On Sept. 12, the annual MK Club Fair took place in the gym during lunches. Thirty clubs participated in the event, advertising their individual goals to the student body, hoping to attract new members. Long time clubs such as the TLC, Leo Club and United Circle Club were present along with some that have been added in the past handful of years such as Gaming Club and E-sports. Quill staff members had a chance to meet with a variety of clubs and hear their plans for the upcoming school year.
Robyn Seltzer met with Eleanore Arabia to discuss all things relating to the relatively new Library Council. With the club being established just last year, Eleanore shared that members plan events centered around the library, and they hope to grow the club in order to accomplish more. One of the most exciting things the Library Council gets to do is decorate the library based on certain holidays. Another member, Teresa Lazzaro, claims “It’s a very chill, relaxing club.”
Seltzer also met with dedicated Quill Club editor-in-chief Nellia Romanova. Nellia explained that in Quill Club, members can write about anything they’d like, from sports to music or current events. Nellia recalls how “Quill Club gave me the opportunity to explore things I wouldn’t have and improve my writing skills.” She would like people to know that through this club, members can publish articles and get their name out.
Aditi Madhiwalla met with president Mary Yap and member Victoria Dejour of the Spectrum Literary Magazine who explained that it is a primarily student run club that meets once or twice a month to make the annual school magazine. They expressed interest in finding writers, photographers, and artists!
Lizzy Boyle met with Alyson Cali, one of the many class officers of Academic Decathlon. As its name implies, the club is academic based and requires studious work ethic from its members. While creating a fun environment, the club also helps to prepare students in all aspects of their high school careers through building skills like public speaking and general academic knowledge.
Grace Myers met with Math Club advisor Mr.Plucinsky. He described that in this club, students sign up to be tutors for each other and provide assistance with any math work. Members of this club meet Wednesday after school and anyone can attend for free tutoring.
Angelina Mallack met with club member and officer, Zachary Glantz to interview him about the new Robotics club. Led by new teacher Ms. Roman, the club is looking to have an exciting first year. When asked his favorite things about Robotics Club, Zach stated “the robotics and the problem solving” are the best parts.
Mallack also interviewed club member and secretary Ace Gauthier of the Speech and Debate club. Ace highlighted the competitions that the club does every month and the big TedX event at the end of the year saying that these are huge opportunities. When asked about a favorite part of the club, Ace explained really liking “the people and the skills developed in the club.”
Madelyn Barchetto met with members Maria Andrinopoulos and Samantha Defranco who explained the key components of the DECA club. The DECA is a business oriented club where they focus on building key skills like communication, confidence, and overall knowledge in the world of business. Maria proudly stated, “DECA is awesome! It has taught me so many valuable skills I will need in the real world.”
Eva Critchley met with senior, Joelle Ricafort to discuss Yearbook club– a club she describes as “interactive” and “creative”. Throughout this club, members under the advisory of Ms. Malin, are able to design the school yearbook, take pictures, and engage with the students of Morris Knolls. Joelle highlights her favorite memory of this club is when she was able to help take club photos for Varsity club. Doing this she was reminded just how talented her high school really is.
Eva Critchley met with senior Erin Laudati to discuss Key Club. Under advisor Ms.Hudak, it’s a community she calls “loving” and “fun”. Erin also gave examples of the club’s impactful service, such as making dog toys out of recycled t-shirts for dogs in need, and Easter baskets for children in need. Not only does this club allow for valuable community service, but it also makes every member feel fulfilled and good about themselves.
Robyn Seltzer spoke with president of the Art Service Club, Matthew Nemerofsky. He revealed that the organization is centered around helping the school community through art, and that the club has even received a commission to paint a mural outside of the MK library! Matthew describes his experience over the years as “laid back,” and says members can attend the bimonthly meetings when they feel like attending.He also commented on the club’s advisor saying, “Mr. Abad is super cool!” In addition to providing the school with beautiful art, students can earn service hours for their participation.
