FHS has 33 unique and individually interesting clubs, some of which many students have never even heard of. Some of these clubs have an important cause, while others are just trying to have fun. Whatever the case, even the most obscure club can substantially impact the local community.
The Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO) Club is focused on educating students and student drivers about traffic safety. This specific task is both an important and interesting goal, and could save lives on the road. Cathy Gillespie, the student driver instructional assistant said, “The main part [of YOVASO] is to try to make students aware when they get out on the road of distractions and the proper way to drive and follow the rules of the road.” Gillespie also commented on the importance of students focusing on the road and understanding traffic laws, saying, “I don’t think a lot of kids actually pay attention…[or know] the different rules, signs, et cetera.” This club allows students to further their driving skill and understanding of the road’s rules, which is very important, as according to The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there were 42,939 traffic deaths in the United States in 2021.
Another unique student-run club that is determined to use volunteer work to help the local community is Volunteer Fauquier. Club sponsor and librarian Rebecca Isaac said, “Volunteer Fauquier Club is an opportunity for students who want to do volunteer work in the community… it could be the school community… or it could be the local community around Warrenton. It’s mainly students who feel strongly about improving the community in some way.” Adding to this, junior Heidy Aguirre-Valenzuela, a student in the club, commented, “It’s just a really good way to help people… we’re kind of providing for Fauquier.” The club participates in many activities around Warrenton, one of them being the Trex Recycling project that recycles plastic that would otherwise go to landfills into different useful items, such as decking materials or playground equipment. The Trex Website states, “We have continued to derive value from discarded materials, diverting waste from landfills and waterways.” Another way Volunteer Fauquier helps is by giving common needs to the homeless. Savina Thornton, another student in the club, stated, “Right now we’re doing a self care bag… with toothbrushes and stuff… and we’re planning on giving it to [the homeless].” Volunteer Fauquier helps students by making it easier to get their Civic Seal, an honor added to their high school diploma.
These clubs may go unnoticed, but they play an important role in nurturing students’ personal growth and development. They provide a space for students to develop their talents and interests. They also encourage responsibility and leadership, helping students make a positive impact on their surroundings. These unsung clubs show the importance of community and help build a better future for us all.
