By Kim Ly & Brian Pham
Fountain Valley High School clubs have had a long year of virtual activities. Many clubs have continued to put out events despite the distance and some ones have even emerged.
Last month, the Huntington Beach Union High School District announced that schooling within the district would return to in-person for the 2021-2022 school year.
For students, that means in-person classes again and for many clubs, this is hopeful news as this means they will be able to have in-person events again.
“I am so excited at the thought of being back in person, and I’m sure many of our members are as well,” Fountain Valley KIWIN’S president junior Roger Nguyen said. “During the pandemic, events that members typically look forward to, such as the Ice Skating Fundraiser, Fall Rally, [District Convention] and Rose Float, were all cancelled or held virtually, so being able to attend these again with our entire ohana will be such a blast.”
Many new clubs are excited for their first year in person as well. Some clubs such as HALO have already tried in person events this year, which has made them excited for what the future holds.
“Recently, HALO collaborated with the Live Out Loud with Autism Foundation in hosting our very first but last in person volunteering opportunity for our members,” said junior Tracy Nguyen, the president of HALO. “This event came out very successful and brought much joy to the families in our community as well as to the HALO members that have missed seeing the smiles on people’s faces in person. I cannot wait to continue doing such acts of kindness the next school year and to show our members what HALO is really about.”
Several clubs have faced challenges this year due to the online setting and not being able to meet in person. Despite these challenges, however, many clubs have persevered.
“Being 100% virtual has been quite the struggle, especially since we are an environmental club that’s supposed to be outdoors tending to nature,” Sealeaf president junior Analise Vo said. “But, we managed to jump obstacles with the help of Bolsa Chica Land Trust, such as bringing the planting/gardening to our members’ homes.”
Virtual club events have ranged from writing letters to teachers to using apps, like Freerice, to donate money to families in need. Some clubs have even hosted events where guest speakers came in to talk.
While many clubs have been able to find success online, other clubs, especially environmental clubs, have not found the same success.
“Due to the dry, cold weather last year, we were unable to do beach clean ups nor work on SeaLeaf’s personal plot at the Bolsa Chica Wetlands,” Vo said. “Next school year, we hope to be able to work at least twice a month on our plot aside from [Bolsa Chica Wetlands] volunteering.”
Despite the excitement, some clubs still have worries about next year, such as concerns about COVID-19 and fundraising.
“Being an equal access club, raising money to donate to environmental charities have been tough with only being able to make merch,” Vo said. “I do hope that [Associated Student Body] can figure out by the time of next year how to safely do events such as Fall Fest and Spring Fest again.”
All in all, the general consensus amongst clubs is enthusiasm and anticipation for what the new school year will bring, especially in regards to connecting with their members and in-person activities.
“I can’t wait for the day that we get to see each other beyond Zoom squares. Though the pandemic has shown us the dedication of our members and how adaptive F[ountain] V[alley] KIWIN’S could be, the feeling of normalcy is something we are all looking forward to,” Roger Nguyen said.
