During freshmen orientation at the beginning of the year, principal Todd Dain encouraged students to get involved and join at least two clubs or activities. From September 8th to September 10th a chance to let students sign up for clubs, called Rush Week, was held in the cafeteria. This took place before school started and typically five different clubs would set up a table each day. During Rush Week freshmen were given the opportunity to attend The Freshmen Activity Fair.

The Freshmen Activity Fair was held during seminar on September 9th. This fair gave students a chance to learn a bit more about clubs and what they do. Tables were set up around the Auxiliary gym, filled with colorful signs, stickers, and some candy. The goal of the Freshmen Activity Fair is to encourage students to join at least two clubs, out of the twenty-seven clubs available, and to get involved outside of school times.

The Activity Fair gives freshmen a chance to meet other students and connect with them, they allow students to branch out and create or join a community.

“It sounded really fun and like a community builder,” freshman Georgia McClain said.

Clubs are not only a great way to meet new people, but to also get a chance to discover all the cultures that make up South.

“I joined OLA club, and it’s all about just like, more hispanic culture and, like, learning Spanish. “ freshmen Brooklyn Senatore said.

Students are free to join any clubs they are interested in.

“There’s no requirements to join,” McClain said, “which I think is really important.”

The Freshmen Activity Fair is a great opportunity for freshmen to join clubs and learn necessary team-building skills early on. This benefits students in more ways than they may realize.

“So all the research shows that kids who are more active and engaged in activities..” Associate Principal Kris Meyer said, “those kids tend to have better grades. They tend to have better mental health. They tend to have other success in life down the road, getting careers.”