The Auxiliary Gym was abuzz during last week's Upper School Club Fair. Student representatives and sponsors for various school clubs and organizations set up tables to advertise and educate about their particular group. Topics varied, from the more academic to special interests. ESD supports 59 upper school clubs in total this year, ranging from animal welfare to Youth in Government. The leadership and community opportunities are endless!

Club organizer Joe Snyder, Upper School Performing Arts Teacher and 37-year faculty member, said this year’s event went very well, with 37 student groups reserving space. “They did a great job; the event was very interactive and had a good, positive vibe. Over the years, I have seen more and more involvement from students - especially initiating and starting clubs they are interested in.”

To start a club, students write a charter and find a faculty or staff member to sponsor. 

“After sharing more about my professional background in the fashion industry during a chapel talk, Sofia Mercado ‘25 approached me to ask if I would consider sponsoring a Fashion Club for upper school students,” said ESD Director of Alumni Asia Hawkins ’13. “Club members hear from guest speakers that work in various segments of fashion, read case studies and fashion news articles, and are working now to publish ESD’s first fashion magazine this fall.”

Some clubs include support from alums and parent volunteers who are experts in a particular industry, like the Student Managed Investment Club founded in 2014. Unlike similar high school investment clubs that use hypothetical funds and timelines, ESD students manage a set amount of the school's reserve funds for actual investments in the market. Payouts from the Oglesby/Allison Student Managed Investment Fund are split between the general operating needs of the school and the enrichment of the math department.

“The Student Managed Investment Club teaches its student-managers about investment principles, careers, capital markets, and the economy in a manner that is unique for high schools: actual funds invested for the long-term benefit of the school,” explained retired ESD CFO and founding club sponsor Robert Buchholz. 

Whatever the club, there is the opportunity to have something for everyone. For the complete list of Upper School clubs, visit the Student Life page.