The vast options to join a group at Spalding are mindblowing. In addition to many active sports teams, we boast a large catalog of clubs available to all students. With many choices comes hard questions. Why should I join a club at Spalding? What new clubs should I join? To answer these questions, we interviewed the Director of Student Activities, Mr. Medoff.
Joining clubs builds relationships and memories that last for many years, possibly for life. Mr. Medoff states, “What you will take with you 10 to 15 years down the road are memories that are going to last, are going to be the ones you build in your clubs. So while education is of course important, it is the social side of things that you get with clubs.” Socialization is very important in life, especially in high school, and clubs provide an extra incentive to stay in school and be active during high school.
Students also have the power to create new clubs which can help them further their interests, or discover new ones. According to Mr. Medoff, “The Ping Pong Club, the Design Club, the Pasta Appreciation Club, the Cards for Hospitalized Kids Club, the Future Doctors of America Club, and the Cooking Club have all just started up this academic year.” Some of these clubs even help students give back to their community. For example, the Cards for Hospitalized Kids Club makes cards for kids in the hospital. A card is a simple method that provides a world of difference for someone who could be having a very hard time in the hospital.
Many Spalding clubs are connected too! If a student joins the Pasta Appreciation Club, that student might be motivated to join the Cooking Club. Curiosity can push students’ boundaries in positive directions, and can even inspire them to learn new things.
Having a club to participate in provides students with new ways to express themselves. Mr. Medoff also said, “If you’re joining a club that you’re very comfortable with, it’s an opportunity to develop relationships and share your passion with other like-minded people. There’s also the opportunity because there are so many options to get outside of your comfort zone. It’s twofold; it can further your passions and help you build up relationships, but it also can help you discover new passions and build new relationships.”
Belonging to a club can also have a positive effect on a student’s performance in the classroom because clubs provide incentives to maintain good grades. Mr. Medoff states, “I don’t have any concrete facts or statistics to give you, so having the motivation to stay on top of your academics is important. ‘I’m gonna be in a club from 3 to 4,’ and I know that ‘okay, 4 to 5 will be my homework time slot.’ It can require students to have time management, it can help you build time management skills.” Being a part of a club provides students with opportunities to learn invaluable time management skills.
On college resumes, anything interesting will make a student stand out. Colleges like to see what students are involved in and how they work with others. According to Mr. Medoff, “Because all of our clubs are moderated by teachers, we are going to encourage them to explore their college options, and hopefully pursue similar club interests at their college. Knowing that students are engaged in their communities is an A+ for any application process.” Colleges will look for students who put themselves out there and clubs are the perfect way to do that.
The faculty and staff have high hopes for providing numerous clubs and want to provide a place where students can grow. Mr. Medoff says this rather wisely: “We’re hoping to help our students develop a sense of comradery and community while at Spalding that truly carries the motto ‘One in Christ.’ You’re not coming to school from 7:30 to 3:30 because you’re required to, but rather, you’re in an environment where you’re getting to pursue the things you care about, and developing relationships with people who have similar passions.” A good teacher knows that a student is not truly happy or reaching their full potential if they are not exploring their interests with like-minded students. Clubs provide students with the opportunity to relax and find their happy space.
Overall, there are numerous new clubs at Spalding. These clubs are worth joining and looking forward to! There are many reasons why clubs are beneficial to a school’s community, as well as promoting students’ wellbeing.