Joelle Ricafort spoke with Nolan Lardiere, President, and Sydney Davis, Vice President of Thespian Society who have been participants since their freshman year. The club involves exploring performing arts of many types while also catering to off-stage interests related to theater. From singing and dancing to stage organization, Thespian Society encourages its members to engage with others and channel communication skills. When asked if he enjoys it, Nolan remarked, “Enjoy it, it’s like a party every day”. Thespian Society strives to organize events that engage students and the community. Sydney specifically highlighted the “Thesbian Kick Off” taking place on October 29th, where new members will be welcomed and informed on future information. Ultimately, Thespian Society is a welcoming honor society where students develop both performance and stage management skills in a supportive, creative environment.
Madelyn Barchetto met with Joelle Ricafort, Interact club member who explained the club is involved in many different activities for the community. From organizing Breast Cancer Awareness fundraisers to packaging food for Feed The Children, members are heavily involved within the community. They notably take part in helping out with the local food pantry, Nourish NJ. Joelle went on to say how the club “opens opportunities for community service all around.” The Interact club is a key component to helping both the school and community.
Lizzy Boyle met with Regan Johnson, a member of the FCCLA Club, which is based on volunteering and community service. There are many exciting events sponsored by this club that take place throughout the year, such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand and the Valentine’s Day Candy Gram, which allow students to become more involved, and have lots of fun with their peers. According to Regan, the club takes typical community service tasks and turns them into “volunteer activities that aren’t boring.”
Boyle also interviewed Elias Aboushanab, a dedicated member to Project Lead, who explained that the club was meant to guide new freshman in their transition from middle school to high school. The variety of events, including the freshman dance and orientation, plays a big role in creating the welcoming atmosphere that the club works to build. When asked to express his opinion on the club, Elias passionately stated, “It’s the best!”.
Cassidy Dessources met with Lucas Zablocki, a member of the Hope club who explained that “The hope club is a club for high schoolers who come together to help the community.”
Aditi Madhiwalla met with the after school choirs, where one of the advisors Mrs. Markowski explained that she “loves that choir builds a sense of community.” The most important thing to note, as explained by Mrs. Markowski, is that in order to be a part of any of the after-school choirs, you must be enrolled in lunch choir, advanced concert choir, or concert choir as a course within school.
Grace Myers met with a member of the spring musical, Andrew Voza who explained that auditions for this club include singing, dancing, acting, or becoming part of the stage crew. He added that this club is a great way to meet new people and get to know others better.
Cassidy Dessources met with stagecraft club advisor Mr. Rick Ono. He explained that club members create and display their pieces of art during the spring musical and fall play as the set for the shows. In order to join the club students should contact Mr. Ono or Mrs.Crystal Vandon. Advisers explain that, “talent is not needed to be able to join Stagecraft because it is a learning experience and learning experience of different sorts of techniques for everyone!’.
Grace Myers met with members of the Lighting and Sound/Video club and advisors Mr. Kasper and Mr. Izsa who explained that this club manages the lighting and sound for events like musicals and plays.
Madelyn Barchetto met with member Kaitlyn Grimaldi in order to get insight on the TV/Video Yearbook club. Members in this club spend time learning how to edit, film, and put together content from Knolls events such as the school play and sporting events. The club is a great way to learn more about cameras and advance your skills. Kaitlyn is a proud member and she “loves making things come together.”
Aditi Madhiwalla met with members of the multicultural club Matthew, Sammy, and Vibha. They explained that it’s a club to celebrate cultural diversity from around the world, hangout, and try new foods from places you may never have even heard of.
Finally, Grace Myers met with Young Americans for Freedom club members Alec McKinney, Anthony Ricardo, Dylan Barahona, and Quin Clancy. They explained that this new club promotes conservative values, advocates for politics, freedom of speech, and upholding the nation’s constitutional values. The club’s adviser is Mrs. Cordero.
Overall, the club fair had a good turnout this year and students seemed to be involved and interested in the extensive variety of options offered at MK.
