Welcome Back to School, North Nation!
Whether you're new to North Stafford, an incoming freshman, or just looking to try something new this year, there are plenty of exciting clubs and sports teams to explore. Joining a club or sport is a fantastic way to establish a community, especially if you're new and want to make friends. Clubs introduce you to new people, broaden your social circle, and help you pursue your passions. Additionally, extracurricular activities are a great way to enhance your college applications, especially for rising juniors and seniors.
One of the newer clubs is the National Music Honor Society.
"We believe the National Music Honor Society is an amazing society for those who are passionate about music and actively contribute to North's music department," said Miyah Azrielle Samuel. This society provides an excellent environment for those who want to pursue music as a career or a hobby. Miyah noted, "We provide opportunities to practice performance skills through community service events, benefiting our members and those we serve."
For students interested in volunteering, the National Music Honor Society offers a chance to give back to the community. "Not only do we strive to achieve partnership within the different music departments, but we spread our love for music throughout various communities," Miyah added.
At North Nation, some clubs cater to specific cultures, ethnicities, and religions. For example, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Muslim Student Association help members build relationships with God while hosting fun events throughout the year. The African Students Association and Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (the Hispanic Student Association) provide spaces for students to connect with others with similar backgrounds.
"I would say ASA is a good club to join because it unites all the Africans at North and brings together a community that allows everyone to be themselves authentically," said Daylin Amoako.
Orange Fever, another popular club, focuses on school spirit. Members get discounted prices at football games and must participate in spirit activities like High Five Friday and wearing school colors at games. These clubs will welcome and support you with open arms, making your high school experience great. Being involved in these clubs is also a valuable way to demonstrate to colleges that you can work with a team and engage in your community. We at North Nation are excited to see your involvement in these clubs!
Some seniors have found passion and community in their sports and have learned important life lessons. These lessons include decision-making, teamwork, and listening skills.
Amouni Janay, a rising senior and cheer team member, described her experience as one of learning new skills and creating strong bonds.
"The cheer team is filled with people who always have your back, like a second family. It's such a fun experience, especially if you join with no knowledge of it because you get to learn so many new skills and create new bonds with people who support you," Amouni said. She also mentioned, "The coaches also make the experience great because they easily recognize and execute that their job is to help you and the team grow as a whole."
J'Maia Joseph, another rising senior who plays on the girls' basketball team, believes basketball has helped prepare her for the real world by teaching her valuable life lessons. "Basketball is not only a sport but fosters skills that immediately translate to the real world. You have to make tough decisions in short periods that could have major effects in the game, and the same goes for the real world," J'Maia shared.
She also reflected on the personal growth she experienced through basketball: "I had a great time playing basketball for North Stafford. It taught me so much, but most importantly, it increased my mental toughness. I faced a lot of adversity playing basketball, but I have learned to overcome and adapt."
Clubs and sports at North Stafford High School offer incredible opportunities to grow, connect, and learn valuable life skills. We look forward to seeing how you get involved and maximize your time here at North Nation!
