This years club fair was meticulously planned by our newest administration member, Mr. David ‘Brotha News’ Muhammad, our new Dean of Students. With over 30 unique clubs, all students are sure to find something that piques their interest.
Anyone with an idea was able to attempt to unify six people to join their group and a teacher, with a room or space to support it, would be allowed to submit a request to make a club of their own. Leaders were encouraged by Mr. Muhammad to create a booth to present themselves in the senior circle to unsuspecting high schoolers.
Mr. Muhammad explained, “Planning it wasn’t too hard. I sent out an email for the students to sign up and that went pretty easy, and I got security to set up some tables.”
The senior circle was filled with an array of tables occupied by clubs. To intrigue peers to join, some handed out candy and other treats that were presented in front of large poster boards, while others chose simpler methods such as print-outs with a syllabus on why to join.
This year’s club fair brought about a few brand-new additions such as the Jewish Student Union that intends to eat bagels and talk about Judaism, and the Muslim Student Association, which works to promote diversity in the Barstow school, educate our community about Islam, create a safe free environment for students to learn.
Asian American Pacific Islander Alliance plans to appreciate Asian history and current issues. The Black Student Union wants to make Barstow a better, safer, and more inclusive society along with the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) run by Allison Orozco ‘23.
There are also a wide variety of academic clubs. Some are focused more on discussion, like Math Club run by Sriram Pattabiraman ‘24, Philosophy Club run by Sina Asheghalishahi ‘23, and Finance Club run by Ava Levin ‘24.
While students might wonder how math club would involve much discussion, Pattabiraman ‘24 offered an enticing brain teaser, “A coffee mug can be shaped into a donut without breaking.” You’ll have to attend a meeting to find out how.
Other academic clubs focus on creating something during their meetings, including Fiction Writers Club led by Finnian Waldron ‘23. Agathon is one of Barstow oldest creative clubs, which plans to create a digital magazine compiling student works including paintings, poems, and other works of art.
Many clubs are also designed to directly supplement instruction, like French Club and Spanish Club, though these clubs are just as much about appreciating culture as they are about speaking the language.
Two clubs in particular seek to develop Barstow students as global citizens. Model UN Club will still simulate United Nations summits and debates, giving students a chance to get different perspectives on the world. Similarly, Amnesty International Club seeks to keep students informed about human rights and have active discussions about global current events.
Other clubs focus on intellectually stimulating games, such as Mahjong Club and Chess Club, or more laid back games like Smash Bros Club and Sports Fantasy Club.
Some clubs are also just about creating a space for students with shared interests, like the Sneaker Club. Whatever a student’s passion, they are sure to find a good fit this year!
