If you somehow weren’t aware, Juniata County students headed back to school on Tuesday, 9/4. (if you live in Juniata County and haven’t gone back, you might want to call the school office...)  With the start of school, the start of fall sports and clubs has begun as well! Around the school, you can find the football team practicing on Dreibelbis Field, catch a game under the lights on Dietrick, see the cross country team running around campus, or find one of the many clubs meeting with their advisors. 

I, as a junior at JHS, have been given two years to see what JHS offers in athletics and extracurriculars. It may have taken me some time to find out what my interests are, but I’m glad I am able to involve myself in my time here. Currently, I’m involved with the bands, chorus, and drama club. I also lead the student athletics section, ‘The JHS Rowdy Crowd”, and am the stats manager for the track team. Although it may seem like I’m involved in a lot, there is ALWAYS something more to do! There are clubs that are active all throughout the year, sports that take place each season, and many organizations that you can involve yourself in. 

Some clubs that Juniata offers are: The Key Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), SWEETS, Newspaper Club, Poetry Out Loud, Drama Club, and Fusfoo!

The Key Club is a club that is involved in service projects around our school and community. In the past, they’ve been active as bell ringers for the Salvation Army, have organized blanket drives for those in need, and handed out Thanksgiving dinners. SADD is a club that stands true to its name. SADD is compiled of students, advised by Mrs. Hayes, who are for helping other students and the school by being a support group for students in need. SWEETS Club is a club tasked with the upkeep of Juniata’s courtyard. Newspaper Club is in charge of writing Juniata’s student newspaper, The Arrowhead. Advised by Mr. Trotman, students are given the opportunity to write about issues or news in our school, community, or world. They are also given an outlet to write reviews on popular (or not-so-popular) book series, TV shows, and movies. Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition that functions a lot like the National Spelling Bee. Drama Club is responsible for performing the musicals and plays each spring. Advised by Mr. Heidenreich, the students of Drama Club audition each year for parts in the upcoming musical. In past years, Juniata has done such plays as Anything Goes, Peter Pan, Seussical, and many, many more. They are always looking for new members to help out on stage, and work behind the scenes! Last but not least is Fusfoo. Fusfoo functions similarly to the Newspaper Club, but it acts as Juniata’s online news site (and we’re always looking for new members!)

If you haven’t gathered already, Juniata has lots of clubs and extracurriculars, which can greatly enhance your high school experience! High school is what you make it, and whether you choose or not to immerse yourself in extracurriculars, or show your best school spirit, is up to you. But in your time here, I encourage you to have your best time in this chapter of your life.