New clubs, new causes
November 6, 2014
Boasting over 80 different clubs on school campus, Diamond Bar High School is known for its diversity of activities, allowing students to get involved outside of the classroom—and this diversity is ever-growing. So far this school year, students have seen the rise of clubs like Investment Club, Support Education in Ghana Association, Music for Healing, and Pencils of Promise, all of which have recently been approved by USB.
Music for Healing, a club formed by seniors Tiffany Lin and Jessica Fan, will utilize the musical talents of students to entertain senior citizens. Lin, one of the co-presidents, aims to create a “chain reaction of kindness” for students to participate in by using their talents to help the community. Lin would like for the members to see the benefits of volunteering at senior centers around the area using their musical skills. (For more on Music for Healing, look up the “Club Spotlight” for the club on the website).
Another newly formed club, Investment Club, was started by junior Armaan Kohli in order to educate students on the stock market and the economy. To encourage members to participate and use their newfound knowledge, Kohli plans on holding competitions in which students can pretend to invest in the own stock market.
“I hope to teach the members about the market so that they can be better prepared in the future to take on a job that relates to investments,” Kohli said over Facebook.
While many clubs on campus aim to help the less fortunate, the Support Education in Ghana Association sets itself apart by working internationally to achieve this goal. SEGA was formed by sophomore Kenneth Wah, who was inspired to create the club after volunteering in Ghana for two weeks this past summer. During his trip, the he learned about the culture and lifestyles in Ghana by interacting with the children there.
“I believe that I [can] make a large impact in changing the country through education,” Wah said. Through SEGA, Wah hopes to raise money to allow individuals to take part in Africa’s education, which costs $3 per year on average. He would also like to collect the necessary school supplies and donate them to various schools in Ghana.
Like SEGA, new club Pencils of Promise also plans on raising money to give children in developing countries the education that they deserve and raises awareness on the lack of funding for basic education in certain areas of the world. Junior Jennifer Chang recently restarted the club.
“My club aims to make a difference in every child’s life so he can receive a quality education. PoP is a great organization that tries to give everyone the right to an education,” Chang said.
Another club, A Place for Smiles, created by junior Felicitas Anijielo, is expected to be approved in November.
Having struggled with depression herself, Anijielo aims to transform the club into a place in which students can discuss the disorder and help those who are currently suffering from it.
“We all have our sad moments, even if we keep those to ourselves. I want to help through [hosting] awareness events, educating members on the warning signs, and creating a fun and supportive atmosphere,” Anijielo said.
Anijielo felt that all of the pre-existing clubs on campus were geared towards helping or uniting a larger group of people. Therefore, she has decided to make APS, a club that focuses on the individuals themselves as opposed to the group as a whole.
