Alexis Zhang ’26, Commentary Editor

Club leaders at the club fair. Courtesy of Newark Academy Instagram

As students return to Newark Academy each fall, they are introduced to a wide range of clubs that they can join, from Ultimate Frisbee Club to Film Appreciation Club. With over 50 options, NA clubs allow students to explore their different interests, connect with diverse peers, and develop new skills. However, with so many clubs offered, a question arises: is NA’s seemingly endless list of clubs actually creating meaningful opportunities for students, or are some clubs superficial?

For many students, the many clubs available at NA bring excitement and a chance to explore new interests, but they can also feel overwhelming. Freshmen and sophomores attending the club fair at the beginning of the school year may feel anticipation about joining communities where they could feel a sense of belonging or find new interests. Yet, many students are surprised to find that certain clubs meet very infrequently — often less than once a month. Aadit Shrivastava ‘26 says, “Especially with the new schedule, many of the slots for clubs are inconvenient for students who expect to use their flex periods to meet with teachers. Scheduling club dates can be a huge hassle, especially for those who are involved in student life.” This lack of regularity makes it difficult for clubs to establish meaningful involvement, such as planning events and collaborating on projects. 

The structure of club leadership at NA varies widely, and these differences usually reflect the number of students signed up for the club. For instance, some larger clubs, such as POWER and Model UN, attract over 80 members, leading to larger leadership teams. For clubs that meet regularly and engage in event planning, more leaders can enhance their productivity. However, challenges arise when larger leadership teams allow for a lack of commitment. Students holding leadership titles may take less accountability, which can lead to inconsistent attendance or engagement. Thus, the structure and size of leadership in larger clubs can sometimes unintentionally weaken the clubs’ impact on our school community. 

Newark Academy could consider trimming down the number of clubs to focus on those that are highly active and meet frequently. An effective strategy for tracking engagement is ensuring that clubs submit an activity report at the end of each semester detailing meeting frequency, participation, and projects completed. Clubs that don’t meet minimum standards may be encouraged to merge with similar clubs or discontinue. A benefit of this method is that club leadership can also be assessed for attendance and activity. Building a club culture that is engaged and truly meaningful can help students gain genuine connections, purpose, and leadership opportunities that will prepare them for their future paths.