The advent of the new school year means the same for clubs. That is, sprinkled among the old-timers – LAW and Autism Speaks and The Forum – a multitude of new clubs are in the mix. As evident in the madness that is the clubs fair, new clubs are often belittled in comparison to the veteran collectives. With this mind, you may be wondering what exactly these fresh clubs—and their intentions—are. Luckily, you’ve got The Forum. Here is a spotlight on few of the many novel clubs on the Latin scene. Perhaps, next Day 5,  you’ll give one of them a try. Girls Who Code (GWC): “Girls Who Code is a national organization that has an emphasis on providing opportunities for girls in the computer science and technology world. Or STEM at large, a typically male dominated sector. It provides a place for girls to feel comfortable learning how to program” says GWC club leader, MacKenzie Guynn. This isn’t the first time GWC has made an appearance at Latin. Both Guynn and co-head Summer Crown have been members of GWC start-ups at Latin, but the previous clubs dwindled in both persistence and passion by the end of the year. Undeterred by the previous leaders and shortcomings of the club at Latin, Summer and MacKenzie are not  giving up. “We wanted to try again this year and are determined to maintain a good learning environment throughout the year” Guynn explains. Their plans and objectives for the year? Chock-full. “We are planning to have one project to accomplish by the end of the year, or, if time permits, maybe two. This could be anything from creating a new website for the Forum to designing a website or program that could help solve a problem we all see. We also hope to help girls who are less involved with programming currently to better understand and further their skills in computer science” she adds. All skill levels welcome, the club aims not only to educate on the basis of coding and computer science, but create a comfortable space where girls can discuss the vexed gender dynamics within the STEM collective. They hope this club will expand computer science’s assemblage, specifically that of girls in the Latin community. Chinese Club: The Chinese language is, at large, considered the most difficult language course Latin offers. For founders Daniel Schwartz and Stuart Baker, this was both a complication and an opportunity. They likewise saw the growing lack of a space for Chinese students to collaborate and learn from one another productively outside of the classroom. Accordingly, the juniors set out to create their new collective: the Chinese Club. “We knew how hard it was freshman year (and all years) to be in class while only Chinese is being spoken, and we wanted a time for Chinese students to get together with the common goal of succeeding in the class. We would like to help each other with homework and any questions they may have in class, but find hard to ask because they must ask them in Chinese… this [club] will make their learning in class as smooth and effective as possible” Schwartz explains. Learning new vocabulary through a cultural lens is also part of their repertoire. Schwartz, having spent the summer in China, is now knowledgeable and inclined to share his experiences with attendees. “The club raises appreciation for the Chinese culture by highlighting and educating about certain Chinese holidays as they happen throughout the year.” Despite the club being exclusively for Chinese learners, (which is not very many of us, for obvious reasons), Schwartz and Baker encourage non-speakers to come and admire the craft and complexity of the Chinese culture and language. Latoned: The club’s terminology is fit for a husky gym buff, however, Maya Moravec, founder of the collective, is otherwise. She’s a frequenter of Real Good juice Co.—a local establishment that serves, (you guessed it), juice, among other things. It’s a Latin favorite, and via Latoned, it will be brought to the school. Along with testing out new workout classes throughout the city—analyzing how these workouts affect their bodies—Latoned and RGJC will be educating attendees on nutrition and the benefits of the natural ingredients that exist in RGJC items. Moravec hopes that, at large, Latoned will promote and provide access to the aspects of a healthy lifestyle to the student body. “Hopefully this club helps someone find a new passion, hobby, or de-stresser like yoga” she adds. Moravec’s rationale for creating this club is simple: trying new workout classes is scary, since they’re usually comprised of legitimate adults. She explains, “the aim of this club is to give students that confidence and opportunity to try classes they’ve always wanted to, but for whatever reason have not.” In her announcement, Moravec also mentioned something about discounts… And it’s no secret that every Latin student loves a good discount, no matter what the item (or event, in this case,) is. Liability waivers and more information about the first class are to come shortly, and Moravec is trying to make a “super diversified” calendar, both in “activity and intensity.” “Also—if you want some of those cute Real Good stickers- I’ve gotcha!” she adds. The Roman Step Team: According to Wikipedia, “stepping or step–dancing is a form of percussive dance in which the participant’s entire body is used as an instrument to produce complex rhythms and sounds through a mixture of footsteps, spoken word, and hand claps.” Basically, (if you could comprehend any of that), step dancing is the most tricky and yet the most compelling dance form, both in participation and observation. Amya Bell found her inspiration in establishing this club from being on the step team at her alma mater. “I had fun performing in front of the school and I’ve been talking about starting a team since sophomore year. Since this is my last year at Latin, I felt this was the right time to create the team before I leave” she explains. Performing being “optional, but encouraged” Bell hopes learning how to step, and its importance to Black Greek life in college, will instill a new-found confidence in attendees. And with the advent of major sports competitions, Bell hopes her new club will increase school spirit. The best part is, you don’t even have to know how to dance to join the club. So take the step– join the Roman Step Team.]]>