On Friday, September 22, Concord Academy students participated in Club Expo, CA’s annual fair that showcases student-led clubs and organizations for the upcoming academic year. Held in the Student-Faculty Center (Stu-Fac), this beloved event allows each club to set up a table, publicize and fundraise, and attract new members.
This year's Club Expo exposed students to an abundance of club offerings. These student-led groups ranged from Self Care Club to CGI Club. Many clubs sold merchandise or food items, like Film Club, which sold freshly made cherry slushy and customizable movie posters. Other clubs captivated students by hosting interactive activities. Gaming Club, for example, hosted video games for students to play. Simply put, there was no shortage of amusement or variety in each CA students’ Club Expo experience this year.
An additional highlight of the 2023 Club Expo was the raffle put on by the event organizers. Students could pay to enter the raffle for the chance to win various prizes, including a $25 Visa gift card or a (highly coveted) temporarily reserved spot in the West Gate parking lot. Council members registered names for the raffle at the entrance to the Stu-Fac, and the winners were announced throughout the night.
Returning students may recall how previous Club Expos could be packed, over-stimulating, or even chaotic. While excitement levels remained high this year, changes to the club process at CA helped the event to run more smoothly. Over the past few months, the Student Life Office has been in the process of reforming the club system at CA. Now, student leaders must complete an application in order for their clubs and organizations to be officially recognized by the school. This change will ensure that clubs are actively enriching the student experience. The new system also reduced the number of official clubs that were allowed to table at Club Expo. Unregistered, prospective organizations were allowed to set up a table, but could not fundraise. Following the event, these groups had the opportunity to apply for official club status.
Every year, Club Expo provides CA students with a wonderful opportunity to branch out across the community and connect students of all backgrounds and interests. This year’s Club Expo proved to be no different, setting out the 2023-24 school year on a positive and inspiring note.