New Clubs debut at KMC
Diverse Extracurriculars offered
by Nicholas Tran | News Editor, Web Editor
Extracurricular activities have always been an important part of Kapaun Mt. Carmel culture. The faculty and staff at KMC encourage students to get involved in activities outside of school, whether that be through sports or clubs.
This year there are many new clubs for students to join. These new clubs may entice a variety of students from those with a creative mind to those who aspire for competition and those who want to deepen their faith. Crochet, Praise and Worship, Ultimate Frisbee and Mahjong are the new clubs that have been introduced to KMC this year.
Crochet is a form of craft similar to knitting, using a hooked needle to turn yarn and thread into intricate and complex patterns. Creations from crocheting can range from dish cloths to entire blankets. Crochet Club was created by junior Lily Foster and is sponsored by FACS teacher Katie Hull. The club meets every other Thursday in G8 from 3:10 to 4:10.
“I just really love doing it and I think that starting [the club] is helping us build this community of people; [some] that I've never even met before,” Foster said. “... It's not as difficult as you think it would be, but it ends up looking really nice.”
The club is open to students of all skill levels from expert crocheters to newbies with no experience. Depending on experience, students are split up into different groups to learn different stitches and patterns, those who are unseasoned in the craft being taught basic techniques.
“My favorite thing is just getting to be with everyone and hang out, but also they're learning stuff and we're teaching and everyone's getting help,” Foster said.
For those who are looking for a club to express their faith as well as their musical talent, the Praise and Worship club is an option. Praise and Worship meets once a month on the first Wednesday with English teacher Nicholas Uy.
“Different students have come to me with an interest in helping lead Praise and Worship or learning how to play the guitar, or just with a general interest for praise and worship music,” Uy said. “So, I decided this year, along with Fr. Seth [Arnold], to formally make it a club where we could sing together, we could play music together and we can do so in prayer.”
Members of the Praise and Worship Club should bring an instrument they’d like to play each meeting or bring their voices ready to sing. Meetings of the club are from 3:30 to 4:30 in Room 116.
“If you don’t feel like you have the skills for it, anyone who has any interest in praying or has enjoyed all-school adoration or a retreat, if you have any enjoyment or interest in that kind of music, you’re welcome to come,” Uy said.
A niche and growing sport, ultimate frisbee has been introduced to KMC this year as a new club. Ultimate frisbee plays very similarly to American football, using the same field layout and scoring concept as football, but uses a frisbee instead. It is a no-contact sport.
“It’s really fun and that builds a relationship if you have fun with a bunch of other people including people you don't know so like you could become friends with someone pretty easily that you hadn't known before,” junior Kolbe Meyer said.
Ultimate Frisbee is sponsored by English teacher Steven Nguyen and meets every other Friday. Students that are interested in playing ultimate frisbee should bring clothes to change out of their uniform.
“Show up to one practice,” junior Will Pair said. “It's easy, it's fun, and you'll have a good time.”
One of the more unusual new clubs at KMC is Mahjong. Originating from China in the 19th century, Mahjong is a Chinese game played using domino-style tiles. The game has expanded across the world from China, with different regions of the world developing new rules on how Mahjong is played. Mahjong Club meets twice a month on the weekends and is sponsored by English teacher Pat Raglin.
“I would say it's casual at first, though, and then, once you get playing, it definitely gets competitive, but we always cheer each other on and there are like separate groups split up into your skill level,” junior Ellie Thengvall said.
Mahjong has 25 members currently. Participants are divided into groups based on skill level.
“I joined the club because I thought it would be something fun to do on the weekends and it kind of gives me a break from doing my homework on Sundays,” Thengvall said.
Whether you have a mind for creativity, a heart for faith or a need for competition, these new clubs at KMC can offer you new skills and opportunities, as well as a sense of community. If these clubs don’t draw you, there are more than a dozen other clubs that could fit your interests.