Clubs at Germantown Academy are a way for Upper School students to participate in positive environments that explore their interests. Most importantly, clubs bring the community together by making sure that students are given the opportunity to think creatively, work effectively with other peers, and follow the mission statement. While clubs are still running this year, due to COVID, there have been some significant changes to how they interact with students and the community.
Unfortunately due to the pandemic, clubs are not able to meet as often and accomplish all their goals. Now that the entire Upper School is virtual, it is easier for everyone to attend club meetings on Zoom, allowing groups to share ideas and discuss information. Even though clubs are compelled to follow guidelines, club leaders are developing engaging events despite obstacles.
For example, the Asian American Alliance (AAA), recorded a podcast about family, discussing the cultural and generational similarities and differences between Asian kids and adults. Angie Wang says that “clubs going virtual can be good or bad, but the podcast was a nice way to have a fun and energetic discussion”. Also, the debate club managed to organize a virtual debate competition. Sarah-Grace Coren mentioned that “It was very well done, and we used Tabroom- a video communication site which has many capabilities like options for teams to see results, the side they are arguing for, and many other things.”
However, some clubs have been struggling to find ways to create events in the safest way possible. The Community Service Organization always finds ways to support the community. Whether through toy or food drives, letters to senior citizens, or more, CSO has never failed to show their compassion for the community. However, recently, it has been more difficult to do so. For example, CSO planned a candy cane sale to celebrate the holiday season and help the community, but later had to cancel it due to the Upper School transitioning to virtual learning.
Faculty leader, Mrs. Ayers of the Black Student Association (BSA), mentioned, “we are working on establishing a mentor program between our upperclassmen and freshmen”. Although BSA has not been able to have as many meetings as they would have liked to, she states, “we have been able to have a couple of serious discussions about the political state of the country and how we can better connect as a community”. Mrs. Ayers also goes on to say that they will continue to hold more current event discussions and make sure freshmen feel “part of the fold”.
One student that is very involved in the various clubs that the Upper School has to offer is Sarah Rojas. Sarah is the student body president and an active member of the Community Service Organization. Being involved in many clubs at GA during these times, Sarah had a few things to say about club changes. When asked what the Student Government Association (SGA) and CSO are doing to continue their activities during the Upper School shutdown, Sarah responded, saying that “the biggest step to continuing CSO and SGA is to have weekly club meetings to be able to plan future GA events.”
Clubs have been meeting during the Flex periods, which occur twice in the seven day rotation at the end of the day. Sarah mentioned, “We have received a lot of positive feedback about [these] flex club meetings so much that we wish we had more flex periods to meet!” Due to the lack of time for club meetings during the school day, Sarah added that “SGA is currently working on an after-school club proposal to ensure that clubs can have regular meeting times.” If this were to happen, it would also eliminate the variable of clubs not having enough meetings to plan and carry out normal activities.
Even though clubs have managed to meet during COVID times and plan activities, Sarah mentioned that there have been many difficulties along the way. She claims that “The greatest difficulty right now is adjusting to the different COVID regulations that alter our school schedule. From scheduling club meeting times to organizing senior parking, the changing schedule has definitely made it difficult to get into the normal routine and flow of school.”
Despite these difficulties, however, Sarah stated that “We’re trying to stay positive! While we’ve had virtual or adapted versions of our GA traditions this year, I’m so happy that everyone is still working hard to have as normal of a year as possible.”
When asked about what events SGA and CSO have been able to hold this year, Sarah responded saying, “During this school year, SGA worked on the virtual club fair to get more underclassmen involved in clubs, produced morning meeting videos, and got senior parking back for the seniors!” In light of all the obstacles faced, Sarah pointed out that “CSO has done a great job having their annual Thanksgiving food drive and planning the upcoming holiday program.”
In addition to the successful events that SGA and CSO have already hosted, Sarah says there is more to look forward to in the near future, describing how “In SGA we are currently working to have affinity groups meet and [we are] talking with Dr. Mackean as well to plan a mental health week/day for everyone.” Sarah also ensures that “while CSO’s candy cane drive could not happen this December, we are planning a similar event in the upcoming future!” While conditions for clubs are not optimal at this point in time, Sarah ensures us that the best is yet to come!
Club participation and extracurricular activities are essential in the GA community, as shown in the mission statement. Clubs teach students necessary skills, improve academic performance, and give students a break from worrying about studying and completing homework. While the community is struggling with the pandemic, club leaders have done all they can to make the best experience for each Upper School student. Although clubs may only meet once every other week, it is guaranteed that the time will be utilized efficiently in order to organize future projects. Despite all the dilemmas faced, clubs have persevered and truly proven that the Germantown Academy community does not give up.