Students learning about and signing up for TJ’s clubs at this year's club fair. photo by Ben Scherer
Clubs at Thomas Jefferson offer students a chance to explore interests, develop new skills, and form lasting connections.
Whether students are looking for an outlet to better time management skills, learn more about a specific topic, or make new friends, the plethora of clubs within Thomas Jefferson High School are guaranteed to provide Spartans with countless possibilities. At TJ clubs are more than just extracurricular activities – they are incredible opportunities for students to explore what they love while gaining critical skills.
To help kick off the 2024-2025 school year, TJ hosted the annual Club Fair on September 4th, showcasing the school’s 32 individual clubs. Students from each club had an opportunity to promote their club and gain recognition. Tables were set up near the school’s front entrance, and students had the chance to browse, and then sign up for the clubs of their choice. The club fair is a simple and efficient way to ask questions and quickly learn new interests. By attending, students were able to meet club officers and members, getting the opportunity to see which clubs align with their own personalities and interests.
In particular, TJ’s Sustainability Club had lots of success at this year’s fair. This environmental based club gained lots of new members, especially from the freshman class. Senior Adelaide Krabbenhoft, the co-president of Sustainability Club, stated that “Sustainability Club is a group of students who are focused on making environmental changes within TJ and our greater community. Our purpose is to try and educate fellow peers on how they can make more environmentally conscious decisions, and how they can find a career involved in sustainability.” Students in Sustainability Club can make a tangible difference in the community by learning and applying eco-friendly practices. Krabbenhoft additionally shared that anyone is still welcome to join the club, and if this club speaks to a student’s interests, they can go to room 120 during Spartan Time.
Another club offered at TJ is Women’s Empowerment Club. This club is dedicated to creating a supportive space where any student is able to engage in meaningful discussions regarding gender equality and female leadership. Senior Rachel VanWagner, an officer of Women’s Empowerment, explained that each week the group meets to participate in a variety of activities in order to empower students to advocate for women’s rights within the school and broader community. Topics range from women’s roles in history to current issues like media representation. This club also participates in fundraisers to raise money for a variety of women-focused organizations. VanWagner wants students to know that the club is open to new members year round, and students can “come to room 220 on Thursday during fifth period lunch, or if they’re a freshman, every other week during Spartan time.”
TJ’s clubs offer students various benefits beyond the classroom. Clubs provide an excellent opportunity to explore personal interests, whether this is in leadership, art, technology, or social causes. By joining a club, students are able to dive deeper into hobbies or fields they are passionate about while developing new skills. Furthermore, TJ’s clubs help build a strong sense of community within the school and its students. Being involved in these groups betters students’ teamwork, communication, and leadership skills, which are all valuable for personal growth. Engagement in clubs can make the high school experience much more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Participating in TJ’s clubs can offer countless opportunities for personal growth, friendships, and skill development. With a wide variety of clubs, ranging from academics to social topics – there’s something for everyone. If students at TJ don’t find a club that fits their interests, starting a new club is always an option, which can create a space for students to share their passions. TJ’s Club Fair was a great success, as it presented a way to explore the club options, meet like-minded students, and learn how different groups can enhance the high school experience. No matter what students are interested in, joining a club is highly recommended and makes the high school experience here at Thomas Jefferson both increasingly fun and fulfilling.
