High-School Clubs

Nostalgia grips her hands around our hearts as we reflect on those high-school days filled with ups, downs, laughter, and tears. Regardless of any emotional recollection, some would agree that our interaction with others is the force behind the memories. Our relationships shape who we become socially, and clubs are the catalyst that promotes social engagement, an interpersonal skill that is crucial in the modern workplace. High-schoolclubs—student-basedorganizations supervised by adults—have a common purpose of providing a platform for students to learn how to lead and work with others. Key Club appears to be the oldest and largest high-school club, founded in 1925 with a primary goal to encourage leadership through service according to their website. Students should factor leadership and service into the selection equation.

Some students select clubs based on their career goals and community service hours to stand out on college applications. On the other hand, others may choose to avoid clubs to focus on academics. There are many beneficial reasons students should join a high-school club and a variety of choices.

The traditional clubs such as Future Farmers of America still exist; however, one may be surprised about a few new high-school clubs such as the After-School Satan club promoted by a group in Salem, Massachusetts on the premise of “multiple perspectives on all issues.” It is up to parents to help their child choose the best clubs that encourage students to become mindful leaders, excellent communicators, and team-players. A relatively new club that promote those characteristics is the Junior Cubs club. The club was started two years ago to encourage mentorship between athletes and children two years old through sixth grade. Younger students (Junior Cub) may adopt a varsity football player or cheerleader (Cub) for play dates throughout the football season.

Learn more about the clubs at Olney High School featured on this page.