Laura Black / Friends School Instagram

Upper School yearbook advisor Kristen Andrews photographs the throngs of students considering new extracurricular opportunities at the clubs fair.

On Friday, September 13th, Friends Upper School students poured into the quad. It was happy mayhem. Students swarmed around tables, grabbing as much candy as possible. 

But some stayed to listen. Because this huge gathering was our school clubs fair, with over 30 student offerings to explore. In previous years, there were over 50, but this year, a change in registration rules limited club choices. 

Students had prepared for this day all week. Since the fair fell earlier in the fall schedule than usual, and students had less time than usual to prepare, they used every moment of free time leading up to the fair to work on their posters. On the day of, dedicated club heads arrived as early as 7:30 am to set up their tables. 

At 11:30 am, students rushed out of class to explore all the different clubs available to them – and get some of that candy. Every club’s poster was unique, and clubs brought a variety of props to grab people’s attention. Knitting Club knit a huge panel for their booth, and Yearbook displayed the first-ever edition of the Friends School yearbook. The Face Paint Club decorated students who signed up, on the spot. Pickleball Club, a new addition, covered their poster with drawings of pickles. 

And of course, each club brought a variety of treats. Green Club’s booth was especially popular, with its Nerds Gummy Clusters and colorful posters. French Club brought lemon tarts, and Doodle Club made brownies. 

This club fair is a unique aspect of Friends School. There, for an afternoon, students are able to explore their different interests outside of the classroom. They will meet in these clubs throughout the school year during community days.