Unofficial clubs continue operations despite setbacks

Melodie Tran (’17) and her students strike a pose during their dance routine. Photo by Calvin Tran.by Steve Phan, News Editor & Cecilia Nguyen, Arts and Entertainment Editor

Even though there was an increase from 50 clubs last year to 70 approved clubs at Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) this year, many were still rejected. This created a broad variety of unofficial clubs that continued to meet and participate in their activities of choice.

One of these groups is called Diversity Dancers in Motion. Despite this setback, their drive to keep going led to the decision to continue the club outside of school.

“There were so many people already on our Facebook page that I didn’t want to just close it and have everyone disappointed,” said Melodie Tran (‘17), president of Diversity Dancers in Motion.

Although they might not be on the official roster of clubs at FVHS, Melodie Tran encourages everyone to join to learn the art of dance regardless of the fact.  

“We teach from no experienced to experienced people and we invite everyone to come to learn all the dance routines from all the board members,” said Tran (’17).

As an unofficial club, they don’t have access to benefits including Club Rush, Spring Fest and the ability to put up flyers around school. 

Because of this, Melodie Tran has to find ways to work around the rules and disadvantages of not being an official club. However, in the end, she believes that all sacrifices made for the club are worth it.

“I had to take a lot of time out of my day just to teach these kids, but it’s what I love to do,” said Tran (’17).

Student groups interested in becoming a club go through an application process that begins in the Spring Semester. These applications are reviewed by ASB club commissioners who determine whether a club does or does not have adequate paperwork to become a club. Then they set each form into three categories: approval, rejection or pending because they have missing paperwork.

“If there are few similar clubs already standing, we have to deny the new clubs because we have to give priority to the older clubs,” said Sabella Tran (’18) ASB club commissioner, in response to why clubs are commonly rejected.

Tran (’18) reassures that while some clubs were not approved this year, they should try again next year.

“If we do find out [about an unofficial club] we can come to talk to them about applying next year,” said Tran (’18).