The annual club fair allows new members of the community to learn about the variety of ways they can explore their interests at Sidwell. This year, the fair occurred on Sept. 18 and brought positive energy into the second week of school. Tables lined the courtyard with music playing and students engaging in lively conversation.

At Sidwell, clubs are fundamental to the student body, as they diversify skills and reveal new passions. Extracurriculars also allow students to socialize with students with like passions, and older students can help mentor younger peers within their fields of interest. Freshman Tilly Donley said that she was “really excited” and “looking forward to future engagement with grade levels other than [her] own.” Freshman Kadence Chambers shared Donley’s sentiment, adding that she wanted to immerse herself in the school community.

Assistant Dean of Students Xuan Wang believes that clubs are beneficial in a variety of ways. “It is empowering for students to see the impact they can make within the school community and beyond, and that can inspire them to do more in the future,” Wang explained.

She added that “in this process, [students] foster new friendships, deepen connections, and hone their leadership skills while finding their true selves.”

At the event, club heads expressed their creativity and gave new students a preview of what their clubs have to offer.

Senior Charlie Sisson, head of the Sailing Club, said that he incorporated as much student interaction as possible by teaching prospective members how to tie a few of the knots needed for sailboats at his table to increase engagement and interest. 

Sisson said he founded a sailing club because he was passionate about bringing sailing to a diverse group of students and growing the number of students interested in sailing at Sidwell. “Mr. Woods was very supportive of me creating this club, because of his passion for sailing as well,” he explained.

Math Club engaged students in a number-guessing game. Each person was given the opportunity to pick a number from 1 to 50, and the one who guessed the largest number that no one else guessed won candy. Freshman Riya Mehta won, taking home 49 pieces of candy.

At the Black Student Union table, there were two games running: a spin-the-wheel style game to win prizes and a competitive cornhole competition.

Freshmen stated their gratitude for the number of club options at the fair and mentioned that it was an improvement from their smaller selection in middle school. 

They are new to the high school, so it is important for them to learn about club offerings and leadership positions.

Freshman Olivia Sisson enjoyed exploring all of the clubs, and she is particularly interested in attending the array of environmental clubs such as Sustainable Fashion Club and Friends’ Environmental Action Team.

Similarly, Freshman Ardahses Hamparian expressed a particular interest in the Pickleball Club, as he had not expected Sidwell to have an organized club for such a specific activity.

Freshman Naima Noelle June also conveyed her enthusiasm for finding a club that expands her interests while also helping her make new friends. To reiterate Wang’s stance on clubs, she believes that they provide a platform for students to do something they are passionate about with others who share the same passion.

 All members of the Sidwell community contributed to the fair’s success.