This year, HP welcomes three new clubs: Chem Club, Stress Free Club, and Familia Unida! The introduction of these clubs offers exciting opportunities for students to explore diverse interests, make meaningful connections, and develop skills that will serve them way beyond the classroom.
Among the new clubs, Chem Club, led by Club President Christian Delgado and Vice President Melany Moreno Contreras, provides students a chance to dive deeper into the world of chemistry through exciting, hands-on experiments.
Christian, who discovered his passion for the subject during junior year, is enthusiastic about sharing this interest with others.
“I found it really interesting how everything works at a molecular level,” explains Christian.
Driven by this interest, Christian and Mr.Amparan, the Club Advisor, worked together to create the club. The club is dedicated to pushing students beyond the basics of chemistry, with Mr. Amparan stating that activities will involve “complicated but more interesting labs.” Melany Contreras, who helps plan events, hopes to have members participate in the Orange County Science Fair and a possible future at the prestigious Regeneron Science Fair.
These events require students to work in team-based projects, bringing members closer together. Something like this is sure to be exciting and something to look forward to. This environment overall fosters bonds and a shared love for learning science.
The Stress Free Club has quickly gained attention for its unique approach to supporting overwhelmed students. Co-Founders Richard Tejeda and Jules Chavez created the club as a space where busy students can decompress and take a break from their hectic schedules.
The club offers a welcoming space in Ms. Bermudez’s classroom during lunch, where members can engage in creative activities like painting, bracelet-making, and more. This allows students not only to explore their creativity through art and crafts but also to create new and stronger friendships.
In addition to the calming atmosphere, the Stress Free Club provides free snacks!
“All of this is just from the generosity of our hearts, not pity, or for college—we just understand people’s struggles,” Richard emphasizes.
Beyond the comfort found in connecting with our peers, the effort and care the club leaders have poured into creating this space is deeply appreciated. The club serves as a reminder that students don’t have to handle the pressures of high school alone, offering both relaxation and community.
Finally, Familia Unida, led by Club President Jose Nino and Vice President Joanna Aguilar, stands out for its focus on creating a supportive environment for Hispanic families and students. According to Joanna, Familia Unida isn’t a new club but has reopened to offer support to students in need.
Inspired by Jose Nino’s family and Ms. Salazar, the Club Advisor, the club upholds its original values, with a focus on helping members balance “their academic and personal life,” as Jose explains.
In a school environment where students and families tend to feel overwhelmed navigating academic and personal challenges, Familia Unida provides a safe space where individuals can seek help and find a sense of belonging.
The club is also open to students, teachers, and staff, establishing a sense of unity in the school. Participation of members across the campus strengthens bonds especially within the Hispanic Community. Familia Unida also organizes events such as beach cleanups and hikes.
This promotes wellness and an outlet to nature and an opportunity for community service.
As Joana explains, “Giving them resources that our school offers can help them lift that weight over their shoulders.”
True to its name, Familia Unida strives to unite the school like a family, offering a space to socialize, support one another, and promote togetherness.
Together, these three clubs—Chem Club, Stress Free Club, and Familia Unida—represent essential values of HP—academic development, emotional wellbeing, and community building. They offer unique opportunities for people to connect, both academically and socially.
These chances of connections help them feel more connected to their community and the people around them. Ultimately, these clubs foster an atmosphere of inclusiveness that empowers students to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Whether in culture, mental wellness, or education, these clubs encourage students to become more involved in extracurricular activities and will undoubtedly be a great addition to the Spartan Family!
Written By: Genevie Calderon, Staff Writer