Starting clubs at Liberty
The Live Wire explains process of starting new clubs at Liberty.
Clubs are a huge part of Liberty’s community. According to Emily O’Donnell, assistant principal, and the LHS website, Liberty currently has around 30 clubs. From the classic clubs like NHS, Book Club, and the Student Senate to more specialized clubs such as Fishing Club, Robotics, BPA, and Spike-Ball, there seems to be a club for almost everybody. But Liberty still has room to add more clubs, and anybody could start one.
“I think that [clubs] are important to give students the opportunity to dive into subjects and activities that are a lot more subjective and fun,” said Josh Bergthold, senior and a robotics club member.
“Clubs allow all students to find a way to be involved in extracurriculars while still learning. They are also a great way for students to be active leaders, develop soft skills, and differentiate themselves amongst peers when applying for college, or jobs,” said Zachary Hammes, business teacher, and BPA advisor. “Employers want to know how important soft skills are continually being developed with their applicants. Clubs are a great way to be involved and develop these sought-after skills.”
With Liberty being only four years old, there are still plenty of club ideas that can be brought over from other schools, such as Chess Club, Model UN, or even Hammock club. They can be about anything that students find interesting, as long as it follows the three club guidelines then a club can be about a variety of things.
“We are always looking for clubs to get students involved,” said O’Donnell, Supervisor of clubs. “Any ideas are welcome.”
To start a club at Liberty, students need three main things: an idea, a teacher to sponsor said idea, and for the club to be approved. The most important partis the idea. If the idea isn’t popular, then other students or teachers probably won’t want to join the club. This would lead to the club not starting in the first place, or not lasting very long after being created. It is best to start a club that all different types of students can join.
When finding a teacher to sponsor the club, choose a teacher that relates to the club’s purpose. It’s better to have the business teacher lead a business club, rather than an English teacher. If the club is sponsored by a teacher that specializes in the topic of the club, then it will likely become more popular and impactful.
“If someone were coming to me with an idea of a club to start, I would want to see their passion for the mission they are getting involved with,” said Hammes. “And a prepared presentation where they speak to the ways this club can serve a purpose, or as we say in the business ‘Add value’.”
Finally, to end the process, fill out the club form in the office. After that turn it in to have it be reviewed for approval.
“To submit the club for approval, you simply fill out a form in the office and turn it into the administration,” said, O’Donnell. “Clubs can get started as soon as there is a sponsor and the form is approved.”
All in all, clubs are very important in schools, and if there is one that Liberty is missing, then students can take charge and start it themselves.
Quincy Lohman, senior, is a first year staff member. He plays on the Liberty golf team and is a member of NHS. Outside of school, he enjoys traveling,...
