Here at Struthers High, there’s so many different sports, but there’s also a lot of clubs and electives to get students involved in who might not be sports people.

Math Club, Digital Media, Interact Club, and Journalism have already been highlighted, but for the people who don’t have an interest in those areas, that’s okay. There are many other different clubs to join or classes to take, that cover a wide variety of interests. There’s something for everyone.

Returning this year, thanks to the help of Mr. Dailey is the Chess Club. They meet after school, usually in Mr. Dailey’s room, and just relax and enjoy the game of chess.

“Chess Club returned due to increased student interest. It was originally created three years ago because students wanted to create it. Several students have returned for multiple meetings. I guess they are enjoying the experience. Hopefully through the Chess Club, I can help create a casual atmosphere where students can learn and develop their skills in the game of chess. Students at all skill levels can benefit from this student created and student led club. Stop by Thursday after school and check it out,” says Dailey.

For those who are musically inclined, there’s marching and concert band. In order to be a part of a marching band, students must be in the concert band class, unless they are attending MCCTC. Eighth grade students are also eligible to participate, but must be in the eighth grade concert band class. Drumline and Color Guard are also ways to participate in the marching band, but they’re a slightly larger commitment, and they require a series of auditions to participate.

Mr. Joshua Hawkins is the director of both the concert and marching band. Mrs. Angela Russo is the assistant director for marching band and the director of all the choir classes, Mr. Jim Richley is the Drumline instructor, and Mrs. Colleen Mayeux is the Color Guard Coach.

“Band is one of the few classes where you get to be with students from other grade levels. It is a melting pot of different types of people all working together towards a common goal. You make new friends, play fun music, and get experiences that you don’t get anywhere else in high school. As long as a student is willing to put in work towards getting better at an instrument, we welcome all ability levels. It doesn’t matter where you start as long as you work at getting better. There is a place for all students. In marching band, students put in a lot of work out on the football field, but they also spend a lot of time being around each other in a relaxed environment that you don’t always get in a classroom. I like watching the friendships that form throughout the marching season. During concert season, we spend a lot more time refining our musical abilities, and it is gratifying to see students grow as musicians and see what we can accomplish. Come down and talk to me! I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the band,” replies Hawkins.

Nick Johnson is a sophomore in the band who plays the trumpet. This year, he has taken on a few minor leadership roles within the group, along with being a soloist during this past year’s halftime show.

“My advice for someone who may want to join would be to find someone who could help teach you the instrument, and don’t feel discouraged if something doesn’t sound right. Anyone can pick up any instrument as long as you can put in the time and effort. Believe me, the memories and knowledge will be an amazing reward. Mr. Hawkins is a good teacher, and as long as you show effort and passion in your music, he is a lot more flexible with you. Personally, I love the overall feeling of playing my instrument outside and the music is really fun to perfect and play during marching season. It also helps that there is a lot of hype around the football season, which boosts everyone’s mood and develops new friendships. I also like the varying genres of music we play in concert band, and I feel like I can get a better understanding of music and the effort which goes into it. Things like marches, chorales, and percussion based songs all differ in style completely and I feel like my general understanding of them grows. Everyone has to start somewhere when it comes to music so don’t feel intimidated by a lack of previous musical experience. It is an extremely fun experience due to the common goal at the end of each season which can unite a broad array of people,” says Johnson.

The most common of the clubs to join are the language clubs. French and Spanish Clubs are offered; however, only a few exceptions are accepted if not in the actual language class. Both clubs offer similar activities, ideas, and environments. Spanish Club is run by a collaborative effort between Mrs. Nicholas and Ms. Keller, while French Club is run by the first-year French teacher, Ms. Zachar.

The two language clubs participate in a lot of cooperation with each other and participate in very similar activities. A lot is known about the Spanish Club, but sometimes the French club can be a little overlooked.

“Joining the French Club is such a great opportunity! Since all levels take part in the group, you can talk to other students taking the language and get advice and help for things that happen or could possibly happen in class for you. This year we held two informational meetings to make plans for the year and so far we’ve held two cafe nights where we ate snacks and listened to French music, a crepe making night, and two mask-making nights for Mardi Gras. In the future, we are planning to do a movie night, a bowling night, and a lunch out in town–likely at Selah’s. It’s been a pretty great experience teaching this year! My students are a ton of fun, especially my club members! We’ve been able to do a whole lot in class this year, along with outside the classroom– having a great time getting to experience French culture through music, crafts, and food,” says Zachar.