Claire Cho ‘28 and Joy Kim ‘28
This year, the St. Mark’s community embraced several new clubs alongside its existing options, offering a wonderful catalog for student sign-ups. Clubs provide spaces to share unique interests and develop projects enhanced by collaborative effort. The Community Life Fair, which took place on September 18, allowed students to explore the various organizations. Students of all forms gathered to browse posters brought by club leaders detailing objectives and plans. With options involving books, technology, film, and community service, students could find organizations that connected with their existing interests or encouraged them to try something unfamiliar. Many such clubs have already launched, with exciting plans in store. As members begin working together, students have the opportunity to contribute their own ideas and turn shared interests into meaningful activities. These activities also bring together students from different grades who might not otherwise meet through their classes or athletic teams.
The Library Ambassadors club has expanded to Library & Digital Learning Ambassadors; students who love reading and organizing may reshelve books. Keeping books in their proper places makes it easier for students to locate materials for coursework or independent reading. The expanded club also offers members opportunities to build technological skills, bringing together an interest in books with an interest in digital learning. Film Club offers another way for students to connect through a shared interest. The Film Club comes together to watch movies and share snacks, providing a fun, memorable experience and a chance to relax together. Events hosted by the club include outdoor movie nights and weekend trips to the cinema, allowing members to rewind from academic and athletic activities. Watching a movie together gives students a shared experience to discuss afterward, from a memorable scene to differing interpretations of a character’s choices. Non-profit organizations such as Educate Lanka offer moments for students to connect with communities outside of the school, fostering global citizenship and cultural engagement. Educate Lanka encourages students to look beyond the campus and connect with communities outside St. Mark’s. Participation offers an opportunity to consider how students’ time and collaborative efforts can support others. Alongside clubs focused on recreation and campus resources, organizations like Educate Lanka make service and cross-cultural engagement part of the range of experiences available to students.
Starting a club requires initiative, but sustaining one also relies on the enthusiasm and commitment of its members. The commitment takes shape through regular attendance, participation in planning, and a willingness to help with the practical work behind each activity. These organizations invite students to take an active role in shaping the experiences available at St. Mark’s. Together, these organizations reflect the variety of interests within the St. Mark’s community. They create spaces for students to contribute in different ways, whether through maintaining a shared resource, bringing people together for a film, or participating in service beyond the school. As the year progresses, these clubs have the potential to become lasting parts of the school, encouraging future students to bring their own ideas to the community.