High school sports serve as a way to develop your abilities and potentially attract college offers. Clubs like ACES or DECA allow you to show off your intellect, plus they look amazing on a college application. Finding the right group for you can help you follow other passions.
Clubs can offer students a sanctuary to interact with people who have similar values and interests. Junior Kyla Schulz joined Student Impact after hearing about the club from her older brother. Ever since her freshman year, Schulz has been an active member of the student-led Student Impact club and works diligently to spread the gospel to students.
“Normally we break off and read a passage in the Bible, sometimes highlighting verses,” Schulz said. “We then reunite and share if someone wants to and end the meeting in a prayer.”
Student Impact members emphasize that anyone can become a part of their group, even if they do not have a previous relationship with God. They are allowed to express their feelings, share their experiences and even question their faith.
Student Impact meets every week on Wednesday after school and has events throughout the year, like community outreaches and holiday celebrations.
There are other clubs that allow students to express their authentic selves, like the Gender Sexuality Awareness Club (GSA). GSA is a student-led club that meets after school every Tuesday, and it offers queer students and allies a place to connect and express themselves. Art teacher Emily VanDelinder-Birchfield is in her first year as the GSA adviser.
“I’m excited to work with and give folks a space to be and feel safe or feel welcome,” VanDelinder-Birchfield said.
VanDelinder-Birchfield applied to be the GSA adviser because her experience in the roller derby community allowed her to meet a diverse group of people.
“Hearing their experiences and what would be good or supportive was something I was listening to,” VanDelinder-Birchfield said.
She believes that having a safe space for LGBTQ+ members to be themselves is important.
Whether you want to spread a message or find a place to feel secure, Kaneland has a club for you with dedicated members.
