You’re Not Too Cool For Clubs
February 21, 2020
Upperclassmen often scramble to rack up extracurriculars before graduation. It has become a contest between students to see who can be a part of the most clubs or collect the most cords. While you may look accomplished on paper accompanied by all the pretty colors hanging around your neck, it is important to be an active member in each club you join and make the most of your time there.
Senior Gene Gubatina is the president of six clubs here at Carolina Forest and shares his input on the matter. “Clubs enable you to make friends with those who have a shared common interest and goal. Not only that, you can foster change in your school, community, and the world.”
With the vast amount of clubs at CF, many students are not aware of the requirements to join and the benefits that come from membership. Involvement in clubs and honor societies often provide opportunities for scholarships and networking.
Along with the various other clubs offered on campus, juniors and seniors have the ability to apply to honor societies, which give them national recognition and unique cords, unlike regular clubs.
National Honor Society has more difficult requirements to meet, but it is an impressive addition to a student’s high school resume. You must have a 3.8 weighted GPA, 45 hours of community service accomplished during high school, a few teacher recommendations, and no serious disciplinary reports. Membership fees for juniors are $15 and fees for seniors are $25, including costs of cords and stoles.
There are also a variety of other honor societies you can join depending on which subjects you enjoy. For instance, there is National English Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, National Social Studies Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, National German Honor Society, and National Art Honor Society. Despite some slight differences, most honor societies have similar membership requirements to NHS.
It is a great honor to be active in any of these programs and be a part of something bigger than yourself. Students can run for office, contribute ideas, carry out events, and get others involved with the cause. Many members find satisfaction in having the chance to lead and stand out from the rest.
For those who do not meet the requirements to join an honor society or do not want to put forth the extra effort that is sometimes involved, CF has plenty of clubs to join that will still look good on college or job resumes. For example, Anchor Club is a service organization for those who want to volunteer in the community. Panther Ambassadors, another club, allows you to work events like new student orientation and give tours of CF to new students. Applications for such clubs are more relaxed and have less restrictions than the honor societies.
It is always a good idea to try new things and diversify your academic life with extracurriculars. I have made several new friends and been a part of countless enriching experiences at CF that I would not have known about if it was not for clubs. Whether you are a freshman or a senior, there are plenty of clubs for you to join here at school.
With this information in mind, think about which clubs you qualify for and which ones peak your interest. Now get out there and be a part of something new on your journey through high school!
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