Wednesday, Sept. 18, Aliso Niguel held their annual first semester Club Rush at the front of the school during lunch.
Every club created posters to decorate their booths and some brought candy to help attract students. Those interested in joining could put their information on the sign-up sheets provided by club presidents.
All clubs were divided into different sections based on what they offer students. The three categories are service, extracurricular, and academic.
This year Aliso has 116 different clubs all with ranging purposes. The number of clubs compared to last year has increased by almost 20.
The influx in clubs created overflow, and many clubs had to exit the designated area to set up their booths. Many clubs didn’t have tables and had to set up their posters on the ledges outside the gym entrance.
The increase in clubs gives students the opportunity to find clubs that suit any and all of their interests. From The Banned Book Club to Fashion, Music, and Media, there is a club to fulfill every student’s niche interest.
Joining clubs is a great way for students to explore new things as well as learn more about things they are already interested in.
Ella D’lima (10), said, “I wanted a balance between volunteer based clubs and also just fun clubs.”
Joining multiple clubs is something D’lima was interested in, saying she “wanted to sign up for more clubs than last year.”
Being a part of a variety of clubs during high school will allow students to engage with fellow students and potentially find their passion.
Service clubs make it easy for students to explore their different interests in a community. Students have the opportunity to get volunteer hours and make important connections in the fields they’re interested in. Clubs like the Community Care Club, Little Red Dog ANHS and Laura’s House share their missions with students and give them a chance to support the causes they care about.
Extracurricular clubs allow students, who aren’t a part of any other programs the school offers, to create communities with people who share similar interests. These types of clubs are one way for students to engage and form relationships on campus. The Photography Club, Film Appreciation Club and GSA are all extracurricular clubs that are a part of Aliso’s registered clubs.
Melody Moeinzadeh (12) Co-President of the Link Crew Club said, “There seemed to be a lot more clubs than last year, which is always great to see!”
Clubs like the Link Crew Club help facilitate the entrance of new students and are involved with the S.T.E.P.S. program at Aliso.
Academic clubs are an important part of what Club Rush had to offer. Academic clubs help students improve academics outside the classroom and compete with other schools intellectually. Clubs like Model United Nations, Mock Trial, Science Olympiad and the STEM Club let students explore other academic endeavors within a community.
Academic clubs are an easy way for students to explore potential college majors and even careers.
In the coming weeks clubs will hold their first meetings of the school year. Students who missed Club Rush can still attend meetings and exchange information with club presidents to become a members.
Another Club Rush will be held at the beginning of next semester as new clubs can be introduced during the spring semester, giving students a second chance to create and find clubs centered around their interests.
