Geography Club Encourages Competition
Seeing an opportunity to share culture among his peers, Will Hughes, sophomore, started Geography Club with the goal of teaching students about countries around the world.
“I think it was important for people to improve their geography skills and just to have fun at school,” Hughes said
During weekly Ac Lab meetings, members participate in competitive games and activities that connect to a specific country, like a pasta identification game for Italy or popular Irish children’s games for Ireland.
Hughes said that the club creates a strong sense of community among its estimated 60 members.
“I noticed there’s a lot of people there who are only there by themselves or one friend so the games kind of force people to go with other people,” Hughes said.
The club utilizes the games and prizes to motivate students to learn. Lucas Tourinho, sophomore, has won a few prizes during meetings and even supplied some.
“I saw the post for the Brazil meeting and I was really excited,” Tourino said. “I came up to them and offered to bring something.”
Prizes usually include homemade treats like Brigadeiro, a traditional Brazilian dessert.
Emily Thompson, French teacher, is the club sponsor.
“I think they learn best when they’re competing,” Thompson said. “I’m very impressed with how well successful the club has been in its first year.”
The club quickly grew from a small group of students to at times more than 60 students, which Thompson said surprised her. She said she worried the number of students would be too much to manage.
“Probably knowing that it was that many, I would have said no,” Thompson said.
However, Thompson admits that the club runs well despite the number of members.
The club officers have plans for the future of the club such as merchandise and collaborations with other country-themed clubs like German and French clubs.
Geography meets in the Flex Room during Mod 2 of any scheduled date.
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Layla Shockley, junior, joined staff this year as an Illustrator. Outside of the newspaper, Layla enjoys painting, cooking, and talking to friends.