On Wednesday, September 17, Santa Clarita’s West Ranch High School held its annual Club Rush Day. At this hour-long lunch event facilitated by the student government, new students could peruse club booths, ask officers questions, and seek out interests to develop in high school. Approximately 20 clubs advertised themselves.
Club Rush Day was a flurry of bright banners and recruitment speeches as existing clubs tried to increase membership and awareness of their organizations. Future Business Leaders of America, Key Club, the Robotics Club, and various other community service and philanthropic organizations were present.
Trisha Magpantay, president a club for outspoken performers and artists called Open Mic, told JSR that Club Rush Day is vital to the school’s non-academic dynamic because “an assortment of clubs is able to promote their organizations to students who still only have a minimal idea of what they are about. Officers are able to hand out helpful information, benefiting both parties– the new members becoming involved and the club gaining participation.”
The club day is the student government’s way of encouraging and supporting students’ growth both in and out of the classroom. Many other schoolwide club events are held throughout the year, such as interclub council meetings, at which representatives from all clubs will convene to discuss how to better appreciate and integrate with each other. At these meetings, fundraising and more promotional events are discussed.
Associated Student Body (ASB) President Jessy Holen stated, “ASB holds club rush because we truly believe that getting involved is vital to the high school experience. Being a part of clubs and making memories with like minded people is what this stage of our lives is all about.”
Many students and newly recruited club members agreed, including senior Dawn Malla, who said that Club Rushes have helped her through her past three years by showing her that there are “clubs for everyone.”
“It’s always fun,” she added, “to walk around and see all of the clubs that are offered at our school.”