Club Rush is no easy task to run or attend. Much like an actual rush, all the planning and time invested lead to one singular moment. Although Club Rush is an enjoyable event, a significant amount of work is put into creating the best environment for new students. This event aims to bring students closer to their peers as they embark on the journey of high school, helping them discover the careers of their choice.
Through Club Rush, students witness the benefits of a united community working together to build one another up and support each other in their pursuits. While the main focus is on freshmen finding clubs that interest them and spark their hobbies, all new and returning students are welcome to attend and find joy in being there. The Large Gym hosts Club Rush, where rows of booths set up by club leaders and previous participants showcase their clubs. The gym is adorned with decorations and attractions, providing a real and immersive experience for attendees.
Entering Club Rush, the process of joining a club is made easy. Students can sign up for clubs by adding their names and email to the respective lists. Upper St. Clair takes pride in its diverse community, where students can create their clubs and present them to multiple club leaders and Stuco for approval. The school offers a wide variety of clubs catering to different interests and qualities, each with its own meeting styles, from interactive practices to academic-based classroom meetings.
A new club founder, Izzy Lin, reflects on the benefits her club, Global Minds, brings to students and the foundation of her club. Izzy emphasizes, “We are building intercultural friendship within Upper St. Clair and destigmatizing cultural bias.” Global Minds, like many other clubs, enables students to form deeper connections both globally and within the high school community. Izzy acknowledges the effort she puts in as the club founder to create meaningful moments for students.
Feedback from participants like Storey Gruden, a freshman, reflects the positive impact of Club Rush. She describes it as “fun and full of exciting opportunities,” expressing her enthusiasm for joining various clubs and feeling more included in the school. Noah Levine, a senior and super mentor, emphasizes that Club Rush facilitates freshmen in making unexpected friendships.
Grace Larsen, a newly elected club president of Future Teachers of America, appreciates Club Rush for promoting her new club. She mentions, “Since we are a new club, it helps people learn about us and get more participants.” Grace’s club focuses on shaping a path for students interested in pursuing education as a career.
In summary, Club Rush is a challenging yet rewarding event, as seen through the perspectives of new freshmen, super senior mentors, and club organizers and founders. The different angles shed light on the effort put into organizing booths, setting up the gym, and communicating with participants. The benefits of clubs and hobbies are crucial for students in the long run, fostering bonds among students and setting them up for future opportunities. With over 100 clubs at Upper St. Clair High School, Club Rush opens doors for students to explore various paths and connect with experienced upperclassmen and guiding teachers. This school-wide event builds confidence in students attending and running programs.