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A Freshman Perspective: Getting Involved at Valparaiso High School

Mikaela Karolzak is ValpoLife.com's #1StudentNWI representative at Valparaiso High School. For her first story, Mikaela wrote about the importance of being involved in extracurricular activities and highlighted some of the clubs offered at VHS. Ideas in Motion Media is looking to hire one student at every school in Northwest Indiana to share the good news at their school. Click here for a full description of the position. If interested, send an introductory email to share@nwindianalife.com.

Starting high school . . . it’s one of the most exhilarating yet terrifying experiences you will ever face. I always thought high school was when you finally became an adult and got treated like one, where you got a glimpse of who you really are and what you want to be. However, most of the time those itty-bitty freshmen (such as myself) don’t know what to do when they step in this gigantic new high school world. Frankly, on my first day I forgot where the cafeteria was, could barely open my locker and was so scared of being late I ran to all of my classes. But, with the confusion and the fear of getting lost or not fitting in, comes an even higher level of excitement and anticipation of what great things are ahead of me. As freshmen, we finally have the freedom to explore and take advantage of new opportunities on our own. And the quickest way to do that is to join something new.

So that means, even if I am scared of rejection or just afraid of coming out of my comfort zone, I need to put myself out there and see what I can find. Thankfully, VHS happens to have so many activities/clubs to choose from I happily began looking around. Here are some popular clubs that I thought most of my fellow itty bitty freshmen and upperclassmen would enjoy at VHS:

~Educational~

Academic Competitions - For hard-working students who have a deep love of learning and a heart for competition Academic Superbowl is a six-event intellectual competition that is held in the state. Students shall be selected for their expertise and interest in each event.

Spell Bowl is an academic spelling competition. Students are selected by their success in spelling.

Math Competition is an academic mathematics competition. Students shall be selected by their mathematic skill.

Speech and Debate is a vocal competition based on your success in certain events, which is either a speech event or a debate event. Students are judged upon their creativity, speaking ability, and how well they followed the rules and guidelines of each event.

Quiz Bowl is an academic competition where two teams go against each other in answering questions in all ranges of subjects. Students will be chosen by their academic ability and by how they represent the school.

Science Olympiad is a science organization/competition whose goal is to improve the quality of science education and create a passion for the subject itself. Students should be eager to learn and share their knowledge of science, and willing to cooperate and work as a team.

Academic Decathlon is a nationwide academic competition where each team member will compete in 10 events (hence the name). Students are only eligible if they’re Juniors or Seniors, and will be ranked on their GPA.

Language Clubs - For students who want to understand and appreciate other cultures through their languages French Club (Le Cercle Francais) is a club made to provide French students with other cultural activities outside of the classroom, which will include movies, trips, and other enrichment of the French culture and language. Students are only eligible if they have taken one year of French, and must be curious and willing to learn about the French culture.

German Club is a club which purpose is to promote a deeper understanding of the German, Austrian, and Swiss cultures. Any student who is interested in the German language and culture is eligible to join.

Japanese Club is a club who is open to any students enrolled in Japanese classes. The whole point of the club is to get a better understanding of the Japanese culture.

Latin Club is a club whose intent is to create an appreciation and clearer perception of the Latin culture and language. Anyone interested in the Latin culture may join.

Spanish Club is a club that allows students to experience the Latin American and Spanish culture, and is open to anyone who is interested.

~Community/Reaching Out~

-For students who want to help out/improve their environment, their community, and themselves A.O.K. (Acts of Kindness) Club is a club whose mission is to create a happier environment for the VHS community. Open to any students.

E.A.C. (Earth Awareness Club) is a club teaching students about the environment and how to improve and maintain it. Any student interested is allowed to join.

Hope Club (which also can stand for Helping Other People Excel) is a club mainly about participation in the social lives of physically and mentally handicapped students/others. Open to all students.

Key Club is a student-led organization which gives students opportunities to provide service and learn leadership skills. Any student may join.

L.E.A.D. (Leadership, Empathy, Accountability and Discussion) is a leadership and student empowerment program, where students mentor younger kids and give them advice in how to get over challenges. Students who are interested should join, and may be further selected for certain opportunities.

S.T.A.N.D. (Socially Together and Naturally Diverse) is a diversity club made to go against the prejudice and injustice just because we all are different. This club is open to any student who wants to join.

S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) is a club made to educate students on the danger of drinking and driving, and other conflicts most teenagers could face. Open to anyone who is interested.

~Other Interests~

-For students who want to have a good time with people who can relate to their interests and also focus on their passion

Art Club is a club dedicated to art and all the aspects of it. Any student is allowed to join the club.

Drama Club is a club made to give any student a chance to show their talent in performing, producing, and directing in theatre. Anyone is able to join.

Gaming Club is a club designed to enhance critical thinking and strategic skills through games. Any student is eligible.

As you can see, at VHS there truly is a place for everybody, even the itty bitty freshman like me. Like I said before, high school is where we can grow and learn who we really are and what we want to be. So take this opportunity to explore an interest, try something new, and make new friends. So go and get involved today!