Finding a community to call one’s own can be challenging no matter what grade. Students have always had the opportunity to explore their interests and discover new hobbies by joining numerous clubs available on campus. Some are academically focused while others allow students to be more creative, no matter what type of activity. There are a wide variety of possibilities to explore. 

However, due to COVID-19, certain activities and extracurriculars were cancelled or put on heavy restrictions. But, now that students are back in person, everyone can be more involved. In order to promote organizations, Meet the Timberwolves is being held on Sept. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. to introduce students to the various clubs being offered.

When picking from so many options it can be hard to choose which one is best. Art club in particular is a school favorite, according to senior Delaney Deruiter. She said her favorite part about the club is its atmosphere. It’s always been very relaxed and students have creative freedom to express themselves. 

“I decided to join the art club because drawing has always been a hobby of mine,” Deruiter said. “When I was a freshman, a friend invited me to the club. There was no hesitation; nothing about art isn’t fun. Drawing has always been a hobby of mine. I’ve had art classes during school, but I wanted more opportunities to meet people with similar interests: people with different art classes or people who are interested in art but aren’t enrolled in a class.”

While many clubs can be fun extracurriculars, they can also provide help to the surrounding community. For example, the T-Wolves for the environment club spreads awareness about the environment to help reduce waste in the community, according to club sponsor and health science teacher Shannon McPherson. She has been hosting the club since 2011 and said she hopes to continue to expand its effect on the community of Cedar Park. 

“At the time [the club] was simply a recycling type of club,” McPherson said. “It has expanded into a very active student-led organization. When students join a club they can meet other students with similar interests. Students learn from each other in an environment that is active and fun. The Environmental Club participates in club projects together, and they always have a great time. For example, we create or sell items to adopt an endangered Wolf Pack. We have sold crocheted bags made of plastic yarn by using plastic single-use grocery bags to make the plarn [plastic yarn] and wreaths made of plarn pieces.”

For those who are more of the quiet type, book club is a perfect opportunity, according to president and senior Emma Janysek. She said book club is not just a place to share stories, but a place where she feels the most comfortable. In the past, she’s been able to read books such as the Harry Potter series, one of her personal favorites. The club also provides snacks while students read and share about the books they’ve read.

“The best aspects about joining a club are the people and the community you enter when joining one” Janysek said. “I joined book club my freshman year because I heard that our school’s book club was different from most. Instead of everyone in the club reading the same boring book, we got to read whatever we wanted and come back after two weeks and just talk about it. Plus, the experience you gain from having real conversations with people builds character.” 

For students looking for a way to be more involved, PALs is an option as well. At PALs, students are shown how to be proper role models through community service, according to PALs teacher Jared Lippe. Events such as the ‘8th Grade Invasion’  or the ‘PALs Picnic’ are just a few examples of PALs commitment to the  community.

“PALS seek everyday to make a positive impact on the world around them” Lippe said. “And I believe this is truly felt on our campus. Everybody needs support systems and positive relationships in their life, and our PALS also have the opportunity each week to do that for children at our local elementary and middle schools. I view high school as the ‘practice field’ for life, and it is important for students to explore various interests, spend time with different groups of people, and commit to being a part of different organizations. There is so much we can learn from others, and so many good things we can do together in our clubs. Plus, it looks awesome on various applications for future schools or jobs.”