One of the benefits of attending RHS is its rich and diverse educational opportunities. However, it is the extracurricular clubs that showcase the student population’s unique interests outside of class. RHS offers more than 70 academic, social and athletic clubs for students to join. From fishing to frisbee to Future Doctors and Scientists, there is a club for everyone.
Since forming a new club is a relatively simple process, it is quick and easy to get like-minded students involved in a shared interest otherwise untouched by academia.
“This year we have had many students interested in forming new clubs, which is exciting. The Rockville community can certainly benefit from a variety of student clubs and activities to get our students engaged and to help out different organizations in a variety of ways,” Assistant School Administrator Monica Abuliak said.
When a student is interested in forming a new club, that student must first secure a teacher sponsor. The student, with the help of a sponsor, fills out a new club form which discusses the purpose of the club, the target members and when and where the club is going to meet, as well as what types of activities the club will pursue. The club also needs to prove beneficial to the RHS community. Finally, administration must approve the idea to officially establish the club.
Senior Manny Essien was surprised by how easy it was to form a new club. Essien co-formed the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as a way for student athletes to come together in a religious setting and celebrate their Christian faith through athletics.
“Starting the club was easy; a couple of friends were already interested in the idea so the club got [off] to a nice rolling start,” Essien said, “My vision was primarily community outreach as well as having a place to talk about our role as athletes through our religion.”
However, one does not need to actively participate in the formation of a club to appreciate its significant contribution to our school. “I think that it would be really interesting to start my own club. It would be a great experience to collaborate with other students with the same interests as me,” junior Sarah DeYoung said.