Oct. 9, 2020

Rush event highlights clubs and activities 

Last week Upper St. Clair High School ninth graders had the opportunity to explore and sign-up any of the school’s 50+ clubs and activities. The annual event – Freshmen Rush – was held over two days to accommodate the hybrid schedule. In addition, an online “club finder” was created for fully remote students as well as anyone not able to attend in person.

Health and safety guidelines have required staff and students to find creative solutions for many processes, events and activities. 

Typically held in the gymnasium, the event was moved outdoors to the stadium to help encourage social distancing. In addition, student organizer Karsen Damon, a senior and student council vice-president, embraced QR code technology to eliminate the need to touch common surfaces such as pens, sign-up sheets and laptops.

“This year, Karsen created QR codes for each club and freshmen were able to use their own phone or electronic device to scan the code to sign-up for clubs,” Brooke Tarcson, activities coordinator, said. “She also created a flowchart with links to sign-up for all club and we emailed it to every student at the high school so our remote friends could also join.”  

Freshmen Rush often helps new students meet new friends, discover new interests and acclimate to the high school.  

“I know that when I was a freshman, it was nice to just see all the clubs we had. Whether I signed up for 50 or for one club, Rush helped me find my interests,” she said. “I want the freshmen class to have the same experiences I had, even if it was modified.

Through the use of technology – including the ability to meet virtually – student participation in clubs is expected to flourish.

“So far, I have seen nothing but persistence in activities in the school,” Karsen said. “I believe that the changes will positively impact the participation of students in clubs and activities. Now that students are able to sign up online instead of having to go to Rush, I feel that more students will feel able to join clubs and attend meetings.”

If a student does not find a club that piques their interest, then he or she is free to create a new club. Visit the Activities Office or email Mrs. Tarcson at btarcson@uscsd.k12.pa.us for information about the process.