Hewlett Happenings

Introducing a new year of ‘clubbing’

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The bell rang and students rushed through the halls once again, although now following a different schedule. Sophomores and juniors walked to their assemblies, and seniors prepped for their yearbook picture. Freshmen moved eagerly with purpose in the halls; they clutched their paper containing room numbers of their destinations. A select group of juniors and sophomores who are club leaders headed to class. Veteran students introduced themselves to the newcomers.
The beloved “X Day” on Sept. 19 shortened the length of classes to create an extra period at the end of the day to provide freshman an opportunity to learn about the different extra-curricular clubs at Hewlett High School. Freshmen signed up in advance to attend presentations of their choice, and with upper-classmen excited to recruit, the process is enjoyable for the rookies of high school.
The clubs are extremely impressive with their endeavors for the upcoming school year. The Youth Leadership Club met to begin preparations for the annual Arts Below Sunrise street fair. This event on Broadway attracts families and friends from the Five Towns and beyond. The third annual fair is on Sunday, Oct 5.
Another focus of YLC involves the Environmental club; caring for the Community Garden Learning Center behind Hewlett House. During the summer students helped harvest bountiful vegetables and herbs to benefit the community. Working with Bob Simpson of the Cornell Cooperative, the students are planning the continuation of the garden’s tree grow out station. Some of the older trees will be sold at Arts Below Sunrise this year. Personalized bricks to fund a path in the garden will also be sold.
After a rewarding season for the Hewlett Robotics Club, the teams are revamping early in an effort to prepare for another successful year. Bionica, Hewlett’s all girls team, exhibited their robot in the FIRST tent at New York Hall of Science’s annual Maker Faire on Sept. 20. The Maker Faire is an annual technology showcase for ‘makers’ to present their work. The students who attended this event were appreciative for learning from such inspiring young people.
Hewlett High offers many other clubs to students in order to help them pursue their interests. Including the school’s newspaper (Spectrum), SADD, Key Club, DECA, Stock Market club and others, clubs are a vital part of Hewlett’s impressive academics.
Not only can a club add a line to your college application, but they can also exercise your brain for real-life situations, and teach new skills. Clubs are also organized as businesses, requiring students to learn how to properly fundraise and spend money. Without clubs, students’ experiences from school would dramatically change, lacking fond memories of learning without even realizing it, and making friends with people of similar interests.