Karin Sugiyama ‘27
Sep 20, 2024
At Mercersburg Academy, arts clubs are integral to student life, offering creative outlets for students and a sense of community. Fiber Arts Club and Stony Batter Club are perfect examples of two groups that enrich individual experience while making a meaningful impact on the wider campus community.
The Fiber Arts Club, led by Amanda Xi ‘25 and Sierra Guo ‘25, provides opportunities for students to express their passion for fiber arts and provide a relaxing escape from students’ demanding schedules. Guo finds joy in leading the club: “It feels almost rewarding to see people knitting and crocheting in their own time and I think it is really a great way to introduce fiber arts to the community.” Xi added, “Starting this club with Sisi has given me an opportunity to make art and to share that with others who have the same interest.”
The Fiber Arts Club welcomes students of all ages and from all dorms. As Guo explained, “Just from the club fair sign-ups, I got to meet a lot of people I had never met before and it just gives us a chance to bond with other people in the community over a shared interest—people that I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise.” The club also works with communities beyond Mercersburg Academy, through projects such as knitting washcloths for a local hospital and creating hats and scarves for women experiencing miscarriage. Guo said, “We introduce fiber arts to humanitarian projects, which is kind of an unconventional way to apply this art, but it is really rewarding.”
In contrast, Stony Batter Club is dedicated to the theater, offering a different but equally valuable opportunity for student life led by Sarah Ali ‘25 and Crystal Chiu ‘25, both long-term Stony Batter members. Chiu elaborated, “Theater has always been a passion of mine. I wish everyone could enjoy the happiness I get by experiencing this art form.” She sees her role as crucial in sharing her joy, adding, “It is important that arts are spread across campus, especially because we are in a school system where it places heavy emphasis on sports.”
Ali focused on another contribution of Stony Batter Club. “We are a group full of awesome people and everyone is so supportive. I just really love the community of Stony—that is probably my favorite part of it and that is why I like leading the club.” She reflected on how Stony Batter has shaped her time at Mercersburg: “Through the club, you get to meet a lot of people and build bonds. In fact, I met Crystal through Stony and we have really been inseparable, 4 years later.” William Tutt ‘25, a key member of the club, echoed, “I love doing theater and seeing other passionate folk really invigorates myself to continue doing what I love.”
Both clubs share the goal of introducing Mercersburg students to the world of arts while uniquely contributing to the school’s community. Whether through knitting projects or theater performances, the impact of these clubs is a reflection of the vibrant and supportive environment at Mercersburg Academy.