From preparing future healthcare workers, to bringing up important worldly issues such as climate change and gender inequality, clubs at WHS are not merely building community, but also giving students the tools they need to speak up, lead, and make a difference beyond the classroom.
Many student leaders begin by joining a club they find an interest in, later stepping into a leadership role as their involvement grows.
“I was inspired to join Girl-Up because it seemed like a fun club and a good group of people,” said sophomore Emma Murphy. “I liked the overall mission behind the club, which is to empower girls to ‘lead’ in education, the economy, and various programs. I wanted to contribute to that cause, which motivated me to step into a leadership role.”
Another student-led group on campus focuses its efforts on positively impacting the environment through the community.
“I would describe SEA [Students for Environmental Action] as a club for students who want to support the environment through hands-on action and meaningful community projects,” said junior and vice president Ricky Pomianek. “We focus on initiatives like cleanups, sustainability efforts, education, and advocacy that goes beyond simple fundraising to make a direct impact on our school and community.”
SEA’s work goes far beyond simply raising awareness; it involves a mixture of volunteer opportunities, advocacy, and education.
“Throughout the year, we do a combination of legislative work, including lobbying and working closely with our state representatives,” said junior Oliver Levitt, co-president of the club. “We also do various forms of volunteer work and host learning initiatives within the school, such as informing people on composting and recycling, in hopes they will implement those ideas into their daily lives.”
In contrast to advocacy-focused groups such as SEA, other student organizations put an emphasis on career readiness and skill-building. Well known around the school, DECA remains busy after the fall kickoff, with a calendar that is full of competitions and development opportunities.
“DECA participates in competitive and non-competitive events throughout the school year,” said junior Sophie Sima, member of the club’s Executive Board. “The competitive events are known as Districts, States, and then Internationals. Our executive board attends non-competitive events as well, such as developmental conferences.”
Beyond those competitions, the club also emphasizes real-world skill building.
“Students in our chapter are involved in all sorts of similar chances to expand their learning beyond the classroom through starting non-profits, researching companies, and improving crucial life skills such as networking and public speaking,” said senior DECA president Nate Ko.
While some clubs have long-standing traditions at WHS, others are more recent and bring in fresh opportunities for students to become leaders.
“HOSA [Health Occupations Students of America] is a club for anyone curious about healthcare or medical careers,” said HOSA co-leader and junior Mahika Gandla. “Our mission is to spark student interest in different areas of health sciences and help them explore what they might want to pursue later in life.”
Rather than putting limitations on strictly learning in the classroom, the club puts an emphasis on hands-on work in real-world professions.
“Through different events such as Dental Science or Clinical Laboratory Science, students are able to learn about these real life professions at a greater depth than they would in class,” said HOSA co-president Anjali Misra. “They are able to learn the skills it takes to go into these professions early on, helping to build a positive image surrounding healthcare or a possible career.”
Beyond all of these clubs’ initiatives, members say the real impact is felt within the created community.
“Members build meaningful friendships with people who share their same goals and passions,” said Girl-Up co-president senior Sienna Zerola. “Through meetings, fundraisers, and discussions, students connect with each other while contributing to a bigger cause giving them a break from the stresses of school life and helping to make a positive difference.”
Across these clubs, students describe environments where their work and personal connections go hand-in-hand. For many, the relationships formed have become an additional perk to their experience.
“DECA has allowed me to meet both mentors and friends, especially with students of other classes that I wouldn’t have previously met,” said junior Sawyer Jacobson.
At their core, these clubs create inclusion and encouragement, urging students to get involved however they can.
“Students interested in getting involved can reach out to any current Girl-Up members and even take on small roles in the club, such as coming to a few meetings or helping out at our fundraisers,” Murphy said. “By having discussions about the meaning of the club, students can learn more about gender equality and how to express that.”
