Typically in the first semester, PPCHS freshmen are always so eager and anxious to join one out of the many clubs that Charter has to offer. Whether it’s Key Club, NEHS (National English Honor Society), Model UN, or another organization, the Jags always make an effort to show up and show out. Outside of the Debate club, there’s a bigger question in the air right now regarding which clubs the students tend to draw the most attention to. So, students from the classes of 2025 and 2026 gave some input to make club decisions a bit easier:

Anjali Yalamanchi- Junior 

As she is the Village Mentors’ director, Anjali Yalamanchi can confirm that “Village Mentors” is a perfect first club for underclassmen to join. She clarifies “It’s not a National Honor Society but it comes pretty close to one.” According to Yalamanchi 30-40 people attend the club on average. Out of every club, Village Mentors seems to be her favorite due to her ability to help kids in broad countries, promoting global literacy. She says, “You get to choose any country you want.. You’ll be paired up with a student in those underprivileged countries. Weekly, you can choose whatever day and time suits you the best, and then you can mentor them. You earn two hours per week!” 

Sneha Matthews- Junior

“I think one of the most popular clubs is SGA (Student Government Association),” Sneha Matthews expresses. Currently in her junior year Matthews has joined HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), NEHS, HIP, and now is taking on a new position in the American Red Cross club. With having experience in clubs, she believes they “Give a chance for peoples’ ideas to be heard.” In general, the junior stated how “It really depends on what [underclassmen] plan for their career in the future or what they’re [particularly] interested in.” In that way, they can find the perfect club for themselves.

Sarah Martinez- Junior

Sarah Martinez believes that the NHS (National Honor Society) club will become well liked this year just based on past outcomes. During her second year of NEHS (National English Honor Society) and NAHS (National Art Honor Society), she admired how honor societies in general impact a student. Martinez said “NHS provides a lot of benefits for members and looks good on college applications, so of course people will want to join it.” These hands on clubs tend to not only allow students to try new things but they also do exceptionally well on college applications.

Aanya Wadhwa- Junior 

Member of Science Olympiad, Mu Alpha Theta, and Military Leadership club, Aanya Wadhwa believes that there are a few clubs that would leave the most impact on the students. “Key club due to how much [I’ve] heard about it and seen people in their spirit shirts on Friday” or “[Any of] the National Honor societies,” she states. Wadhwa has also realized they are “Popular due to how many subjects there are to choose from, making it a popular choice to join.” For a more niche skill specific club, Wadhwa recommends “MLC (Military Leadership Club) to help with leadership skills.” Broadly, Wadlhwa noticed that no matter what, joining any of these clubs will just make the high school experience so much more special for them.

Jada-Li Drummond- Junior

BBBS (Big Brother Big Sister) member Jada-Li Drummond has gained a significant amount of prowess when mentoring, she is able to serve as a role model, and she has been able to help the students with homework at East campus K-5. With her knowledge and experience, the junior generally feels that “Clubs are important because [they can] bring people with similar interests together and build a community.”

Sophia Flores- Junior 

With her commitment to many clubs, Sophia Flores feels that the most common club students gravitate towards is the Humane Society. “I always see photos of my friends volunteering at Humane Society events, and the interest meetings are always packed,” she states. When it comes to meeting new friends, Flores emphasizes that joining clubs is a great way to connect with others: “I’ve met some of my closest friends that way. It gives you something to do after school.” 

With it being Charter’s 25th year open, over the course of time each student has encountered different experiences and levels of appreciation for the clubs here at PPCHS. No matter what the case may be, each club will always welcome the new members and continue on each of their club’s legacies.