The school is filled with student organizations that receive attention for their size or visibility; however, there are clubs that remain overlooked despite the meaningful work they do for both students and the wider community. These clubs offer students opportunities that are just as impactful as those provided by larger organizations.
One such club is Harmonica Hooligans. “I think that since it’s a new club, a lot of people haven’t given it a chance. Also, since our club’s name is catchy and fun, some might not take us as seriously as some other clubs,” senior cofounder Maya Bellamy said.
Despite these assumptions, the club was created with a clear mission that goes beyond its name. “Our club allows all students to learn about the harmonica the fun way, while promoting inclusion and unity,” Bellamy said.
The idea for the club came from a shared experience among its founders, seniors Megan Lomotan, Caroline Min and Bellamy, who bonded over the instrument during the previous school year and wanted to recreate that sense of connection.
Bellamy is also involved in Breast Cancer Buddies, another organization that does not always receive the recognition it deserves despite the effort behind it. “As an officer of the Breast Cancer Buddies club, I feel it is very underrated. Our president Jilli [Nalibotsky] works very hard in making sure that the things we ask of club members in school really do make a difference,” Bellamy said.
Another club making a meaningful but often unnoticed impact is Advocate for the Elderly. The club works with residents at a local nursing home and focuses on emotional well-being through interaction and movement. “We go to a local nursing home and administer a quick survey asking about their mood using the I-PANAS SF and some background information on them, do a quick dance session with them for like 30-45 [minutes], then administer a post survey with the same questions and see if their mood improved,” founder and class of 2025 senior Diya Khetan said.
The club was inspired by years of volunteer experience and a desire to bring that service into the school community. “I think the elderly can sometimes be overlooked. That year, I had lost two of my grandparents, one with Alzheimer’s, and the club was originally about spreading awareness of diseases impacting the elderly,” Khetan said.
Through these experiences, the purpose of the club evolved into one centered on connection and emotional support. “It also made me realize how important it is to spend time with the older folks because they are often isolated and lonely and often have faced so much loss that it is hard to keep living. So I think it’s important that we show them their lives are worth living and that they do have a purpose,” Khetan said.
Cultural appreciation is also represented through Bhangra Club, which introduces students to Punjabi culture through traditional dance. “Armaan Chaawla and I started the Bhangra club after doing dance together outside of school,” junior Esha Khosla said.
The club was designed as a way to share culture while creating a welcoming space for students to learn and participate. “We were inspired by other dance clubs and wanted students to learn about Punjabi culture through Bhangra,” Khosla said.
Although these clubs may not always receive widespread attention, their impact is lasting. They cultivate inclusion, service and cultural understanding, proving that recognition is not what defines success; rather, it’s the passion and purpose behind these clubs that truly shape the community.
