A range of clubs exist to connect students and promote academic engagement, providing students with opportunities to collaborate and express their interests. Clubs are organized by both students and teachers and take place before or after school, creating a flexible environment for participation. Among these clubs is the anime club, which is run by math teacher DeShaun Pinnix who cooperates with William Down. 

 “The most significant thing I find about Anime Club is a place where kids aren’t embarrassed or bullied for liking anime so it’s like a safe zone for them to come be around each other and enjoy what they like,” Pinnix said

The club creates a safe environment for students that have an interest in anime, where they don’t have to worry about bullying and criticism. Anime club is about discussions, watching anime, eating food and socializing. The meetings are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:20 to 4:20 p.m located in B231.

“It’s a place to relax, unwind at the school, watch anime, eat snacks,” Pinnix said. 

Anime club not only can be a safe space to relax students and socialize but it motivates students to pass all of their classes as the only requirements are passing.  

“What I love the most is interacting with all the kids, “ Pinnix said. “So it’s fun getting to know all of them. We have kids from a bunch of different backgrounds. … It’s nice to get to know them, ”

 Joining clubs can help encourage students to meet new people and motivate them to keep up with their work.  “There’s a very diverse group of students who are here for the anime club,” Pinnix said.  

Anime club can help expand students’ perspectives culturally, expanding students’ perspectives can help create diversity in school. Ultimately, Clubs like the anime club shows the vital importance of creating supportive spaces for students to thrive and enjoy what they love.