GPHS Club Interviews

In this article, Teagan McNamara interviews advisors and student members of three clubs at Grants Pass high school including: Brain Bowl, Key Club and Anime Club.

Grants Pass High School Club Interviews

By Teagan McNamara

Even with the new year, there are still many ways to get involved with extra activities and clubs at Grants Pass High School! In all, there are 23 clubs on campus, which gives options and variety to students. Every month, Teagan will be featuring three clubs to interview.

Brain Bowl

Brain Bowl is an academic club where students compete against other schools in the area, based on academic knowledge.

Advisor: Brandi Wright

President: Rayna Grant

Meeting times: Mon. and Fri. from 3:30-4:30

Location: Room 210

The Brain Bowl tournament is an academic competition where students from local schools compete by answering questions to win points. Categories like geography, literature, art, math and science are just a few of the subjects in question.

Brandi Wright, the advisor of Brain Bowl says, “I’ve enjoyed mentoring these students. I’ve had a handful of them on my Brain Bowl team for the last seven years (starting when they were in the 6th grade @ South MS). It has been wonderful watching them grow in a variety of skills: teamwork, perseverance, collaboration, communication, and independence.” Advantages for students who join the Academic Team include receiving diverse knowledge, valuable life lessons, and meaningful experiences. Students get the chance to apply what they are learning in Brain Bowl to their classes.

Rayna Grant, president of GPHS Brain Bowl says, “This is my first year as president and I'm super excited for this season. As president, I am also our varsity team captain, which is a super cool opportunity. We're currently putting together our teams, so seeing where everyone is at and who works well together has been really fun. We're all super excited to see how we do at our tournament this season. There have been divisions of champions the past two years. This year is my first year as team captain. I'm super excited for this season and we're all hoping to continue our winning streak.” Rayna first started Brain Bowl when she was in middle school with Mrs. Wright. Then, in high school, she took over the team. Every year since then, she has loved being a part of Brain Bowl. She also mentions the great friendships both the varsity and JV teams have.

Join Brain Bowl to compete against other schools with your knowledge.

Photo credit: Brain Bowl Events

Key Club

A service organization that is connected with the Kiwanis. Develop leadership skills and help the community.

Advisor: Alicia Morales

President: Sarah Beckstead

Meeting times: The 2^nd and 4^th Wed. of each month during Lunch (Meetings always have pizza!)

Location: Room 233

Key Club is an international service organization that is student-led and community-oriented, providing opportunities for students who participate in community service to build character and gain leadership skills. At Grants Pass High School, \ Key Club students are involved in working with local food banks, participating in street clean-up initiatives and community holiday events, along with so much more.

Ms. Morales, the advisor of Key Club, says, “This is my second year advising for Key Club and I do it because I enjoy giving back to my community. I am glad to guide students to opportunities where they can service their own community. It gives me so much joy to see them having fun, working with others, and making connections with different organizations. The students really enjoy it, and that is the best part of being an Advisor.” If anyone is interested in volunteer work and giving back to their community, then this would be a great club to join. These are students who are not only fulfilling their hearts and souls but also joining a club with a great opportunity to make new friends and have new experiences. Students that are interested in college can add Key Club to potential scholarships.

Sarah Beckstead, president of Key Club, says, “My favorite part of being in Key Club is the opportunity I get to serve others. Our club is a community service club and I feel like I’m able to make such a difference through each event. I also just love the community of Key club.” She joined Key Club as a freshman. Now, she is a senior and it has been such a wonderful experience that she is truly grateful for.

Join Key Club to help our community with given opportunities for new experiences.

Photo credit: Mission Statement

Anime Club

Anime Club explores many different aspects of Japanese culture, while students discuss their common interest in anime.

Advisor: Elaine Rozell

Student: Ash Santos

Meeting times: Every Wed. after school from 3:30-4:30

Location: Room 211

Anime Club is a group of GPHS students who are interested in anime. The club started several years ago to assemble together to "inform people about the Japanese language and culture and to express and acknowledge how you feel about anime". Over time, the club has changed, depending on the focus of the officers. The club recently has included anime trivia games, anime character of the week, origami and drawing anime, as well as watching anime.

Elaine Rozell, the advisor of Anime Club, says, “I think it is important to have an opportunity for people with similar interests to gather together to learn and share about other cultures and hobbies.” Anime club welcomes anyone who wants to join-- which includes all types of students. This club is a safe environment where students' schedules allow them to attend whenever. Many people enjoy this club and this is a fun place to experience anime with others.

Ash Santos, president of Anime Club, says, “My favorite part about the club is definitely the community we have, we can all just be ourselves while hanging out while our common interest. Everyone at the club has become my family.” They joined the club in Sept. of 2021, which was the beginning of their sophomore year. Ash enjoys this club very much!

Join Anime Club to learn more about Japanese culture and share an interest with friends.

Photo credit: CMIT Academy

Sources:

Grants Pass High School club students and advisors

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