More than fair

Walking into the Simon Student Center during this year’s club fair felt like stepping into a marketplace of ideas. Tables lined every wall, soccer music blastied, advertising the soccer club, and students roamed from booth to booth each offering candy, clipboards, and shouts of enthusiasm about why their club matters. At first glance, it was impressive seeing students showcasing Mercersburg school spirit and bringing diversity to every club. But beneath all that, it also revealed what we as a community did to create opportunities for students to showcase their talents and leadership skills.

The best part of the fair was in fact “diversity.” From student unions to debate clubs, from gaming clubs to even a dog writing club, there seemed to be something for every student to apply their passion to. I believe that this variety matters, as high school is supposed to be about more than sheer grades; it is about discovering passion, what you truly believe in, taking responsibility for others, and finding people who share your passions. Watching students approach the Chinese Tea Club, I saw their faces light up as a heartwarming sight, as if they found common ground, despite coming from different parts of the world. It was a snapshot of Mercersburg at its best: extending inclusivity, curiosity, and eagerness to each and every member of the community. 

However, not every student shared my excitement. Some wandered around the aisles looking overwhelmed, struggling to hear club representatives over the noise. Others had no traction due to the crowds attracted to the loud noise of popular clubs, overshadowed by flashy displays and a bombardment of music.

  A fair designed to spark interest and involvement shouldn’t cause people to feel left out, unseen, or confused. A well-designed club fair, in my opinion, should allow each founder to have a chance to shine and talk in front of the whole community, inspiring applicants with their interest. 

Some may say that the chaos of the club fair is what makes it come to life and that experience of stumbling across a club that you love unintentionally is what makes it enjoyable. And that is true to an extent. Serendipity is indispensable. But randomness should not be lauded at the expense of clarity and exposure. Students who tour deserve the thrill of discovery and a clear idea of what they signed up for. And the founders of clubs deserve the appreciation of the student flow and the respect of their enrollees. Without that, the fair risks becoming more of a hype event than a showcase of the inspiring projects the community has to offer. 

Overall, the club fair is one of the few times in the year when the whole student body comes together and works on something other than academics. It represents who we are in the school as we develop energy, talent, and passion. But if we want a community where all students have the chance to demonstrate their potential, then the fair must be more than a noisy tradition. It should be a rope that ties involvement and enthusiasm together. 

The club fair is filled with the gifts that the community has to offer. It has significant strengths, but it also shows our weak spots. The question now is whether we’ll treat it as just a Friday event or as an opportunity to build a respectful community where every voice has the chance to speak, love, and find similar enthusiasts.