The Williston community gathered on the quad on Wednesday (Sept. 13) for a highly anticipated event – the club fair and barbeque. The brisk night was a superb setting for students, new and old, to eat comfort food with friends while browsing around the plethora of folding tables highlighting potential after-school activities.

While already solidified clubs were present, such as the Williston Women’s Action Alliance, numerous newly-founded clubs caught the eye of Wildcats on the prowl for a new experience. The Ping Pong Club seemed to be a fan favorite and the Williston Arts Club is seeking to capture the best talent around the school. The Film Appreciation club is still working on getting its wheels rolling.

Walter Kissane, leader of the Ping Pong Club, explains how the club idea became a reality.

“Solomon Neuhaus ’19 [co-founder] had the idea because we like ping pong,” Walter stated. “So we started a club.” With over 100 signees and strength and conditioning coach Blayne Lapan at the reigns, the sky is the limit for Walter and Solomon.

“We are going to create a huge campus wide tournament,” Walter stated. “so we will send out the guidelines and then after that, it is on the participants to play before a certain deadline and then both report a correct score.” With this many participants, students who are planning to go the distance had better make sure they have stretched and have plenty of water.

Right now, the date of the tournament is still undetermined.

The Williston Arts Club is the best way to show your passion of art, regardless of skill level. Founder Catherine King ’19 had the goal of allowing students who play sports and take five classes to showcase their artistic abilities.

“I had heard about the student art show in May last Spring and entered my own piece of avante garde fashion into the gallery,” Catherine said. “I wondered why there was not a gallery every trimester and if there were more kids like me who wanted to show something they’re really passionate about. Turns out there was!”

With 55 students already signed up and Mr. Roe as the club advisor, the Williston Arts club will allow students with varying artistic abilities to share their work with peers. The main goal is to “spread all types of art around campus,” Catherine said, and hopefully tap into the art potential many students have, but do not utilize because of other commitments.

Ms. Davey, Club Organizer, is excited about this year’s established and new offerings.

“Clubs are important because they allow kids to hone in on specific passions and interests outside of the classroom and off the playing field,” she said.

Williston boasts over 30 different clubs, so all students have the ability to find a club that properly suits them. To start a club,  see Ms. Davey for a club application, which asks for a mission statement, purpose, and events your club plans on hosting.

As an example, Davey said she’d like to see a wellness club that focuses on student wellness and mental health.