Oliver Ames offers over 50 clubs to the students, ranging from DECA to Games Club. There is a club for everyone, so if one club does not interest you, keep exploring the options. Being involved in a club connects people, builds a strong community, and gives everyone something to do. It may seem like a hassle to attend meetings every week, but in reality, it is a small commitment with a big impact. Being able to bond with people who have the same interests as you is relieving, which is why people should join at least one during their high school years.
¨I believe that clubs are an essential part of any high school culture, and how we spend our time after 2:25 can make just as much of an impact on our growth and development as what we do during school,¨ Principal Cavanaugh said. ¨We want every student to have a sense of belonging at OA and clubs and activities provide opportunities for students to connect with others and explore their interests in our community.¨
Due to the pandemic, clubs were put on hold, or they were done virtually. After interviewing advisors of clubs, 22 responded back with the engagement of their clubs along with how Covid impacted the dynamic of everything. The pandemic caused the connection between individuals to weaken since clubs could not meet face to face. As a result, participation and engagement decreased, and it took awhile for things to kick back up again after the return to in person school.
There were still restrictions on what advisors could do with their club members due to Covid. And, some students were concerned about participating in clubs and events due to safety and health concerns, which is completely understandable.
¨People are less aware about DECA now than they were before Covid – mostly because all the competitive events were canceled for the past couple years and there has not been much word-of-mouth advertising since no one went anywhere,¨ said Mrs. Sweeny, the advisor of DECA. ¨Last year, there was a virtual competition but many of the members – especially last year’s seniors – opted not to do it.¨
Even though Covid affected clubs, some teachers have seen a decrease in participation even before the pandemic began.
¨Pre-Covid, I had 10 or more active students each year, but even before Covid, it was dropping off,¨ said Mr. Schussler. ¨Overall, the level of student engagement at OA has dropped a lot in the past three years, and a ton since 10 years ago, when most students were involved in at least one activity besides sports. Students now are very isolated – even pre-Covid, and tend to keep to themselves and not feel compelled to be a part of the OA community.¨
Although the last two years have been rough for students and staff, many advisors are glad to have everyone back together in the same room because it creates a stronger community and bond between members. I was able to talk to a few advisors whose clubs are going well pre-covid.
¨The meetings are back to normal, but last year during Covid, we had to have the meetings virtually, and they were quite difficult to conduct due to the nature of the club being a mural club. We are happy to be back to what we do in person, painting murals on the wall, beautifying the school one mural at a time!¨ – Ms. Shea
¨Our meetings have actually grown since pre-covid years.I think last year when things were virtual it gave students a chance to see what Math Team was about without having to attend a meeting in person. Most of those students who virtually participated last year decided that they enjoyed Math Team and have continued to participate in person this year! There is also more energy this year during our meetings and competitions, which I think comes from a place of being so excited to have things back in person and almost back to normal after such a crazy couple of years!¨- Mrs. Schleicher
¨Last year we met remotely on Wednesdays and discussed books and projects. This year we are able to meet together to recycle, plant succulents in upcycle containers, and this week we will try paper making. The group is happy to meet in person and be active again.¨ – Mrs. Donahue
Along with advisors, students are also excited that clubs are up and running again because they missed being able to connect with their classmates.
¨Covid was definitely tough on our school community, but my club mates and I are thrilled to be back up and running,¨ said Senior LaraEler Rossow, who runs Club United. ¨This year, for Club United, we have been able to participate in a car wash, a story telling at the middle school, and we are planning a workout class as well, which we are all looking forward to.¨
It took awhile for clubs to kick start back up again after the pandemic because students were burnt out. Having to go from remote learning to in person learning was an adjustment for us all, but it is safe to say we are all back into the swing of things.