Evelyn Rile (11) and Gavin Backers (12) get information during club fair about open mic club from Luke Patterson (11). / Natalie Feldkamp | PHOTO EDITOR
By Caroline Baber | Staff Writer
September 24, 2024
Anderson has a variety of clubs that are often overlooked by students. From playing euchre to rock climbing to robotics, Anderson offers a diverse range of activities for all different interests. These clubs provide students ways to connect with others who share the same passion in a school environment.
Open Mic Club, run by Mr. Walla, is a space where students can share song writing, poetry, or short stories, all while building lifelong relationships with peers. They grab a chair and gather in a circle; then, everyone shares something they’ve been working on.
“It’s basically a show and tell for grown ups and high school students that want to share some piece of work they’re working on,” Mr. Walla, Open Mic Club advisor, said.
They meet in room 221 every Monday after school. This club welcomes anyone who is interested, and all you have to do is show up.
“Even if you don’t perform, [and] you just want to watch other people perform, you are more than welcome to hang out,” Walla said.
Another option for students is Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). This club has weekly devotions before school on Tuesdays from 7:20 to 7:50. Students can connect over their personal beliefs and meet more peers with similar values. This club is run by Mr. Szabo, a math teacher at Anderson, as well as Jonathan Howard, who is the minister at Bridge City Church. Their student leaders also include Charlotte Renard (10), Ana Luthy (11), and Brendan Lands (11).
“Any christian kid that wants to come can just show up,” Szabo explained.
Contradictory to the name, this club isn’t just for Christian athletes. Anybody interested in growing their faith can show up, as there is no attendance.
If you are interested in volunteering around town, then Anderson’s Key Club is for you. This club travels around Anderson, gathering service hours. It prepares students with lifelong citizenship skills, getting them involved around the community. Key Club meets once a week every Thursday after school for 30 minutes to an hour.
“I’ve met new people, and I’ve had time to hang out with little kids,” Grace Barker (10), Key Club member, shares.
If interested, you can scan Key Club’s barcodes hanging around the hallway or reach out to Mrs. Miller, the Key Club advisor, in room 211.
There are many other clubs that appeal to different types of interests and people. Visit the Anderson High School page on the Forest Hills website to learn more.