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Beyond the Classroom

Extracurriculars Shape Tomorrow’s Leaders

Caleb Park, Sritha Rathikindi, Madeline Jeans and Dwight Erdmann • November 5, 2024

At the STUCO booth, senior Wendy Stephens signs up to help with Homecoming activities the week of Sept. 30.

We’ve selected eight clubs to showcase, but this is just a fraction of the over 50 clubs available. If you can not find a club that interests you, Activities Director T’Shon Young encourages students to create one.

FCA

Senior Tommy Leary encourages students to sign up for the FCA. Leary has been a dedicated member of the FCA for four years, serving as a leader and mentoring younger members. (Allyson Ord)

Senior Tommy Leary was a freshman when his friend and classmate, senior Jack Renner, invited him to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) meeting.

“It was in the morning before school, so it was kind of tough to get going,” Leary said. “I went to [my first] meeting, and from then [on] I was hooked. I never knew that there were other Christians at Clayton, and it was just a great way to connect.”

FCA is a nationwide organization that combines the Christian faith with athletics, whether it’s applying a spiritual context to life as a student-athlete or discussing the Bible. Students gather at FCA’s local chapter every Tuesday during Greyhound Time in social studies teacher David Aiello’s classroom.

“We’ll have lessons where people will share a story that happened to them on the playing field, and having that commonality between all of us is great to learn more about [each other],” Leary said.

Leary is currently leading the club with Renner and another friend, senior John Panzer. He is passionate about FCA as a space for Christian students to express their faith, the importance of the gospel and how it supports them in athletics. Leading the club has helped Leary spiritually.

“When people ask questions about a verse we read, answering those questions has actually helped me to understand the Bible and God better myself just trying to answer to Christians who are curious,” Leary said.

Overall, the club has also encouraged Leary to branch out to different kinds of students — both those who are closer to Leary’s friend group as well as people who are distant.

“I was able to get out of my comfort zone more, be who I wanted to be, do what I wanted to do,” Leary said. “That helped get the word out. It helped people be attracted to that and want to come sit in on the meetings.”

Leary also emphasized how the awareness of FCA was in stark contrast to the club’s reputation today, adding that he often saw other students mock the idea of a Christian club.

“I want[ed] to give Christians a place to express themselves. I want[ed] them to be able to freely express themselves on campus and not be made fun of that,” Leary said. “Anytime I’d hear [the FCA] announcement, someone in the room would make a joke or laugh, and that’s just because back then, it was not really accepted.”

FCA has prepared lessons for members to go through with topics applicable to student-athletes’ lives.

“We talk about [Bible] verses and concepts, and it’s for anyone [that] has questions,” Leary said. “That could be the way you treat your teammates, the way you treat your coaches, the way your attitude is on and off the field, [we help] put a Christian perspective on how you go about athletics.”

Story by Caleb Park

HOSA

The Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) began in March, when seniors Donna Do and Sophia He, along with junior Ashley Ngo, founded it and organized its first-ever meeting.

HOSA is a competitive event that specializes in healthcare. Students learn about healthcare fields, from cardiovascular health to dentistry and the veterinary field, by studying and practicing for tournaments.

“I first heard of the club through friends who attend other schools, like Ladue or Parkway [West]. I heard about HOSAs at their schools,” He said. “It was a community that they truly loved.”

Sponsored by Biology teacher Susan Murray in Room 218, the club meets every Tuesday during Greyhound Time. He was motivated to help lead the club not only by the strong sense of community but also by her passion for the scientific and humanitarian aspects of healthcare.

“I created HOSA with [Do and Ngo] because [of] not only for our passions for health and medicine, but also to expose others as a team to learn this knowledge together and just support each other in our journeys,” He said.

After studying their chosen medical fields, HOSA members compete in tournaments. Students take exams about their subject and compete in a role-playing round where they show their knowledge in front of judges. If successful at the regional level, students can qualify for state and national conferences run by the International Leadership Conference.

“[Competitors] learned this new knowledge. [They] had [career] opportunities they gained through their HOSA community,” He said. “That instantly inspired me because I wanted to unite those with similar interests for health.”

Initially, HOSA’s leadership struggled to gain expertise in the tournament rules . However, the club’s popularity has grown to approximately 50 members.

“Starting HOSA was new to me, [Do and Ngo]. The process of learning the rules and boundaries of HOSA was puzzling, and knowing that we’re behind was scary,” He said. “[But] we were telling everyone about our club [while] starting off, and a lot of people seemed genuinely interested.”

HOSA plans to practice and study for the conferences, invite medical students and professors to share career opportunities and conduct service projects.

“We’re gonna have volunteer projects related to medicine,” He said. “For example, we will be making nurse appreciation gifts or toys for the dog shelter .”

He not only is more motivated to pursue the medical field in the future, but another takeaway from managing HOSA is her strengthened connections.

