FHS has a wide variety of clubs for all types of students, but because of the large selection, some clubs get drowned out. Here is The Wingspan’s spotlight on four lesser-known clubs at FHS, and the hard-working people behind them.
Cyber Patriot
The Cyber Patriot club, sponsored by CTE teacher Jason Canfield, is an organization that allows students to practice cybersecurity skills in a fun and competitive environment. The club consists of six teams that compete against each other and against other teams in the world.
“I’ve had many students [that were in] Cyber Patriot [go on to] get jobs in computer networking, [engineering], or cyber security,” Canfield said.
Club captain and junior Shipra Putrevu believes that everyone should try out the Cyber Patriot program.
“Even if you are not interested in engineering or cybersecurity, I recommend you try it for yourself,” Putrevu said. “It’s really fun.”
If you have an interest in joining this mostly online club, you can sign up for one of its limited spots from late May to early June, and contact Canfield for more information.
Esports
The FHS Esports club, sponsored by Japanese teacher Lauren Kendall, is a club for competitive video game tournaments. They currently play Super Smash Bros Ultimate, in which they placed first in the States competition last year.
“[The members of the Esports club] are getting leadership skills, they are learning how to strategize against opponents, [and] play under pressure,” Kendall said.
The club prides itself on being accessible to all, regardless of previous skill and experience with video games, both competitive and casual.
“I have had [people] come in who have never played Super Smash Bros before, and I’ve got to watch them get better over time,” club captain and junior Sean Campbell said.
The Esports club meets on Fridays directly after school in Room 206 to refine their skills for competitions. They are open for walk-ins—no sign-up required.
Ping Pong
The FHS ping-pong club, sponsored by architecture and engineering teacher Mark Skodack, is a club that allows students to unwind after school by casually playing ping-pong with friends.
“[The club was made to] help with mental health, [and it’s] able to bring people together to do something different,” said Skodack. “The kids are very friendly. They help each other.”
Club creator and junior Anthony Feldman is a major advocate for the casual nature of the group as important to the environment of the club.
“The people who want to come can come, and those who want to leave can leave,” Feldman said. “There’s no commitment.”
This low-stakes club meets after school on Mondays in the cafeteria, with equipment being provided to members.
Automotive Accelerate
The Automotive Accelerate club, sponsored by automotive teacher Joseph Lazzarino, is designed for students from the Automotive class who come after school to continue working on their projects, but it is open to all.
“Sometimes kids come in to work on their own cars from home,” Lazzarino said. “Just working on cars can teach a lot about the mechanics of the vehicle.”
Due to the club’s lax nature, most students are there to enjoy some quiet time while also learning and working with their hands.
“Besides teaching about cars, Auto Club is a way to learn independence,” Lazzarino said. “[The students] mostly work by themselves. I only step in if they need help.”
The Automotive Accelerate club is open every day after school in Room 707.
