It’s no secret that Whitman has an overwhelming abundance of extracurricular clubs. From recreational sporting clubs to the popular heritage-based clubs, we have it all!
Every year, these clubs welcome underclassmen into the new fast-paced high school environment by offering them a place to be themselves and explore their interests. By surrounding themselves with people who share the same passions, newcomers to Whitman can ease into their environment a bit easier, feeling a little more comfortable after every meeting. Of course, everyone has different interests and some of these may call for a more unique, niche club experience. So, that got me wondering: What are some of the most unique clubs hosted here at Whitman? I interviewed representatives from three of what I believe to be the most niche clubs offered at Whitman, asking each the same set of questions.
My first visit was to the Around the World club to interview the president, Sienna Leaver. According to Sienna, the club “meet[s] twice a month (to) discuss a unique culture” with their members. Sienna shines a light on the diversity of the cultures discussed in the club, exclaiming that they “don’t just focus on one culture,” but rather offer a “wide variety of knowledge” by sharing interesting information from many cultures. To give an example of an activity that was done with the club, Sienna looks back on last year’s Dia de Los Muertos meeting, where the members “decorated cardboard sugar skulls… with foil, markers, glue, and glitter.” Furthermore, if anything that Sienna said doesn’t persuade you, Around the World Club also offers delicious food pertaining to the culture that’s being discussed at each meeting.
My next stop was to Lauren Knudsen, Co-president (with her own sister) of the Rescue Paws club here at Whitman. According to Lauren, Rescue Paws helps their community by “giving supplies and (assisting at local) animal shelters.” Unlike any other of the numerous clubs at Whitman, Rescue Paws is the “only club that works with animals,” making it the perfect group for any animal lover. The Rescue Paws even recently made their own dog treats to donate to local shelters!
Finally, I interviewed Sameera Chaudhry, the president of the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) about what they have to offer. Sameera exclaims that by participating in a wide array of school activities, like “red ribbon week, selling candy grams, (and) suicide prevention month”, the club promotes “good decision-making over poor (decision making)” to all students in innovative ways. Sameera addresses a common misconception about the club, that SADD club’s only focus is on suicide prevention. However, according to Sameera, the club just “tries to make a positive environment for everyone” in creative ways. Sameera’s favorite activity is the previously mentioned “selling candy-grams” because they always manage to “put a smile on everyone’s face.”
Whitman has so many different clubs and activities that each offer their own unique experience and activities. Whitman has something for everyone, and I mean EVERYONE. So believe the upperclassmen when they say that their biggest mistake in high school was “not getting involved” sooner.
