Exploring New Interests at Upper School and Middle School Club Fairs

On Thursday, September 17, the Upper School assembled in Benson Gymnasium ahead of the lunch block to preview this year’s co-curricular offerings. Upper School Dean of Student Life Krista Sahrbeck opened the session by urging everyone to keep an open mind as they explore new interests and expand their horizons. “Take a close look at your options, because there’s something new for everybody,” Sahrbeck noted. 

Club leaders took turns delivering brief pitches to pique the curiosity of prospective members. Speakers used humor, enthusiasm, and creative angles to highlight their clubs, which included developing expertise through the Arts Board, Stock Club, or Women in Business, pursuing hands-on artistry with ceramics, honing outdoor skills with the Fishing Club, and more.

Gathered in a semicircle around the perimeter of the gymnasium, presenters displayed handmade posters, offered candy, and used interactive and eye-catching props—including a remote-controlled robot built by the Robotics Club—to draw a crowd. The displays offered a window into thoughtful missions driving these student groups; for example, the Psychology Club’s poster showcased exploring the mind through discussions, guest speakers, and practical techniques drawn from sports psychology, music, and daily life. 

Students browsed a spectrum of options designed to enhance their overall experience at Rivers, including affinity and cultural spaces, civic initiatives such as Rivers Serves and One Night Out, and specialized STEM groups such as Space Club and Food Science.

A constant, defining feature of these club fairs is the sheer variety of opportunities available. Tailored to appeal to a wide range of interests—from rigorous intellectual or academic pursuits to civic outreach and recreational groups—the clubs on display at the Upper School and Middle School club fairs showcased the vibrant, student-driven culture that helps shape life at Rivers.

The Middle School held its own club fair the following week, on Wednesday, September 23. Haffenreffer Gymnasium was filled with an equally enthusiastic collection of clubs on display across poster-laden tables, offering students valuable opportunities to be curious and explore new pathways.

Of note, Middle School students are not limited to choosing just one club. “A welcome added benefit of the schedule change is that we can now offer clubs every day of the week,” said Middle School Dean of Students Sarah Heffrin. “So, students can participate in multiple clubs if they would like.” A joint poster promoting both the Newsletter Club and the Community Service Club captured that important change: “Join one club or both!” 

With Middle School clubs set to be up and running next week, students can look forward to new academic and creative offerings this year, including coding, fishing, poetry, and pickleball. These additional clubs join the returning favorites, including Musical Theater, BIPOC Affinity, HIVE Math Club, BRIDGE, D&D, and Hot Sauce Club. 

From existing clubs to newly launched efforts, student engagement in clubs inspires a culture of leadership, empathy, and curiosity that extends across the Rivers campus.

To see the full list of clubs and activities at Rivers, please visit our clubs and activities page.