Williston focuses on building a strong community, so often the school has a variety of events that are meant to bring everyone together. Activities Director Mr. Matthew Spearing, alongside The Student Activities Committee, work together to make those moments possible.

One of the first steps when the Student Activities Committee plans an event is to ensure that it does not conflict with major academic, athletic, or arts commitments. Last year, six students were on The Student Activities Committee. Both day and boarding students, with a variety of interests, made for a successful group to organize events that would suit everyone’s schedules and interests.

“The process is largely student-driven,” says Mr. Spearing. One tradition of having a Super Bowl party in Reed even offers an extra study hall time so that students can get their work done and still have fun.

Some of Williston’s most loved events such as WillyGras, lip syncs, and weekend trips to Boston or NYC have turned into traditions. To make a new activity a success, the Student Activities Committee relies on students talking about the activity and bringing their friends if they decide to go.

When an event is a one-time deal or a new idea, it very well could be mandatory for upper school students to attend. Mr. Spearing notes, “I can’t tell you how many times over the past few years I have heard how much students appreciate when events are mandatory, even though they don’t want to go initially, because when everyone is there… everyone has fun!” 

Mr. Spearing explains the process for a student to become a member of the Student Activities Committee. “It is based on a year-long commitment to planning, acting out, and attending student activities. It is a serious time commitment that requires dedication, time management, and organizational skills.” Mr. Spearing reminds anyone who is interested in joining that “all students reap the benefits of the hard work from the activities committee.”

At the beginning of each school year, an Activities Fair is held. There you can find out more information on joining the club from the start of the year. Also, look out for emails from Mr. Spearing or previous members of the committee. 

The Activities Committee relies on student feedback for determining whether or not their event was a success. The committee also looks for a variety of students with creativity, different interests, and insightful input for anyone looking to join and wanting to plan a community event of their own.