Hundreds of students gathered in the breezeway in a rush of anticipation as they awaited for the doors of the cafeteria to open for the annual club fair. A beloved event planned by Pines Charter’s Student Government Association (SGA) with the goal of allowing club representatives to showcase their club and organization to the student body and encourage their participation.
As groups of students took turns walking inside, they were greeted by the warm faces of their peers who proudly stood next to their club board. Ranging from leadership to performing art organizations, the variety of clubs at PPCHS got represented with every step taken. As the labeled path curved and students made their way from booth to booth, phones swiftly scanned the interest form QR codes in hopes of soon becoming a member.
Club fair has become a sensation within Charter’s community bringing to life the different groups that makes the extracurricular environment so unique. Underclassmen especially have found the event a gold mine for what they hope to be an opportunity to join and grow within a club‒and possibly become the future leaders. Freshman Elyse Valentin shares that club fair, “was a fun way to find what clubs the school has to offer. I found it helpful because I now know which clubs I would like to join!”
For the upperclassmen, this is the very last time they get to promote their club before passing down the torch. Allowing themselves to reminisce on their first time discovering clubs that they are now the representatives for. Similar feelings were felt among seniors like Kaitlyn Oramas who recalls, “walking this same path as a freshman and now I’m representing NHS as president. It’s bittersweet, but mostly sweet knowing I’ve been able to grow within something I’m so passionate about.”
It marked the earliest date in the history of Club fair with the intention of having students investigate their passions earlier in the year so they know exactly what organization they would like to join. With just three weeks to plan and execute the first event of the year, senior Club fair co-committee head Xavier Ried-Morgan explains, “The positive impact that it left on Charter is getting these kids exposed to all of these new and interesting clubs. That was our goal.”
At the end of the day, when the rush calms down and clubs start to pack up, the impact left behind was positive on both sides. As Senior Robertzah Joseph describes, “Students can find clubs that fit with their hobbies which can help them make new friends and build their college resume. And the ambitious students who start clubs get more traction when social media falls short.”
This year’s club fair was able to successfully unite the student body and encourage students to take the initiative to grow within passions. Whether it’s honor societies, class councils, or the creative arts, there is a community for every jaguar here on the Pines Charter campus. Every table, every club board, and every student served as an important piece to the kickoff of this brand new school year. Go jags!
