At Washburn Rural there are 22 different clubs to choose from. From clubs that get you involved in the community to clubs that talk about different religions and languages. There is something different for everyone.

Circle of friends, started by senior Keaton Vander Hart last year is a group where its members tutor students with disabilities. Sponsor Kak Eli-Schneider encourages students to do things such as go to football games together or to go bowling on the weekends.

“[My favorite thing is to] hang out with my friends and go to football games,” sophomore Molly Schmank said.

Another club is National Honor Society, which was founded in 1929 to recognize high school students with a minimum of 3.65 GPA. To become a member of NHS you must be invited, write an essay and have teacher recommendations.

Advisers are gifted teacher Robin Corbin and English teacher Suzie Oertel. Students partake in activities to better the community such as cleaning up the stadium on Sept. 27 after the football game. They are meeting in the stadium at 8:30 a.m. Also during the Christmas season the club will sponsor a needy family.

Interact, similar to National Honor Society, also does community as well as international services.

“Some of the most notable events include or are related to offering assistance at community service functions, donating to the Topeka Rescue Mission and showing support for overseas troops,” sponsor Nick Bowling said.

English teacher Jenny Tiller is also a sponsor for Interact.

There are also clubs for the different languages like Spanish Club and French Club. French club is participating in National French week by have a movie/food day next week.

Young Democrats, sponsored by Jennifer Hixson, was created in 2006. On Sept. 22 they are conducting a volunteer phone bank. Students use a computer system that gives them random numbers and they call and ask what community members think about the different candidates running for office.

“We will use the information to give to the candidates about what people think about their campaign,” president of the club senior Ethan Eyman said.

There are also clubs like chess and rugby club that involve students in sports. Rugby meets every Tuesday and Thursday after school at 3:15 p.m. They are talking to the Topeka Rugby club to create a city team and play against other cities.

Chess club is scheduled to participate in six to seven tournaments this year. The team competed in an All Grade Champ tournament Sept. 13.

“Our highest ranking students placed 3rd, 5th and 10th,” sponsor Alan Neal said.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes, members and students, will gather at the football field on Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. for Field of Faith. They are working on entertainment for the evening. Aside from students reading Bible verses, they are trying to get a band to play and an adult to present a short salvation message.

“The goal is for kids to want to read their Bible and we’re hoping to reach people,” sponsor Don Gifford said. They are also trying to get students outside of FCA and in different sports to get involved and speak at the event.

All of the clubs will be gearing up to participate in Survivor Week for homecoming on Sept. 29-Oct. 3. Each club, activity or sport is allowed to nominate two of their members to participate in the competition.