Greeley West High School currently has the largest student body in Northern Colorado, with about 2,050 students enrolled this year. With so many kids at the school, the next step is to get them involved in the school That’s why GWHS is one of the two high schools in District 6 that receives the 21st-century grant, which provides funding for various activities and clubs.
Starting this week, students had access to art, robotics, DECA, and several other clubs that have been consistently available in the past. This year, Greeley West hopes to have a larger variety that represents the unique personalities and interests of the students.
Some students are interested in baking. During summer school, English teacher and swim coach, Mr. Colin Shaha sponsored a bread-baking club. Sophomore, Sofia Vasquez expressed interest in having this club during the school year. “I miss making sourdough bread. It’s sad that it had to end when summer ended,” Vasquez said.
Students are also interested in a boxing club. Freshman Yonder Ramos Cax stated, “A boxing club would be a good addition.”
Sophomore, Andy Sanchez also shared his interest in this club. “I don’t know anything about boxing. If there was a club I could learn, but I have no idea how to start one,” Sanchez said.
Last year, only about 200 Greeley West students participated in clubs regularly. Counselor, Ms. Marlene Rich believes engaged students succeed. “The more opportunities that students have to get involved, to make connections, the better they will grow,” Rich said.
Rich also provided much-needed information about how students can create their clubs. “Students can let me know, in hopes that we find an adult in the building that has that type of interest because they have to have an adult sponsor,” Rich said.
The 21st Century Grant was awarded to Greeley West so students could find a home in a club and be more intersted in school. 21st Century groups include the board game club, who have had many games purchased for them in the past two years. Knowledge Bowl was another club started with the grant. They even competed at the state tournamnet last year.
Rich said she has equiptment for a DJ Club and is looking for interested faculty and students who would want to practice with speakers, lights and music.
With the new school year, Greeley West students are encouraged to go out and create their suggested clubs. Maybe this year Greeley West can have your mentioned knitting, shoe, mukbang, mechanics, mental health, or video production clubs.
