The Brea Olinda High School quad buzzed with music, colorful posters, and curious students as more than 128 clubs, a record high, gathered to recruit new members at this years’ Club Rush event from Sept. 8 to Sept. 12.
For ASB member Jenna Adamik (‘26), Club Rush Commissioner, the event was especially “rewarding” because she was able to “see the clubs transform from lists on a spreadsheet to real-life programs.”
To create a club, students completed an application and either drafted or renewed a constitution defining the club’s purpose. After submitting the packet, ASB Executive Board members held weekly meetings to approve or reject the club proposals.
To accommodate the growing number of clubs — last year’s event hosted 113 — ASB once again divided the week into themes: academics-related clubs on Monday; culture clubs on Wednesday; community service clubs on Thursday; and hobby clubs on Friday.
Kaeden Vasquez (‘26), who has been a part of the Filipino Club for four years, noted the “diversity and variety of opportunities” at this year’s Club Rush. “You can find what you want – and you don’t have to cave in and settle for a club that doesn’t fit you,” Vasquez said.
Maia Hammel (‘27), Model United Nations (MUN) president, acknowledged the value of joining a club: “Clubs allow you to get involved with school activities, meet different, inspiring students, and branch out.”
Cutout boards — poster boards cut into frames for photographs — were a frequent sight throughout the week. While most featured slogans and club names, others used the frames in clever ways: “#Key-utie” for Key Club; Poetry Club’s gothic literature-related imagery (a raven, a candle, and books); Tennis Club’s cardboard racket; Vietnamese Student Association’s “#Don’t Pho-get to Join VSA”; and Health Occupations Students of America’s (HOSA), which featured a transparent skeleton and X-ray for prospective students to stand behind.
“The frames were mostly just a fun way to get our clubs out there, even if people didn’t stop by our booth,” Sarah Lee (’28), president of College Quick Bites Club, said. “Plus, [the frames] always get the most attention on instagram since everyone in the pictures loves reposting them.”
“Club Rush gives us the chance to advertise,” Siena Codekas (’27), president of Line Dancing Club, said, “and it really helps get the word out about our clubs and make people excited about all the things happening on campus.”
In addition to the promoting of clubs, the event provided an opportunity for students to meet new people.
“Club Rush was a chance for me to make new connections with people who were also interested in what I am passionate about,” Sayan Gonzorig (’27), Mock Trial Club board member, said.
Bell Jansen (‘26), president of the Christian club Youth Alive, said her favorite part of leading a booth during Club Rush was “getting to meet and connect with so many different people.”
For the dozens of clubs who participated in the week-long event, the next steps are to connect with prospective club members and to host the first meetings of the 2025-2026 school year.
