By: Birkilee Cochrane

Clubs are an important part of students’ and teachers’ lives. Many students miss out on fun and creative activities because they don’t know about some of the clubs available at Salem High School. Raising more awareness to clubs and the friends that can be made is necessary. Sophomore Olivia Wimmer said, “All students should have a chance to express them creatively. It is a key part of high school and the learning experience”.

Students can benefit greatly from being in an after school club. In these clubs, students are given opportunities they normally would not have outside of school. Students can learn new skills and develop social, emotional, cognitive and academic development. 

Coach Dorian Lowder, who sponsors Esports, said, “Seeing freshmen come to my club and find their place and have friends they can bond with is a heartwarming experience.” 

Students may feel like they have nowhere to go, but there are clubs for everyone that bring a place of teamwork, similar interests and special skills. Clubs can bring people together and help a student who may feel out of place have somewhere to fit in and have fun.

Abby Love, a sophomore, said, “Being in a club gives me a chance to find friends I can talk to in and out of a school environment and that’s a hard thing to find.”

SHS has plenty of options for clubs including baking club, Business Professionals of America, guitar club, board games club and more. Clubs can vary from a fun after school activity to a team of students working together to learn a skill. 

Lowder said, “Here at Salem, I’ve seen students with so much musical talent, a karaoke club would be a chance to let students get out of their comfort zone and show off their vocal talent.”

Clubs are available to all students and many do not know what they are capable of. Joining a club can bring a sense of belonging and sense of purpose. A sponsor can act as a guide and students will develop new skills. You will never know until you try! Clubs that are available to get involved with include: Lions Unified, SLNN, Art club, Esports, National Honors Society,  Disney Club, Spanish Club, French Club, Military Club, Theater Club, Archery Club, Baking Club, Guitar Club, Science Club, BPA, Hobby Club, FFA, Tri-Hi-Y, SADD, Archery Club, Booster Club and Journalism/Photography Club.