The final bell rings and many students head off campus to go home or hang out with friends. However, for some Menes, there is still much to do at school. People participate in extracurriculars for a multitude of reasons, but what exactly is an extracurricular and how does someone participate?
According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, an extracurricular is an activity at school that is “not part of the usual course work or studies”. With the many possible choices, it can be difficult to decide on a single one to pursue. These are just a few of the many options available to students at Moanalua High School.
Drama Alert
Demi Liu is the president and founder of the Acting Club. They practice nearly every day, and she enjoys the positive environment of the club. Liu started the club so that actors and drama enthusiasts would have a place to meet.
Liu says the Acting Club “provides a great space to be ourselves,” and, “no one is going to judge you for who you are.”
The Acting Club isn’t just for people who want to perform… “It’s also open for people in tech, prop designing, set designing, and costume designing,” Liu explains.
They invite anyone interested in the club to learn more at one of the club’s meetings. These sessions are held after school ever Thursday in R204.
Cleaning Up the Campus
Rylen Tanahara is a classroom cleaner. He often stays after school ends to tidy up the campus. Tanahara is paid $14 an hour to help out whenever he can.
He works about three hours a day after school, although, “The schedule is flexible,” he says.
With the job, “you can start paying for your own stuff,” Tanahara says. If they find work on campus, students can start their first job in a familiar environment.
It’s fairly straightforward to join the program. “Go to the front office, and ask for a classroom cleaners application. You will get an introduction from a vice principal,” Tanahara supplies.
A Steady Rhythm
Mariah Morton is a member of the school’s well-known marching band program. While at first it might seem like only musicians can join, there are other vital roles available in the program.
The marching band practices on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. It is not a small commitment, however, it “goes well for college applications,” Morton explains.
It’s also an opportunity to meet people and make new friends. Students in marching band don’t only hang out at school. The group has section outings where people can get to know their teammates better in a less formal setting.
For anyone interested in joining the marching band for next year, there will be a posted sign-up sheet in the band room during the fourth quarter.
Extracurricular activities can be a great way to get involved around campus, and Moanalua has a plethora of options. Although they all require some time commitment, after school activities bring students together. Participating in these programs can help prepare students for the future, or just help pass the time as it unfolds. Regardless of the reason, everyone can find an active program that they enjoy on campus.
