TJ’s Computer Magnet Program is offering four clubs for student enjoyment.
Artwork by Mia Nogueira
TJ Students can now join one of the four new and returning clubs offered by the Computer Magnet Program: Video Club, Photo Club, SkillsUSA Club, and Video Game Club.
Computer Magnet Teachers Matt Spampinato and Grant Laman created the video club for students who enjoy making videos. Last year they publicized their idea, which garnered quite a bit of interest, and this year they had plenty of students interested to get it started. Laman and Spampinato are there to guide the students; however, they allow the students do what they want with their creativity. “I think it’s cool to have a club like this where students to do school work but approach it from a different perspective. It’s run by the students and not the teachers. We can be more of a coach or colleague than a teacher,” said Spampinato.
Even though it’s not a class, the members are given some type of assignment; the club’s first task will be introducing a fellow member of the club to the world in a video. The club, along with its Co-President Hayden Johnson and Nick Becker meet every other Wednesday to either make videos or discuss ideas about what they want to make. “Video club is great. It’s a really good experience to have. My knowledge of film has grown quite a bit,” said Becker. Any student interested in joining can become a part of the video club, whose motto is, “We keep it reel.”
Not only can students make videos, but now they can also take pictures by joining the Photo Club offered by Computer Magnet Teacher Jeff Coleman, who said the purpose of creating this club was to provide the students with an opportunity to do more and go beyond what they get to do in class. “I want members of the club to get the opportunity to go off campus to take pictures as well as compete in photo competitions,” added Coleman. The club is student-led with new officers chosen every year.
The Photo Club began last year, and Coleman hopes that this year the students will get to go on more excursions, as well as compete in more competitions. He also wants them to get to shoot more action photography. The club meets the first Wednesday of every month and no prior experience is needed to become a member. “What I want the students to take from the club is increased skills and a deeper appreciation for photographic art,” said Coleman.
Jerry Esparza, also a teacher in the Computer Magnet Department, has created a TJ chapter for SkillsUSA. “I want SkillsUSA to help the students be better prepared for leadership and communications skills in the work force,” said Esparza. The club met on October 22 to elect officers and talk about future plans. The club will meet once a month on Thursdays at lunch.
The student led SkillsUSA club will be returning for its third year at TJ, giving students the opportunity to once again show off their computer tech skills in the various competitions they will be attending. “SkillsUSA club gives students the wonderful opportunity to participate in a competition that is nationally recognized and teaches students skills that can be used in real career fields,” said SkillsUSA member and last year’s competition winner Marelle Davey.
Davey along with 2010 graduate Theo Reger took first place in last year’s web design competition after creating a website from scratch in just eight hours. “We were so surprised, we didn’t expect getting first place,” added Davey.
Students who wish to join must have skills in web, 3D design, or desktop publishing. Esparza says this club gives students leadership opportunities, as well as experience office duties, and the chance to fundraise and do community service.
Another club returning to TJ for its fifth year is the Video Game Club. Advisor Stacey Fornstrom said of the club, “It is a fun way for students to interact outside of the classroom. It’s also student run, so it’s good practice for them to learn organization and communication.”
The club meets every other Tuesday after school and anyone is welcome to join club Presidents Aaryn Bradley and Richard Vanzetten and the rest of the club members to have friendly and competitive video game matches on games systems such as XBOX, PS3, WII, etc. “Game Club is a great medium for gamers to get together, play video games, and socialize,” said Game Club Member Chuck May.
These four clubs are giving students a chance to be involved in school related clubs while doing something in which they’re interested. Any students interested in these clubs can find Matt Spampinato, Grant Laman, Jeff Coleman, Jerry Esparza, or Stacey Fornstrom in the computer magnet hallway.