“I was distant friends with Ashley [Ngo], but I feel like once we started this club together, our connection just grew,” He said. “[HOSA] strengthened our friendship.

Our goal is to better the community. We just want to improve the community while improving ourselves, others and improving our knowledge.”

Story by Caleb Park

Principal's Advisory Club

Principal Dan Gutchewsky stands in front of the high school every morning, greeting students with a smile on his face.

“I do that so students can talk to me about whatever they might need,” Gutchewsky said.

Gutchewsky founded the Principal Advisory Club to foster a direct line of communication between students and the principal.

“I think it allows students’ voices to be heard,” Gutchewsky said.

When he first started the club, Gutchewsky noticed that high achieving and academically driven students attended the meetings.

“I realized that that one group of students was not an accurate representation of the entire student body,” Gutchewsky said.

In response, he asked faculty members to recommend students who would bring a unique perspective to the advisory club. To further its inclusivity, he never turns down a student interested in joining the club to share their input.

“Each student’s voice is valuable,” Gutchewsky said.

Recently, he utilized the club to hear students’ input about adding gender-neutral bathrooms. This year he plans to gain students’ insight on the new phone policy that restricts phone usage.

“This club teaches students to advocate for themselves, articulate their ideas and communicate well, and teaches them how to advocate for others,” Gutchewsky said.

Story by Sritha Rathikindi

Puzzle Club

(Bethany Lai)

Junior Marrisa Baker, founder of the Puzzle Club, has the perfect space for those who enjoy an intellectual challenge.

What is the purpose of your club?

“[The purpose of puzzle club is] to relieve stress, feel more of a part of a community and find people who might relieve stress in a similar way.”

What is your favorite part of the club?

“My favorite part of the club is that I get to do what I enjoy with people who enjoy the same things.”

Why would you love to have new members join your club?

“I think that it is valuable to have new members to expand the club and make it purposeful to the community.”

Puzzle Club meetings occur every Monday in room 106 at 11:30 a.m.

Story by Madeline Jeans

Math Club Q&A

Freshman Sia Girivaru signs up to be a member at the Math Club booth. (Ally Ord)

While many students find math challenging, Rachel Chen, president of the math club, and its 30 members enjoy exploring mathematical concepts and solving equations.

What is the purpose of math club?

“Math lovers get together, discuss problems and prepare for [the] AMC, which is a national math competition in the USA among high schoolers. We are given different problems each meeting, and members are allowed to discuss them. Then I go up and explain how to do the problem [to help us prepare],” Chen said. “Also, most of our members and I are really willing to help students with their math homework or math work if they are struggling.”

What is your favorite part of math club?

“My favorite part of math club is teaching my fellow members. It's one of the reasons I wanted to become the president. Math is interesting when you think about it because there are lots of different ways to come to one conclusion, it leaves a lot of room for creativity,” Chen said.

“Four of our members last year, including me, made it to the next level of competition after the AMC called the AIME, [which is the American Invitational Mathamatics Examination.] [It’s] is a big honor. Luckily, I made it to the next level after that. I am very proud of all of us.”

Why should students join your club?

“Math club lets you meet new people and make friends. Also this club would be good for you if you're looking to go into a math major. If your dream is to go into STEM, you should come to math club because you will meet people with that same dream and drive,” Chen said.

Story by Sritha Rathikindi

Bright Minds Tutoring Club

One of the new clubs entering Clayton High School’s roster this year is Bright Minds Tutoring Club, founded by sophomore Sritha Rathikindi. The club’s goal is to provide tutoring for underprivileged districts at the elementary school level. The creation of the club was motivated in large part by Rathikindi’s own feelings on education.

“Education has always been very important to me. It’s been very important to my family. I think everyone, every child, every person, deserves to have some form of a good education,” Rathikindi said

Creating the club wasn’t easy; it took months of work, piles of paperwork and dozens of emails.

“It has been frustrating when I’m reaching out to schools multiple times and they don’t respond. But that’s fine. I’ve learned to let go of that,” Rathikindi said. “I would say it’s been lots of logistics, lots of reaching out, [and] lots of communication.”

The work put into the club was worth it though because its impact will be widespread and tangible. Fifty students signed up initially, and Rathikindi hopes that the countless volunteer hours given for tutoring will encourage more to join.

“I want us to help as many students as possible [and] as many different school areas as possible. ” Rathikindi said. “A widespread impact and getting students involved at CHS [are] my two goals.”

Story by Dwight Erdmann

French Club Q&A

Among the booths at the activity fair was French Club. One of the co-founders of the club, sophomore Luke Jeans, is ready to keep expanding the club. “Joining French Club is a really fun way to learn about the culture and language,” Jeans said. “We’re excited to welcome new members and continue to do all things French.”

What is your name and job title in this club?

My name is Luke Jeans, I'm vice president, and I founded the club.

