By Jackson Wedel, Staff Writer
C.K. McClatchy High School held its annual Club Rush event on October 1. During the event, various clubs set up booths in the lunch quad to motivate students to join clubs and share important club information.
Before the event, ASB leaders expressed an interest in using Club Rush as a way to develop a more inclusive school community.
“I think the most important function of Club Rush is for students of various backgrounds to find something that fits them,” said ASB Treasurer Ema Dang (‘22). Vice President Leevi Symister (‘22) agreed, saying, “New students and old ones are able to come together and see what the school has to offer.”
COVID restrictions made planning the event somewhat difficult. Dang explained she originally wanted it to be in a larger setting so it could be more open. While last-minute changes to the plan forced organizers to move the event from the basketball courts to the lunch quad, leaders were optimistic about their ability to comply with distancing requirements. Ultimately, tables were organized and spaced out enough for students and club leaders alike to feel safe.
53 clubs participated in the event, representing an incredibly diverse range of interests, hobbies, and causes. Students working at each of the booths involved were given passes to leave their fourth-period classes early so that setup was completely finished by the time lunch started. Then, students of all grades and interests spilled into the lunch quad to examine the various clubs.
Club leaders reported a significantly different experience this year as compared to previous years. “It was more organized,” observed CSF Vice President Ryan Tang (‘22). “It was actually more tame this year than previous years — maybe more well-organized, maybe there were more teachers around so people weren’t as crazy.”
Students also thought the event was more well-run than in previous years. “It was really easy to find all the places, and it seemed like everything was well put-together,” commented Livian Hui (‘22).
Moreover, ASB’s initial intent in sharing a sense of community throughout McClatchy seems to have been fulfilled. “I think overall, Club Rush is a really good experience for school spirit. It just really helps everyone find extracurriculars and things that they might find interesting in the future career-wise,” said Hui. In particular, the event served as a way to help encourage underclassmen to truly join the overall McClatchy community for the first time. Tang noted a significant freshman presence at the event, remarking, “I enjoyed seeing the lively new students come to McClatchy and participate!”
Overall, the primary purpose of Club Rush as an event has always been to allow students to enjoy their time at school as much as they can. Dang said, “I just want Club Rush to be the most fun for everybody. I know people haven’t been able to meet new people during COVID, but now, with all the new clubs, there are so many great ideas out there that I just want everyone to find something that they like and have a chance to meet new people that they don’t encounter on a day-to-day basis.”