While school events shine on center stage, the real magic happens behind the scenes. Leadership takes many forms at Darien High School, but few roles are as essential to student life as school club leaders. From the posters on the walls, to meaningful weekly meetings, to events and activities like Trunk or Treat, the impact of clubs are certainly visible to our school environment. But oftentimes, the backstage contributions of club leaders goes unnoticed: managing behind the scenes to make an impact many may never realize.
Our student run clubs at DHS are a source of community and interest for hundreds of students. Ranging in subject, activity, and involvement, these clubs offer students an opportunity to explore their passions and make an impact. But what goes into managing these clubs?
Club presidents are faced with a plethora of responsibilities. Organizing meetings, outlining club agendas, and brainstorming activities are all part of a club leader’s job–all while maintaining membership, of course. As students, usually juniors or seniors, this can be a balancing act. Often maintaining sports, schoolwork, and other responsibilities at the same time, being a club president is an admirable position that requires a level of commitment and organization.
But for these leaders, their interest in their subject makes it all worthwhile. Senior Eliza Bach, Co-President of Min
dful Moments Club, says that running a club is less of a job, and more of a privilege. “I love running Mindful Moments because it gives me a sense of purpose but it’s also relating to a subject I’m passionate about. I definitely recommend it,” Bach said.
As the school year begins, a large part of the job of club leaders surrounds setting goals for the new club season. For some clubs, this involves maintaining and advancing their club objectives. Senior Meggie Moles of Mindful Moments said their goal this year is to “help DHS students create healthy habits and coping mechanisms. We also want to be a safe space where people feel comfortable discussing their mental health.” Keeping club members excited about the subject is another task at hand–senior Kate Barnard, Co-President of Book Club said this year will focus on “engaging the members in discussions during our meetings and encouraging students to take more time to read for enjoyment.”
But for other club leaders, their goal for the upcoming year goes beyond their own leadership- rather, ensuring their club has a lasting impact after they leave DHS. Senior Chloe Adams, Co-President of Book Club, said “a goal for this year is to recruit more underclassmen members to our community. We would love to see Book Club continue to expand in the upcoming years”. Part of this lasting legacy includes maintaining membership, specifically of members willing to take over this role of club president. Barnard said, “I hope that before I graduate, we will find people to take over our leadership roles in the club. I also hope that the new leaders will embody the same passion to spread a love of reading.” Senior Charlotte Palen, President of American Sign Language Club, says the long term commitment of a club member is crucial to potential candidacy for this role. Though Club Fair just passed, the opportunity to join is always available; students can reference posters around our school or the DHS Club Directory for more information.
Aside from the organizational tasks of being a club leader, the rewarding–and sometimes surprising–benefits make for an incredibly lively experience. The interactive and causal nature of clubs allow people to connect in unexpected ways. Adams says her favorite part of running Book Club is “being involved with a group of students that I wouldn’t necessarily have been able to meet otherwise.” With Munchkins and laughs, the vibrant and accepting atmosphere initiated by our club leaders transform early morning meetings into fun gatherings with friends.
The dedication of our club leaders goes far beyond their visible contributions; it truly enhances the fabric of our school community. We thank them for providing spaces where students can make new connections, pursue their passions, and most importantly, have fun.
