DePaul Prep continues to grow and expand, specifically through the numerous clubs available. The school has over 20 existing clubs and that number continues to grow. This year, students are still discovering new interests and passions to the point where 11 new clubs were formed.
Some of the most popular clubs are Computer Science Club, Engineering Club, Sports Media Club, Animal Care Club, Film Discussion Club, HOSA, Ram buddies, Fishing Club, Middle Eastern Club, Women in Sports Club and Crochet Club. These 20 new clubs are currently in a trial year, meaning if the clubs get enough engagement throughout the school year, they will become a part of DePaul Prep’s long list of clubs.
Assistant Director of Student Activities Britt Parker, has worked at DePaul Prep for six years. Throughout all her years at DePaul Prep, she has seen the community expand in so many ways, especially through club engagement.
“It is really cool to be able to offer such a wide range of things for people that fit people’s specific interests, ” said Parker.
Clubs are a great way for students to get involved both academically and socially. Parker has seen that they bring people together. She believes that finding a club that suits your specific interests means that you will find new friends and create new bonds.
Director of Student Activities Chris Petersen, has also seen DePaul’s club range grow rapidly. Petersen believes that the club community is a huge part of DePaul Prep’s identity.
He said, “It’s important to let students try out new interests and connect with other students with the same mindset. Sometimes those clubs become some of the most popular clubs on campus, like baking club or ski and snowboarding club.
For some, clubs create actual communities. It can be a place where you find others that share the same interests and passions as you.
DePaul Prep’s first animal care club was introduced this year. The club meets every three to four weeks and is service-based and informative. Member’s main goal is to help with animal related service activities. At meetings, members discuss how animals in the community can be helped as well as possible service projects for the future.
Junior Logan Hayes was one of the main students who contributed to the start of this club.
Hayes wanted to start this club to spread awareness about how the community can help animals as well as allowing students at DePaul to easily give their own aid on top of being informed.
He said, “I have two cats myself and have volunteered at places like Paws and the Anti-Cruelty Society for years and wanted to share my passion for helping animals while informing others about how they can help too.”
Hayes’ favorite part of the animal care club is all the service projects members are planning. Currently, the group is planning a donation drive in December for the Anti-Cruelty Society, where students will bring in supplies to donate to all the animals.
Another popular club that was introduced this year is HOSA, Health Occupations Students of America HOSA is an international student organization that helps promote career opportunities in the health industry. The early preparation provides students with leadership training, professional development and opportunities to compete in healthcare related events.
Sophomore Breakthroughs Ajayi is the president of HOSA.
She said, “I was interested in starting a HOSA chapter to prepare for a career in health, to be able to network with current health professionals and to participate in health competitions in order to gain recognition for the knowledge I gain in this club.”
The club is a great way to learn more about medical professions and acts as a guide for those interested in pursuing a career in the medical field.
Animal Care club and HOSA are just two of the eleven clubs introduced at DePaul Prep. This is just the start, students and staff should expect to see many more new clubs in DePaul Prep’s future.
