The Asian Culture Club at Watauga High School was started by Eli Bishop this past year. In the short time it has been active at our school, it has brought in many members. They meet monthly, and members give presentations on various Asian countries or they participate in a cultural celebration. This year, they have had people give presentations on both Vietnam and Nepal, and they have celebrated Chinese New Year.

The club intends to provide people with exposure to various cultures. "I started this club because I wanted to educate people about different cultures, specifically Asian cultures, and just to bring culture to Watauga High School," said Eli Bishop. 

The club's advisor, Sam Vining, was approached by Eli Bishop to be the club advisor at the beginning of this year, and he was more than willing to do so. Mr. Vining felt that a place where kids could celebrate their culture and where they're from was important. 

"Culture is the thing that helps us feel at home and at peace in our day-to-day", said Vining. "Growing up in the Appalachian foothills of North Carolina, Barbecue as a cultural food and basketball as a cultural activity were central to my feelings of home and belonging. So for me, it is important for students to celebrate their culture as a way to have those feelings of home, but also as a way to become more culturally aware in our diverse place we call the world."

The club strives to promote a sense of belonging and to create a place where not only people can learn more about the world but also a place where they can freely celebrate their culture.