The S-Building courtyard was packed: eager students made their way around the booths, hearing insights about each club and their purposes as they wrote their names down on prospective email lists. Students were able to take a look for themselves exactly which clubs they felt they would belong and enjoy being in. Meanwhile, energetic and passionate club officers gave brief introductions, persuading fellow peers to join. The student body is so fortunate to have such a wide array of options to join: service, culture, hobby, advocacy and so much more.

Among these clubs, many students visited some of the largest service clubs on campus: Interact Club, Key Club, and Leo Club. As many debated which to join, some also wondered about their differences. These three service clubs, although different in titles, have a common thread interwoven: serving the community. All three clubs give back to the community by volunteering at local events and hosting special projects. Some events they help at include a variety of walks supporting a cause, local elementary school fun nights, carnivals, and other festivities. The club meetings for the three organizations all consist of games to help members bond. Announcements for volunteer event signups are also made.

Interact Club, sponsored by Rotary International, meets Tuesdays in the CTE building. This club has exemplified its motto, “Service above self”, by focusing on community and international service. One example of a project it completed last year was the Hashtag Lunchbag. Interactors joined together to pack sack lunches for the homeless and lower-income families, enclosed with a written note of encouragement in each. Arcadia Interact Club belongs to a larger district, connecting it with other high schools in the area.

Key Club is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club and meets Thursdays in the CTE building. The club’s motto is “Caring– Our Way of Life”, and it focuses on leadership and character building while also participating in service events. Key Club is also part of a larger division and is closely connected with other Key Clubbers in the area. Members are currently raising funds for the UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) Trick-or-Treat project to raise money for young victims of natural disasters.

Last but not least, Leo Club is sponsored by Lions International and meets Fridays in the CTE building. The club name stands for “Leadership, Experience, Opportunity” and strives to help Leos grow as a person through these fields. They volunteer at various local service events and assist the Lions Club with any help they may need. This year, it is launching The Arcadia Giving Campaign, aimed towards promoting service in the Arcadia community.

These three clubs, unique in their own way, have found their niches at AHS. Although possessing their own different qualities, they are strongly held on the pillars of character and service. If you are interested in joining a service club and giving back to the community, check out any of the three clubs!

Photo Courtesy of TRAVIS CHEN