by Malini Gandhi
Famous for its screaming students stationed at tables overflowing with colorful posters and candy, Club Day is not only a fun, energy-filled event, but it also plays an essential role in helping students become involved in activities, according to science teacher Michael Hazeltine, who oversees all clubs at this school.
According to Hazeltine, Club Day has been a revered tradition at this school “for as long as I can remember.” The event consists of dozens of tables set up by student clubs in a mismatch fashion throughout the cafeteria.
Hazeltine noted that the event benefits experienced older students involved in clubs as well as freshmen.
“Club Day allows upperclassmen to showcase what they have been doing and to demonstrate the amazing activity that is going on every afternoon at North,” he said. “On the flip side, freshmen are exposed to the huge number of wonderful opportunities offered here.”
Many upperclassmen officers of student groups find Club Day to be a vital part of their organizations and have creative ways to advertise their groups.
Senior Eli Sadovnik, the chief technical officer of the Ligerbots, this school and South’s robotics team, said that Club Day allows Ligerbots’ leaders to “engage with a wider prospective audience and obtain lots of recruits.”
The Ligerbots traditionally don red and orange tie-dye shirts and parade around the cafeteria with their robot.
And giant robots are just the beginning. The cafeteria is filled with other creative, unconventional student displays during Club Day.
Sadovnik cited the music blaring from the Defense of the Ancients club’s video game screens and the steaming liquid nitrogen ice cream at the science team’s table as highlights, while junior Eliana Gevelber noted a dance group she observed breakdancing.
The energy-packed atmosphere of Club Day is a particular draw for students looking to get involved in activites.
Sophomore Sammi Giang said that attending Club Day last year as a freshman gave her a taste for the wide variety of options at this school.
“The event is very exciting, and is really good for freshmen trying to find out what they are interested in. The hectic, energy-filled atmosphere of the event literally pushes you into each table,” Giang said.
Guidance department head Beth Swederskas also emphasized Club Day’s role in allowing students to pursue opportunities.
“Because Newton North has so many clubs and organizations to offer, Club Day is a great way for students to find out about clubs and talk to people involved in the clubs at the same time,” said Swederskas.