By Simranpreet Kaur and Kathryn Burke, Staff Writers
Poly’s annual club rush creates plenty of buzz between students as they decide what clubs to join.
Club Rush was a great experience and a huge success this year. Not only were so many students involved in creating a fun atmosphere for everyone to enjoy during lunch, but they also left many students inspired to get more involved on campus. These activities are especially important because they allow students to develop new skills, like public speaking with Mock Trial, exploring the arts with Theater, or diving into science with Physics Club. Each club helps introduce the student body to new topics and experiences that are essential for becoming well-rounded learners. Our clubs also give students the chance to gain real-world skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication all in a fun, collaborative environment.
And why join a Club?
Poly has more than 51 clubs, and while that number might seem overwhelming, the variety ensures that there is something for everyone. Whether it’s “The Romantics Society,” which focuses on poetry and prose, or “Amnesty,” which supports global human-rights efforts, students can find a group that matches their interests and beliefs.
Clubs are also a great way to explore hobbies and potential career paths. “Mock Trial,” for example, introduces students to law, giving them courtroom experience that strengthens their public speaking skills and often inspires them to pursue legal studies in college. The “Red Cross” club allows students to earn CPR certification, learn medical skills, and explore health careers, while giving back to the community by helping save lives.
Joining clubs is one of the best ways to stay involved at Poly while preparing for future success. Clubs build community and help students connect with peers who share similar passions, leading to lasting friendships and even networking opportunities. Membership also helps students stay college-focused: research shows that involvement in school activities improves college outcomes by developing key skills such as time management, leadership, and responsibility. Participating in clubs teaches students to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and balance busy schedules. Beyond academics, clubs foster problem-solving abilities and confidence, qualities that can set applicants apart during college admissions. At Poly, we take Club Rush seriously because it plays such a big role in keeping students engaged and motivated.
During Club Rush, we spoke with several club representatives to better understand their goals.
Video Crew is formed through the Film/TV Production CTE pathway. Both the class and the club provide a space for students to learn about cinematography, the behind-the-scenes work of production, and how to create films. Using school cameras and editing software, students can bring their creative visions to life. Porter McCandles, president of Video Crew and a four-year Film/TV Production student, shared that the ultimate goal is to help students recognize that “there’s so much video always happening,” and that being able to “make fun stuff” is an important skill to learn and enjoy.
Red Cross follows Poly’s health pathway and offers students hands-on experience in the medical field. Members can become CPR certified and learn about health and human anatomy. When asked what impact she hopes the club has on the community, Samantha Reed, president of Red Cross, said she hopes the club provides students with “the opportunity to explore and discover” the medical field.
The Romantics Society focuses on exploring experiences, emotions, and poetry. The club encourages students to deepen their understanding of life and human connection while trying to “reinforce the love for writing and reading.” Club president Simranpreet Kaur explained that the group “strives to support the inspiration and creativity of poetry,” aiming to create a relaxing space “they can enjoy.”
No matter what club students choose, the representatives we spoke with all agreed on one thing: they want to create a welcoming and safe environment where everyone can have fun. Poly students have the freedom to find clubs that match their passions or even create their own if one does not already exist.
A glimpse into our Club rush participants.