A game of pick-up pickleball begins in one corner of the gym while, just a few feet away, a pair of students playing chess make their first moves. Across the room, a group of students with a barbell count each other’s lifts, and a circle of students start juggling a soccer ball. All this and more is happening at the same time in the spacious Jay Center, while more than fifty student-led clubs table around the perimeter—everything from Art Club to Yearbook, and Feminism Club to Fishing Club.
There's something for everyone, and that's one of the goals of Clubchella.
The event was created by LEAD JJ, a club advised by educators including Tom Rizzotti and Kristin Spiros.
“We look for ways to build students’ sense of belonging and well-being,” said the advisors. Their work is student-led. "LEAD JJ" stands for Leaders Evolving and Developing; members organize events focused on inclusivity and community.
Each grade is invited to ClubChella at a specific time, giving students an opportunity to be with friends, explore their interests, and bond as a grade.
Later that day, the entire student body returned to the Jay Center for a Pep Rally that celebrated varsity teams, featured performances by student-led music groups, and brought everyone to their feet with games including Hula Hoop Pass and Musical Chairs.
It kicked off a spectacular Homecoming weekend, with nearly a dozen varsity games plus a parade of floats and more, celebrating all things Jay, and what it means to be one of the Wolves!
"Chubchella seems to "set the tone" for the new school year from a student engagement and school spirit standpoint," said Spiros. "And if this year's Clubchella, Pep Rally and Homecoming showing is any indication of the year ahead, I'd say it's going to be a good one!"