “It’s an intercultural exchange type of thing. You get extra credit in your classes and you get to learn about new cultures,” junior and Co-President Cole Aylaian said. Intercambio meets at lunch in G-2 on Thursdays.
Hackers Club
The M-A Hackers Club assists students with computer science and coding. They help teach people how to code, make apps, and provide students with help on assignments. “Some people don’t have the time in their schedule to take a comp-sci class and the club is also just to help people with homework,” senior and club President Anika Desai said. The M-A Hackers Club meets on Thursdays in I-4.
Hearts For Healing Club
The Hearts For Healing Club hopes to spread awareness about blood cancer. They work with an outside organization called Blood Cancer United to raise funds for patients with blood cancer. “We plan to have some bake sales and different kinds of fundraisers,” sophomore and club Co-President Gloria Dal Busco said. They meet in room E-3 on Tuesdays.
Amnesty Club
The Amnesty Club is a club dedicated to advocating for human rights. “It is an amazing cause, it is worldwide, and also recognized by colleges,” sophomore and club Co-President Maddie Masso said. The Amnesty Club just started this school year and hopes to grow their club through projects and events. They meet every Thursday in room B-2.
Minds Matter Club
The M-A Minds Matter Club is a club that started last semester. In this club, students have a safe space and community to talk about things they are bothered by in their day-to-day lives. They incorporate finding ways to help people talk about their feelings and become comfortable in sharing with others. The club also provides different exercises for overwhelming topics, like breathing exercises and coloring. “We hope people can come to our club and have a good time,” senior and club President Acacia Yoon said. The M-A Minds Matter Club meets in C-2 on Wednesday.
Play It Forward Club
The Play It Forward Club is a sports service club that aims to make sports more equitable and accessible to children. “We started this club because sports are really expensive, especially in this area. We want to allow everyone the opportunity to play,” sophomore and club Co-President Ella Bortnik said. They will also have opportunities for students to volunteer and host service events. The Play It Forward Club meets in room E-10 on Tuesdays.
Service Learning Center
The Service Learning Center is a great resource at M-A for students interested in service. The SLC provides many accessible service opportunities like beach cleanups, garden days, sports service days, and more. “The purpose of our club is to provide meaningful service opportunities to students, so that they can learn and gain a full understanding and appreciation for community service,” senior and Director of Marketing Communications Lily Pellican said. The Service Learning Center meets Mondays at lunch in P-5.
Trader Joe’s Club
“The Trader Joe’s Club is a club aimed to give students relaxation and fun away from academic stress. We’re going to make a different theme every meeting, and you can vote for the different snacks in that theme,” senior and club President Penelope Chapman said. After each meeting, they do a Google poll to see which snack everyone can agree is worth buying. The Trader Joe’s Club meets every Friday in C-15.
Find the full club list here.
