Colorful and eye-catching booths were displayed along the quad of Bonita Vista High (BVH) during lunch on a sunny Wednesday, showcasing numerous clubs that the school has to offer. Some clubs had their club members stood in front of their booth, with wide smiles while showcasing what their club has to offer. But behind each club is an underlying purpose for the BVH club fair. 

“[Joining Amnesty International Club] made me realize how much more I cared about human rights and how they need to be helped. I’m able to learn more about what happens in the rest of the world, and not just focus on what’s happening here in the United States. I get a bigger picture, and can be more informed and see what I can do to improve others’ lives,” Amnesty International Vice President, Joana Peralta said.

One club particularly drew attention by decorating their booth with a large picture of a globe, which according to Amnesty International club advisor Jose Vallejo, signified their advocacy to influence the whole world. Their booth was predominantly colored yellow and black indicating the idea of a new beginning of happiness for international citizens. 

“The purpose of the club is to fight for human rights of all world citizens,” Vallejo said. 

The creation of the club drew inspiration from a typical Wednesday, where students both learn and take notes from watching a movie. As explained by Amnesty International President, Alicia Verdugo the soul-stirring movie titled Hotel Rwanda, which was about Rwandan genocide – gained interests from many students. 

“I started the club because a couple of my students were interested in finding out more about human rights and bringing this knowledge to BVH students,” Vallejo said.

Amnesty International advocates and spreads awareness about human rights. Their goals include addressing problems that concerns human rights violations across the United States, as well as other countries around the world. 

“What sets Amnesty International apart would be it’s opportunities. For example, you learn of human rights issues that are happening worldwide and [you] get to be involved in real action against these issues, and spread awareness,” Peralta said. 

The Improv club stood with a large banner composed of logos like happy and sad expression masks – trademark symbols used in Speech and Drama. Not only that, their poster featured pictures of the club’s team members, achievements and awards. 

“Improv [club] is a way for everyone to get out of their creative flow. It allows for everybody to have fun, and make friends,” Improv club President, Dana Tween said. 

According to Improv Club Treasurer, Renee Fagan, the club promotes inclusivity and teamwork. The club encourages an environment where students’ can effortlessly experience and enjoy every moment. 

“Improv [club] is different than other clubs because it’s more inclusive and involved. For other clubs, you kind of just like: join, show up at meetings, listen to someone talk and then leave. But for improv, not only do we have after school workshops or we get like a licensed professional to work with, but we also [get to play] games and [improve] our own improv skills,” Fagan said. 

As explained by the club’s President, Dana Tween, having a good time and putting on a show for audiences to enjoy is what Improv club stands for. Although Improv Club Treasurer, Renee Fagan, believes spontaneous speaking might be difficult and acting unusual scenes might be awkward, the fun of the experience still stands.

“Improv can be a little cringey at times but when you’re having fun with it, you’re doing something that you enjoy with the people that you enjoy, love and care about. [That] makes it all up because it’s so much fun,” Improv club Treasurer, Renee Fagan said.  

Clubs might differ in purpose and significance, but involvement in the many clubs and extracurricular activities around BVH allow students to immerse themselves in activities and be part of a community. 

“It’s a place for everyone, I feel like everyone can get in touch with their humanitarian side. I feel like everyone can get in touch with helping others and fighting for others, and feeling for others because with our club we hope to create change, not just here, not just in our local community, but everywhere,” Verdugo said.