Cypress High School’s Club Rush brought excitement to campus. Through August 26-28, student-run booths lined up next to the pool, and their peers had the opportunity to sign up for any club that caught their interest. If a student wants to create their own club, they would need to see Ms. Malone in the activities office.
Cypress High’s Key Club is “shinin’ with service,” getting ready to be involved in the community. Junior Crystal Tran, President of Key Club, “Felt like [the club] was a good way to get involved within the community as well as statewide…” Tran explained, “I wanted more people exposed and aware of community events.” Key Club meets in Room 204, on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
Tuesdays in the theater, the GSA club is getting ready to spread more awareness about their community at school. Senior Tyler Hernandez, President of GSA, wants new students to be welcomed with respect and open arms. Hernandez explained that hospitality will be a big emphasis in the club as it’s better to “chill and lend an ear.” The fear of intolerance in the club is inevitable. But, Hernandez hopes new members can be accepting of differences.
Advisor Emily Whiting’s commitment to the Best Buddies club helps build Cypress High School’s inclusion with neurotypical and disabled students. For those with difficulties with socializing, the club allows them to, “have fun and build high school memories.” Best Buddies club also has a side of activism, as school environments sometimes lack awareness of those with disabilities.
Amanda Lu, one of Cypress High School’s counselors, believes that clubs help with school, career, and social aspects. Academically, clubs offer more insight on fields students are interested in. Lu also explained that outside of school and work, clubs are there to foster interest. Whether it is a hobby or something they are passionate about, it is a good way for students to be engaged, learn, and meet other students.
Lu has seen positive impacts from clubs on campus. “[Clubs] open up a lot of doors so that [students] feel close to the community and have ties to campus. That engagement can help boost overall morale.” Lu’s advice for students is to “be unapologetically you.” She wants everybody to know that they have potential, and wants students to step out of their comfort zone, explore, and try new things– because “oftentimes you’ll find that the thing you least expect may have the biggest effect on you.”
The annual tradition of Cypress High School’s club rush truly revealed how many opportunities are available for engagement, passion, and leadership.
