By Robert Gamble

The GVHS Statement of Vision maintains, “It is the vision of Garnet Valley Board of Education to create a premier school district which offers quality programs and instruction to students of all aspirations and abilities.” 

Under this philosophy, all high school students are encouraged to explore his/her interests and passions in a cultivating environment. As such, all students at GVHS are encouraged to discover their passions by participating in activities and classes that speak to them. So, it should be of no surprise that our school bolsters such a large amount of student-run clubs and organizations—some of which are even nationally recognized! 

As a current senior in high school, I can tell you from experience that if you are really looking, you will find a club or class that tailors specifically to your interests. I began high school completely unsure of what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be. However, through the many trials and tribulations of club testing and class samplings, I eventually realized that I had a true passion for leading and helping others. Although I can’t guarantee that you will share this same experience with me, I am confident that through enough self-reflection and exploration, GVHS will guide you towards your hidden passions and interests. 

Seeing the importance of extracurriculars and the many benefits they hold, I hope you will consider getting yourself involved in such activities. Many of the most popular and successful clubs at GVHS have done an outstanding job of steering prospective students towards a deeper understanding of themselves. However, there are many smaller clubs at our school which you may not even be aware of. I know I wasn’t! The clubs featured in this month’s “Club Spotlight” are Programming Club, Photo Club, YAG Club, HERE Club, and CrossFit Club. Each of these fantastic extracurriculars specialize in an entirely different subject of interest, and hope to share their passions with you! 

I know from personal experience that participating in clubs may come as an afterthought for some high school students because they appear to take you away from time you can use studying, hanging out with friends, or relaxing. However, clubs at GVHS genuinely are an incredible opportunity to get a feel for what it’s like dedicating yourself to a specific field of interest. So, unless you are a person joining clubs for the sole purpose of college application boosts—something I would STRONGLY advise against—this article may actually end up introducing you to a club that will re-route your entire future! 

Programming Club

The GVHS Programming Club serves as a unique place to discuss advanced computer science topics including: algorithms, data structures, graphics, and game design. With competitions serving as a main component of the club, as a member you will have the opportunity to participate in online platforms such as CodeForces and compete in local competitions like PClassic at the University of Pennsylvania. Although programming competitions do serve as a main focus of the club, multiple facets of programming and coding will be explored throughout the year. 

While students who already have prior coding experience are recommended to join, the GVHS Programing Club accepts all students who have an interest in exploring programming and its unique opportunities! Overall, the Programming Club is an incredible opportunity for students who are curious about computer science and its further applications beyond what is taught in high school.

Please contact nathanchen@garnetvalley.org for more information 🙂 

Photo Club: 

Photography Club or “Photo Club”, meets every E day. As a member, you will explore the various techniques used in photography, work collaboratively on our photography composition, and learn how to effectively capture a moment in time! Additionally, Photo Club hosts monthly challenges where members may submit original photos for our “theme of the month” (including themes like holidays, portraits, and colors). Challenges like these are an excellent opportunity to practice the techniques we learn during club meetings. Our club also offers the chance to go on fun field trips in the fall and spring! In the past, we have visited places like New York City and Longwood Gardens, where we experimented with different settings and captured our memories through photography. 

This year, we hope to share our enthusiasm for photography by expanding our club and community; we can’t wait to have you join us. No prior experience is required! 

Please contact fionalam@garnetvalley.org for more information 🙂 

YAG: 

The Youth and Government club (YAG) is an award-winning student-based model government club in association with the YMCA. Members of YAG begin the year by choosing which branch of government they will compete in (judicial, legislative, executive, press) and then work the entire season towards an epic four-day States competition in our State’s capital! As a member of our team, you will learn invaluable speaking, researching, and teamwork skills which you can apply to all of your future endeavors in high school and beyond! 

YAG is looking for prospective students who are passionate about expressing their voice and cultivating change in the world they live in. YAG accepts all students—at any level of experience. So, whether you are the best debater and speaker in our school, or perhaps a shy student looking to gain confidence and share your ideas in an open and judgement-free environment, YAG is the club for you! 

Please contact MorganDempsey@garnetvalley.org for more information 🙂 

HERE Club:

HERE Club, short for Humanity in Race, Ethnicity, and Equality, is a club devoted towards racial justice at Garnet Valley. We are heavily involved in school affairs ranging from our High School 101 classes to our Perspectives Campaign and Heritage Month celebrations. At meetings, we discuss current events, ongoing projects, and new ideas to spread awareness of different cultures. Recently, we’ve even collaborated with administration to assist with producing this year’s professional development for our faculty centered around proactivity for cultural awareness both in the classroom and throughout the district.

Regardless of race, anyone willing to stand up and do their part towards leading our community towards less prejudice is welcome! We meet every other Thursday in Pimentel’s Learn Zoom – drop by and we’d love to have you join us! 

Please contact racheljason@garnetvalley.org or Mr. Pimentel (pimentd@garnetvalley.org) for more information 🙂 

CrossFit: 

CrossFit Club allows members to learn how to lift in a comfortable environment with constant feedback. To that end, we teach a variety of different moves, workout types, and strategies, so members are able to confidently train alone. But while it prepares members to work out independently, CrossFit Club is special in that it provides regular group workouts, which create a new level of intensity, motivation, and teamwork. The best thing about CrossFit Club is that students of all skill levels can join. If an athlete wants to get stronger during the offseason, CrossFit Club is the perfect opportunity to do so. 

If a student has absolutely no experience with exercise or weightlifting and wants to learn, CrossFit Club is a great opportunity. The only necessary quality is a desire to stretch the limits of what the body can do. 

Please contact RamseySmith@garnetvalley.org or text @gvcros to 81010 for more information 🙂