What is the purpose of your club?

French Club is about bringing French culture to school, and we do activities like trivia.

What is your favorite part of your club?

My favorite part is our activities because they're often different and fun in ways that you might not think involve French culture.

Why would you love to have new members join your club?

It's a great club, and everyone can join because it's not exclusive. It's just a good opportunity.

Thespian Troupe

The theater program is more than just a stage—it's a sanctuary. For Amelia Lewis, the vice president of the Thespian Troupe, and many of her peers, the theater community is where they find true belonging and a sense of family.

“Thespian Troupe is a club for students passionate about theater arts. That can include anything from acting on stage to designing sets to choreographing to building sets, it encompasses the whole theater process,” Lewis said.

Joining the prestigious Thespian Troupe, founded in 1929, requires induction, which demands active involvement in the theater community. Aspiring members can earn points through various activities such as acting in plays, attending performances, or writing detailed analyses of productions.

“A lot of the people who are in the plays are members of Thespian Troupe. It happens naturally because as you do plays, you earn enough points to be inducted,” Lewis said. “But participating in the production of a play is not necessary to become a Thespian Troupe member.”

The Thespian Troupe brings a great sense of connection and belonging for most members.“It’s a great group to be around. I have found that it's one of the most accepting communities in our school. I think a lot of newcomers will feel that too,” Lewis said.

Fostering a community of up to 50 members, Lewis and other troupe leadership look for ways to keep students engaged.

“We have monthly meetings where we play games related to theater and shows that are happening, which I think a lot of people look forward to and enjoy going to,” Lewis said.

Looking further into community engagement, the theater company has had an average of four productions per year, including a student-run musical conducted at the end of the school year.

“The excitement that leads up to the student-run musical helps [with engagement]. Students are excited about the leadership opportunity to guide their fellow members through a whole musical; it’s a whole feat but something people look forward to,” Lewis said.

Members of the Thespian Troupe participate in various traditions that strengthen their sense of community.

“We have something called the senior showcase, where the seniors put in their last songs and monologues as their last [exit]. After that, the four shows are revealed for the next year,” Lewis said. “The anticipation of getting to know the next shows and seeing the seniors do their last piece is fun and anticipatory, especially with the stress of school. It’s like a bright spot.”

Looking into the future, Lewis intends to try to increase community interest in the plays as well as increase funding.

“For our early spring main stage musical, we could definitely use more people to come out and support it. It’s an incredible show,” Lewis said. “We also want to increase the people who are auditioning and interested in being in the shows and helping out on tech. We always need more people.”

Lewis holds multiple leadership positions but finds this role different and refreshing.

“Thespian Troupe has helped me become creative as a leader. We have so many traditions, so it’s about finding new ways to get people excited and coming up with new event ideas,” Lewis said.

For students who are looking to get involved with Thespian Troupe and, by extension, the theater community, Lewis shares a piece of advice.

“A great way to start is through tech, especially if you don’t like the audition aspect of theater but want to be a part of the community. Tech is a tight knit community, and I’ve seen so many people go from tech to audition. If you are in tech first you already have the connections in the theater community to help support you through the audition process,” Lewis said. “Don’t be nervous to get involved. Everyone is ready and willing to help you out and wants you to succeed.”

Story by Sritha Rathikindi

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About the Contributors

Caleb Park, News Editor

Pronouns: he/him Grade: 12 Years on staff: 4 What's an interesting fact about you? I have an older brother and an older sister. What's your favorite movie? More than a Game (2008). What do you like about working for Globe? I like the creativity that is possible for every member of the Globe, because you can write about your interests or collaborate with other writers on a common topic. There are different ways to approach stories, such as a feature, a more conventional news piece, or an opinionated article. Learning about the editing and stylistic choices involved in journalistic writing is fascinating and they allow your story to become a concise, factual narrative. Additionally, researching issues or exciting updates in the local community can be interesting. Also, designing pages for the print issues is really fun, and you can display whatever you planned from your imagination in the visual art/graphic design accompanying the Globe stories.

Sritha Rathikindi, Features Editor

Pronouns: she/her Grade: 10 Years on staff: 2 What's an interesting fact about you? I love reading, running, and baking! What's your favorite movie? Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. What do you like about working for Globe? I love how many opportunities there are to do different things!

Madeline Jeans, A&E Editor

Pronouns: she/her Grade: 12 Years on staff: 3 What's an interesting fact about you? I love to bake! What's your favorite movie? Thirteen Going on Thirty. What do you like about working for Globe? I really enjoy having the opportunity to talk to different people and hear many perspectives about important issues.

Dwight Erdmann, Copy Editor

Pronouns: he/him Grade: 10 Years on staff: 2 What's an interesting fact about you? I have lived in the Netherlands for a year. What's your favorite book? Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. What do you like about working for Globe? I love getting to interview people and tell their stories.

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