Clubs such as Asian Student Association and Muslim Student Association each spotlight the features of a certain culture, incorporating traditional aspects such as foods, activities, and informative characteristics in the meetings. By accommodating a number of clubs that showcase the array of cultures present at the school, minorities can be spotlighted in a school of about 3,500 students.

Students attend these clubs for a number of reasons. The meetings provide a way for students to communicate with peers who share a similar interest or are a part of the same culture. These clubs also serve as a place where students can be represented and demonstrate the traditional practices.

“I think cultural clubs are important because it brings a sense of unity among people who may not have even known they had so many things in common,” said junior Iffat Nawsheen, a member of Muslim Student Association.

Muslim Student Association is a club whose purpose is informing students about Islam and settling misconceptions about the religion. The club officers imparts information by administering discussions and presentations regarding Islam. The discussions consist of facts about Islam, entailing the beliefs and rules of the religion.

“Muslim Student Association works to talk about and alleviate any misunderstandings about Islam and also teaches basic Islamic customs,” said Nawsheen. “This is important, especially in today’s world, because in order for everyone to get along, we have to understand each other’s backgrounds.”

Asian Student Association is a club that focuses on a different Asian country every meeting, integrating Asian foods, presentations, and games respective to the country of the week.

“We live in a very diverse world so when we have people of a certain culture here in Asian club, it really enriches the lives of everybody,” said Barbara Rosenberger, the sponsor of Asian Student Association. “This club is the way to be exposed. We really try to celebrate all cultures but we focus on Asian culture.”

Although ASA affiliates itself particularly to Asian culture, non-Asian students still attend to partake in the various club activities while learning about the countries of Asia.

“A big part of Asian Student Association is learning about other cultures, you don’t really necessarily need to be Asian to be interested in Asian culture,” said senior Adrian Sakr, president of Asian Student Association. “They come to learn about the food and the traditions and also to hang out with their friends.”

Cultural clubs provide an informative yet fun way for students to connect to a culture.