Month: November 2018

On October 12th, C.K. McClatchy partook in the annual celebration of Oktoberfest, hosted by German Club. Typically there’s a big turnout, with lots of people showing up for the different German foods and treats. However, this year was different.

Each year the club and their advisor, Frau Templeton, plan weeks prior to the festival, making decorations and preparations. At the event, they sell goods like bratwursts, drinks, treats, and meals in order to raise money for their club.

According to a junior that attended the festival, there was a crowd of around six people, which, while exaggerated, seemed to accurately describe the overall feeling of the event: unexpectedly small and under-attended.

It wasn’t just students that took note of the lack of a crowd at the festival. Spanish teacher Señora Tapia mentioned not even knowing there was a school event going on.

The cause behind Oktoberfest’s small turnout and earnings is solely based on one thing: advertising. Advertising in McClatchy is complex; no one seems to take note of the posters on the walls during passing period unless they’re huge, bright, and excessive. If the advertising poster lacks some of these traits, it’s unlikely that it’ll wake any student from that groggy zombie-like trance they embody as they walk from class to class.  

Other means of advertising on campus include students going from class to class, hoping the teacher will be kind enough to let them interrupt their class for a few moments to share their news. Or, there’s always the morning announcements, which is a dangerous choice as in most classes it seems like no one listens to them.

“We thought more people would show up then who actually did and it was a little rough. We definitely expected a bigger crowd but sometimes it be like that and at least we all had a lot of fun,” said German club president, Olivia Vinding (‘20).

“Next year we hope to see more people coming out and supporting our club.”

Ultimately, Vinding claimed, “We could’ve advertised the event better, but otherwise it went pretty smoothly.”

Fall Rally North is an annual Key Club event hosted by Key Club International to raise money for The Pediatric Trauma Programs (PTP). It at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo. Key Club members from hundreds of school in Northern California and Nevada gather at Six Flags to celebrate key club, experience new things, show off their spirit, help raise money, and celebrate funds raised for a great cause.

Many of our own CKM members attended. “My favorite part of fall rally was the high amount of spirit that all of key clubbers showed. I also enjoy the fact that we were able to attend this event and have fun while also fundraising for Pediatric Trauma Program and serving our community,” CKM Key Club president, Christy Zhao (‘20) said.

At the rally, all divisions get to have a spirit chant off and win the spirit stick for their division. Divisions take turns showing off their chants in hopes of making it to the second round, third round, and even winning the spirit stick. Divisions can also bid on Division Lieutenant Governors (LTGs)  who are the overall representatives of each key club divisions. They are auctioned off on stage and could be purchased with the money divisions raised for PTP and spend some time with the LTGs.

After the rally, members were allowed to do as they pleased at Six Flags. Many went on rides, met other club members, and got into spirit battles.

“Throughout the day, I met like-minded individuals and created friendships throughout the state that will last a lifetime,” said McClatchy student Julia Cheung (‘20).

Key clubbers met up with hundreds of other members guaranteeing some long-term friendships.

“Meeting my friends and spending the day getting hugs reminded me of what I was really there for, the love and joy of service I share with others,” said Summer Riaz, a member from Division 27N in Stockton.

Others had similar experiences. Rachel Zheng, from Division 2N in Oakland, said, “I got to meet a lot of new people, make new friends, and support a good cause at the same time! If you join your school’s Key Club, you definitely won’t regret it!”

Another Key Clubber and a neighbor of ours, Courtney Luu, of Division 7S from Franklin High School in Elk Grove, said, “I love meeting people and participating in the spirit battles. I think others should join because it is not only an opportunity to do community service, but to become a part of a family.”

Key Club is an open club, and always encouraging students to join. Through key club, members are able to volunteer and serve their community. Key clubbers can attend fun events like Fall Rally, District Convention, awakeathons, dances, and other fun spirit events.

“Being an active member of key club no matter what area you come from, we all constantly work towards the same goal,” said Miri Shanelle, from Division 23 in Reno. “With this club and going to FRN, you learn from your peers on ways to be a leader and learn new ways to better your community in order to make change. If you have the chance to be apart of this club take that opportunity. You’ll never ever feel alone with key club and at FRN.”

Key Club is one of the biggest clubs and long-term volunteer opportunities locally, domestically, and even internationally. Key Club is a family and Fall Rally North is another extraordinarily fun spirit event. New members are always encouraged, welcomed, loved, and will be in on all the chants. You’ll always be asked, “How do you feel?”