Extra! Extra! Students get involved

Students at Yuba City High School are finally settling in for the long haul this school year, but it is around this time that they ask themselves a question: "What extracurricular activities do I want to be involved in?"

Extracurriculars are a great way to be a part of something other than the daily school routine. They offer students a chance to get involved, and with almost 40 different clubs and organizations at YCHS, there's no excuse not to be.

Students can choose to help their community with such organizations as Interact Club (a student version of Rotary) and Key Club. Students can celebrate their heritage in the Punjabi American Club, the Asian Pacific Islander Student Union (APISU) or the Japanese Culture Club. Students can even learn new skills, like sign language in the American Sign Language Club, or pick up some new tricks on the guitar in the Jammin' Club.

There are so many different extracurriculars, it gives a myriad of options for students of all grade levels. Janelle Yahn, a sophomore and new student to YCHS "... like(s) seeing the diversity of groups on campus and knowing about all the projects they do. It seems like we hear about what this club is doing or what that club is planning on a daily basis."

These extracurriculars are a lot of fun, look great on college applications and give students a chance to showcase their creativity. You might see APISU perform a traditional Filipino dance during lunch one day. You might see the Black Student Union perform a hip-hop dance routine. But every club is given a chance to show what they do on YCHS's annual Clubs and Organizations Day, wherein the main event is the lunchtime food faire.

This is one of the biggest on-campus activities of the year. Since YCHS has an open campus, students have no obligation to stay on campus for lunch, but come the day of the food faire, the quad is packed. Students line up 20 deep for the Punjabi American Club's samosas or the German Club's pretzels and cheese. Music blasts from the stage, and everyone has a great time.

This year's faire is scheduled for Sept. 18, and everyone is gearing up for it. The students are excited. Matt Poundstone, a senior, thinks, "The food faire is one of the best days of school. It's always fun to look around and see what new clubs have to offer, and to taste some old favorites, too."

The numerous clubs and organizations at YCHS provide students with opportunities to do something at school other than just make it through sixth period. Julia Meinen, a senior and co-commissioner of clubs and organizations, said, "All the clubs at Yuba City let students be a part of something more than just their classes. Every student has the chance to do something extra."

Nick Scribner is a senior at Yuba City High School. His column appears about every sixth week in Education.