Clubs are an integral part of any American high school, and in this regard Manchester is no different. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, clubs have taken a significant hit. Clubs have been shedding members left and right, and it’s been difficult to attract new members. Manchester High School Director of Student Activities Greg Woodle has a solution to this epidemic: a club fair.

“We’re trying to get our club sponsors to jump on this and do a video,” Woodle said. “Kinda like we’ve done with class meetings, with elections, and put it together and send it out to the (Lancer Time) classes to view on either Thursday or Friday. We’re trying to do whatever normal is.”

Clubs provide benefits to both students and to the overall school, Woodle said.

“I think clubs are really important because they let teachers and our students work together on something else outside of a classroom setting and in a setting that is more relaxing and more enjoyable for both the teachers and the students,” Woodle said. German club and D&D club sponsor Tessa Solee also offers some benefits of joining clubs.

“One benefit of joining clubs is that you get to know people besides the people in your classes and explore your own interests,” Solee said. “ You also get to meet other people who are interested in what you are interested in”

Not only do clubs benefit students directly, they also help foster interpersonal relationships between students and teachers.

“I think in this Covid time it’s more important than ever to let our teachers and students have something relaxing to do outside of school,” Woodle said.

Clubs also provide students with an opportunity to finally meet teachers face to face.

“One thing that I’m excited for with the return of clubs is getting to see students face to face again,” Solee said.

There is no set date for the club fair, though the current goal is to have it out by the end of October.