In between “try new things” and “grow up”, one of the most common, yet important pieces of advice that freshmen receive is “join a club.” As a sophomore, I have found that attending even just a few club meetings every week is something that can elevate your high school experience dramatically. 

With WA’s vast selection of more than 57 clubs, not only are they a great way to explore your evolving interests and take on leadership roles, but also provide an outlet to make new friends and have fun after a long day at school. For many students, clubs also serve as a natural extension of the electives they take, or a way to try out courses they were not originally able to fit into their schedule.

Still, navigating WA’s seemingly endless list of clubs can be a difficult task. With so many possibilities on the horizon, choosing just a few that satisfy both your current interests and future ambitions can be overwhelming, to say the least. In order to help make this process easier, here is a list of top WA clubs worth exploring based on career interests.

Healthcare

1.) HOSA

At WA, one of the biggest hotspots for students looking to pursue healthcare or learn more about the medical world is HOSA (Healthcare Occupations of Students of America), and not without cause. From international competitive events and educational games to guest speakers, HOSA offers a multitude of opportunities for students to gain a glimpse into the diversity of the field.

“My favorite memory from my entire high school experience was actually going to the HOSA International Competition last year, representing Massachusetts,” senior president of HOSA, Abhinav Wadhwa said. “Just competing with and hanging around kids who had similar passions as me during high school was very fun and interesting.”

2.) HOSA Blood Drive Committee

If studying and competitions aren’t your thing, HOSA also offers a more hands-on opportunity: a chance at joining WA’s Blood Drive Committee. This committee, within HOSA, volunteers together to organize annual blood drives at WA and raise awareness for the blood donations throughout the community.

“My favorite memory at HOSA is definitely the blood drive, because we get to see our great community coming together to do something really cool,” blood drive coordinator Vaibhav Singh said. “It’s really nice to see that big red and white van in the back to collect blood and help those in need.”

3.) Red Cross Club

Students interested in healthcare will also have a new opportunity to explore next year: Red Cross Club. This emerging club, which operates under WA Pride, is planning to meet on Tuesdays. If you are interested in using healthcare to serve the community, Red Cross Club is a worthwhile cause. According to club founder Prajna Upadhyaya, members will be able to work  towards bettering the community through advocacy, fundraising, and volunteering for those impacted by blood diseases and natural disasters.  

Public Speaking and Law

1.) Mock Trial

Are you interested in debating, discussing real world problems, and making friends? If so, then Mock Trial may be the way to go. Mock Trial, which meets every Wednesday and Thursday from 2-4 p.m., centers each meeting around an official trial case from the Massachusetts Bar Association each year. From these documents, team works together to create examinations and prepares both sides of the case before arguing it out in actual courtrooms.

“What makes this club unique is that we are the only debate style club in the school where it is a team effort, versus individual,” Mock Trial club co-captain Nikhil Singh said. “This is a really good place to make lifelong friends and we have a familial environment. Everyone on the Mock Trial team is friends in and outside of school, including freshmen.”

2.) Speech and Debate

For a more formal debate setting, yet just as welcoming environment, students can also look into Speech and Debate, an extracurricular well known for helping students with their presentation skills and ability to form arguments. Whether its giving an impromptu speech, having group discussions on climate change or philosophy, or participating in bi-monthly tournaments, the skills gained at Speech and Debate surely make for a wonderful opportunity. The club meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-3 pm.

 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)

1.) Programming Club

Although less known, Programming Club, advised by computer science teacher Anji Trehan is a wonderful opportunity for beginners gain experience with programming, designing, and problem solving. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer science and technology jobs are expected to grow by 11 percent from 2019 to 2029. If this growing field is something you are interested in, being able to gain  foundational skills in high school is an definitely an opportunity worth taking advantage of. The club is offered every Tuesday from 2-3 pm and only requires basic knowledge of text-based programming and a willingness to learn!

“The uniqueness of the club is in its variety: members at different levels can create and code a variety of projects by the end of the year,” Trehan said. “Throughout the year, you will experiment with new concepts in both hardware and software to spark your interest in building, coding, and creating.”

2.) WA Science Team

Alternatively, the WA Science Team, which currently meets on Thursdays, is great for students who are interested in participating in the Science Olympiad and conducting fun experiments.

3.) WA Science Team Women in STEM (24%), which creates opportunities for more female engagement in STEM, meets on Wednesdays. Club meetings include guest speakers and fun activities with friends to strengthen your involvement in science. 

4.) WA Robotics

If you have a knack for building things and programming, WA Robotics is a great option to consider. Although more intensive, the club work towards the US First Technology Challenge – building, discussing, and programming – the best designs for their robot. By the end of the year, the club typically goes through states, regionals, and even a chance at the World Championships for robotics!

4.) Math Team

On the flip side, if you have an affinity for numbers and math equations, be sure to check out the Math Team, for an opportunity to participate in the Massachusetts Math League competitions.

Writing and Music

1.) Marching Band

If you have ever attended a WA Football game, then you have most certainly experienced the crucial role this club plays in enlivening WA’s sports games. Even students who have no prior experiment with an instrument, are encouraged to join, as there will be plenty of opportunities to learn and grow within the club.  In addition, if you are someone who is looking to be physically active and outside, without playing a sport, then marching band may be for you. Some of the band’s biggest events in the fall include competitions against other ensembles and the Thanksgiving football game.

“Marching Band is a very fun and welcoming place where you can learn a new instrument or get better on your main one,” marching band member Jeffery LaFlamme said. “You can learn with the help of our amazing community. We can’t accomplish anything without each other, which is why we also learn superb teamwork skills.”

2.) Writing: Beyond Words

Do you love to read or write? If so, then Beyond Words should undoubtedly be on your radar. Beyond Words, which meets on Wednesdays, offers a platform for students to publish their personal written poems, short stories, and more in an annual newsletter.

3.) The Ghostwriter

If you are looking for a more journalistic publication, look no further than the Ghostwriter,  which meets weekly on Tuesdays. Along with an annual journalistic convention and opportunities to write stories highlighting important community news, the Ghostwriter is a fun, enriching opportunity for students with an interest in reporting.

Business

1.) DECA

With a total of almost 4,446 club members since 1997, this list would not be complete without one of the most popular clubs at WA: DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America). While selecting courses for freshman year, students will undoubtedly encounter at least one of the 13 business courses offered as electives. If students take a business related elective, they will be allowed access this powerhouse for all things business.

The club works towards the District Competition, which is a field trip, as well as State Competition and International Competition.  Members can test on anything from accounting and retail merchandising to entrepreneurship and finance—but the club’s charm lies beyond just its academic value. 

“While many say the obvious career track DECA prepares you for is business – at DECA we believe that the professional skills you learn through this club will help you for any career path you choose,” DECA president Rohita Krishnakumar said. “DECA prepares you to be a leader and problem solver in the real world.”

Ultimately, although these are some of the most accessible and popular clubs at WA, remember to free yourself of limitations. While academic clubs are undoubtedly a great way to gain foundational skills and experience in your field of interest, they should also be something you look forward to every day. Whether it’s learning to create with knitting club or getting a breath of fresh air on a hike with Outing Club, remember to join clubs that make you—not just your resume—happy.

For a full list of all clubs offered at WA, check out this link be on the lookout during the Freshmen club fair in September!