On Aug. 16, SIS hosted its annual club fair where executives promoted their organizations. The new clubs are as follows: Seoul Architecture Preservation club, DEIB club, Youth Investment Society (YIS), and Bookadoodle. 

“There will always be some ebb and flow of interest among the student body in various activities and hobbies,” Chris Del Vecchio, Vice Principal, said. “By having a process for nonrenewal of clubs whose membership drops to unsustainable levels, we create space for the creation of new clubs that better represent the current enthusiasm of the students. 

Club executives earned approval for their clubs before summer break and planned activities during the summer. Many of the new executives explained that the process of making a new club was difficult.

“From navigating administrative procedures to generating student interest, there were obstacles to surmount,” Joonho Kim (10), Vice President of YIS, said. “Persistence and attention to detail were necessary for coordinating with school officials, locating an appropriate meeting space, and developing a persuasive club proposal.”

The five clubs hope to foster new experiences for the student body, bringing a new wave of opportunities for students at SIS. 

“Our club serves as a platform for learning, discussion, and practical application, empowering students to make informed decisions about their financial future,” Joonho said. “Whether they are beginners or have some investment experience, our club offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into the world of investing and develop valuable life skills.”

Some aim to create a friendly environment for students to experiment with new hobbies.

“I want Bookadoodle to be a safe and interactive environment for all kinds of people who are interested in reading and writing, or people who are new [or] shy and want to socialize with others,” Kate Kim (10), co-president of Bookadoodle, said. “It is both a book club and a place for people to make new friends, and have a safe and comfortable space in school. I am excited but also nervous for clubs to begin.”

Bookadoodle is the first book club in years for SIS. This will be the first time Kate will lead a club with her friend, Haven Cha (10). 

Most executive positions are usually given to juniors and seniors. The non-renewal of clubs and the addition of new ones this year will allow more sophomores to gain experience in leadership roles. 

“Building an organization from the ground up—tasks like creating a leadership structure, crafting a mission and vision, or agreeing on norms—are authentic and unique learning opportunities for groups of students who wish to take on such a challenge,” Mr. Del Vecchio said.

Club meetings will officially begin on Sep. 4.