Dons Gather for a Successful Club Rush

Santa Barbara High School’s Club Rush took place in the quad on Thursday, Sept. 25. This annual tradition offers  students the opportunity to explore a variety of clubs and organization groups available on our campus and spark excitement within our community. The quad was filled with tables, posters, and student members eager to share their interests through countless school-approved clubs.

From clubs devoted to helping our planet to clubs where people can have a creative outlet, there was a club for just about everyone. Club members handed out flyers, candy, and stickers while answering questions and promoting their clubs. By the end of Golden Time, many club sign-up sheets were filled with multiple pages of names of students ready to join.

 Milli Hamilton is a member of the Smiles United club, which focuses on making a space where you can socialize with the special education program through lunchtime activities. Hamilton said that club rush is a, “Great way to show what you have to offer through fun groups that you are passionate about. It’s a way to make every kid feel special and seen.” Ethan Maday, president of the Environmental Advocacy Club, said, “The goal of our club is to help students interested in helping our environment get their voice heard.” Lena Flackler, vice president of the Environmental Advocacy Club, explained how, “Clubs are important because they help people connect with other students with similar interests and passions.”

Many clubs returned this year, including the Storyteller club, Surf Team, and Hiking club, to name a few. All clubs welcomed new and returning members. The Students for Survivors is a new club whose goal is to raise awareness and educate the community about human trafficking while also helping provide summer internships and letters of recommendation for college applications.

For many freshmen and new students, Club Rush is a great introduction to student life and community outside of the classroom. Every year it creates a way for students of all grades to get to know each other and bond over shared interests. Staff often point out that clubs help students build leadership and teamwork skills that they will carry beyond high school. For students, the sense of belonging is the star. Whether you join one or 15, everyone has a place in Santa Barbara High School clubs. By joining a club, students can enjoy a rewarding year on campus due to new connections and experiences.