BMUFSD: Briarcliff High School Holds A Club Fair

Press release from the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District:

2024-09-05

One of the best parts about high school is participating in after-school clubs, where students can expand their horizons, learn new skills and form new friendships.

Although small in size, Briarcliff High School boasts 38 official clubs, with several unofficial clubs as well, each one offering opportunities to connect with other students with a shared interest.

The school held a club fair yesterday, where students could learn about all the different after-school club offerings.

Students who are interested in film can participate in Future Filmmakers Club.

“It’s a really fun club,” said junior Em Anderson. “You get to be part of the process of making films; you can be a writer, an actor, an editor, or anything related to film.”

Similarly, those who love the theater can participate in the Bear Bones Club.

“We write our own skits and perform them – the club can help bring out hidden talents,” said junior Jasmine Behr. “And we have staged readings later in the year.”

Students who are interested in serving the community can participate in the Special Olympics Club, where they can take part in the Polar Bear Challenge fundraiser, as well as other events outside of the school, according to club President, senior Will Alenstein.

Students in Habitat for Humanity help build houses for those in need.

Senior Kristen Friedel, has not worked on houses yet, but she participated in walks to raise money.

“I like the walks because they are down by the water,” she said. “I hope to be able to help with building houses this year.”

Students who wish to make connections with people in their community can participate in the Inter-Generational Alliance Club and visit local senior living centers.

“The club is fun, the meetings are laid back and it’s a great way to get community service, but more than that, you leave the meeting knowing that you are doing a really great thing. It’s an easy way to make someone’s day,” said club President, senior Sophie Tanios. “Visiting the senior citizens was a really good bonding experience.”

The Girl Up Club focuses on women’s issues and empowerment and is open for students of all genders.

“I like learning about the women’s issues that are discussed at the club,” said senior Matt Lawler, who is one of several male members of the club.

According to sophomore Lily Ahmed, the Gay-Straight Alliance Club is open to everyone and generates a sense of community.

“We are very respectful and chill and mostly discuss how to make the school a safe environment, and spread awareness and destigmatize the LGBTQ+ community,” she said. “It’s nice to meet people who want to help make the school environment safer, and we hold fundraisers and bake sales and have field trips.

Some clubs have a more academic aspect to them.

“Being on the Debate Team gives you great public speaking skills that help with school presentations,” said club president sophomore Bianca Jain.

Students who enjoy coding can participate in the Coding Café Club.

“It’s a great place for people interested in coding, but also those who just want to chill, hang out or do homework,” said sophomore Luke Joseph, who serves as co-president with senior Teddy Schwartz. “A key part of the club is that we almost always eat chocolate-covered pretzels at our meetings.”

Chocolate-covered pretzels play a big part of the Robotics Club as well, according to sophomore Julianna Wang, who is one of the co-presidents.

“If you’re not sure if you like robotics, try it out,” she said. “It might seem confusing at first, but after a while, things start clicking in, and it’s really fun.”

Food is also a big part of the Asian Club.

“The most fun part of the club is for everyone to get together and be able to bond over Asian food, games and other activities,” said senior Caitlin Lee, who is co-president with junior Joleen Rodriguez. “It’s a great way to learn about so many Asian cultures; we celebrate Diwali, Lunar New Year and more.”

Click below to learn more about the clubs:

https://www.briarcliffschools.org/uploaded/personal/11400/23-24/Club_Booklet_23-24.pdf

This press release was produced by the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.