On Sept. 13, the entire school gathered in the quad enclosed by a circle of white fold-up tables layered with posters, snacks, and eager students for the annual clubs fair. As student leaders stood by their designated stands promoting their club, the rest of the student body and staff roamed throughout, learning about different programs and opportunities available to everyone.
“I think it went really well,” said Whitney Livermore, the dean of student life. “The only thing I was disappointed about was the number of signups after the deadline that we didn’t have tables for. But the silver lining of that was the amount of energy and engagement with clubs this year. Plus people were very creative by putting their poster on a tree or holding it up high.”
The lack of table space did not stop students from fully immersing themselves in the event or advertising their clubs. There was a wide variety of interests and passions that were displayed on Wednesday, allowing students to pick and choose their favorites in a low-commitment way.
Unlike the intensity of sports teams, musical productions, and many extracurriculars that students participate in, clubs “ebb and flow in a way that allows them to be casual, or [they] can become a big thing,” Livermore said. “So it provides balance. Students can round out their plate with a few little side items rather than having to pick only really major activities.”
Clubs are very accessible to students since anyone can join. Additionally, with the minimal requirements it takes to start a new club, students’ creativity and passions are able to take form within the community.
“There were a number of clubs from last year that did not reemerge this year showing that every year is a new year with different interests,” Livermore said. “I see that in a positive way because it proves how clubs truly represent the interests of the current student body.”
The wide range of cubs, from fly fishing to movies to partnerships with local and international organizations, allows ample opportunities for students to engage with their unique interests. And the annual clubs fair is a fun place that brings it all together.
“As a leader of a club, it was great because you had basically the whole school in one place, so there was a lot of publicity for clubs that might not otherwise promote themselves,” said Ella Loiacono ‘24, leader of the African Drumming Club.
The clubs fair is just the start of the interlacing of the Branson community, as grade levels mix throughout the year during club meetings.
“I saw a lot of new freshman faces as they walked by and signed up for my club,” said Elsie Dedyo ‘24, leader of Project Glimmer. “I’m excited to work with people from all different grade levels both in my own club and in the ones I joined.”
A new focus at this year’s clubs fair was environmental consciousness. As part of Branson’s efforts to become more sustainable, club leaders had to answer two questions in the registration form, one of which was, “Will you be low or no waste at the clubs fair and always?” As a result, people brought less individually wrapped candies and instead provided treats like cookies on trays.
The goods displayed on each table, along with the posters and content of the club, was a clear priority for leaders when advertising their club.
“The food is definitely a highlight because each club wants to attract attention and so the best food creates the best publicity,” said Alexa Prosnitz ‘24.
Ninth-graders had the same impression when they experienced the clubs fair for the first time.
“It was very fun because there was so much energy around each of the tables. I signed up for a bunch of clubs and I can’t wait to meet new people and topics through them,” London Mullarkey ‘27 said.
Branson’s clubs fair sets up the school year for months of community engagement and interaction between grades. Between the dozens of clubs active on campus, students of all grade levels have an opportunity to dive in and enjoy the diverse array of activities and experiences open to them.
