In schools all across the Top of Utah, teens have created their own clubs to make a place for themselves to fit in. Take a minute and check out what they've done in some of these more unusual groups:
American Walrus Association of America
This Northridge High School club is not only good for learning all you can about a walrus, but for having conversations about everything from other sea creatures to how to survive a zombie attack. There is virtually no limit to what the school's Knights can discover in this group that focuses on analytical thinking.
"I wanted to join because it was fun to be in a group of people who weren't too serious," says Jodie Galbraith, a member of the AWAA.
Galbraith also points out that he loves the people he has been able to meet in this club, not just the many topics they cover.
"We are the coolest people you will ever meet," the sophomore says.
Pingpong Club
This club is just what it sounds like; everyone gets together to socialize and play pingpong.
Matt Dicou, copresident of the Morgan High School club, says that the whole point is to make new friends and get more involved with other students. Pingpong is just there to help out.
Dicou says that he loves the enthusiasm everyone has for the club, not only for the game but for their cool T-shirts.
"It feels good to be able to proudly wear a shirt to school that shows you are part of Morgan High Pingpong," the senior says.
He also likes the group's ability to solve problems: "All disputes, however great or small, can be settled by a game of pingpong," he explains.
Snuggie Guild
It seems like every high school student would fit right in to the Snuggie Guild at Ogden High School, a group that junior Mackenzie Bray says is for anyone who likes guilds or snuggling.
"It's great because you can be wrapped in Snuggie softness while hanging out with friends," Bray says in an e-mail. "Life can be pretty stressful and it's nice to be with people who understand the need to sometimes be wrapped in a blanket with sleeves."
One of the big hits with the Snuggie Guild is that they don't really do anything. And they are proud of it. The group of 15 to 20 students meets on Fridays in their adviser's room and just hang out with each other.
Bray says the members would like to have socials and service projects centered around the Snuggie in the future. But for now, they are content with being able to spend time with each other and de-stress themselves.
A benefit of the guild is it has uses in everyday life, she says.
"I once found a cat that had been hit by a car on the side of the road and brought it to the vet in my Snuggie -- I had it with me because we had a meeting that day," Bray says. "During a fire drill, members of the guild were happy to share their Snuggies with other students who weren't so prepared for the weather."
Color Guard
Have you ever seen the girls on the football field with the flags while the pep band plays? Well, that would be the Color Guard at Bear River High School. The group is also what you see in parades and marching band competitions.
This group of students start practice at 5:30 a.m. and spends hours dancing at competitions.
Kati Hawkins, a senior on the guard, says she joined because she had too much free time, but the group has taught her patience, friendship and love. Her favorite moment of being in the group was when the Color Guard took the state championship last year.
"The performing is a lot harder than it looks, but it is so much fun. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!" Hawkins says.
All of these clubs offer something a little different -- from walrus chats to Snuggies. And what holds these groups together, or any type of school club together, are feelings of belonging and friendship.
Jaycie Miller is a senior at Fremont High School. She enjoys debate, and having fun with her friends and family. E-mail her at millerja5@wsdstudent.net.
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