By Steven H., Teen Portal Staff Writer
Do you like talking about political issues and current events with your peers? Would you enjoy competing on an intellectual level through debating controversial issues or answering trivia questions? If any of these things interest you, Arlington high schools offer plenty of fun clubs for the intellectually inclined to consider.
Here are a few suggestions for those interested in continuing to use their brains after school:
• Debate Team (W-L, Wakefield, Yorktown) – Although it may sound odd, Debate is actually an activity in which it is possible to earn a varsity letter. Team members compete, both by themselves and as a part of a pair, to debate opposing teams about diverse political and social issues. Debates are usually held one or two Saturdays per month, and team members have several weeks to prepare a speech on an assigned topic, usually working with peers or the team sponsor. Debate is recommended for students who want to sharpen both their verbal and writing skills while having fun at the same time. Clubs meet once a week.
• It’s Academic Team (W-L, Wakefield, Yorktown) – Similar to Academic Hallmarks in middle school, a team of students competes to answer questions on just about every topic imaginable. In addition, teams compete in the It’s Academic TV program. During weekly meetings, team members answer practice tests together and formulate strategies for competitions. It’s Academic is recommended for those who have large amounts of trivia knowledge and do not know what to do with it, or for people who want to learn a lot of cool facts. Clubs meet once a week.
• Young Democrats/ Republicans / Independents (W-L, Yorktown) – Even if you’re not crazy about politics, the political clubs at Arlington High Schools offer a great chance to learn about current events and to meet some of your most involved peers. And if you are into politics, it’s an opportunity to exchange ideas with people who think like you. Another advantage of joining a political club this year is the upcoming election in November, which will give you plenty to talk about during club meetings, held once or twice every two weeks.
• Model United Nations (W-L, Wakefield, Yorktown) – Ever wish you had the power to weigh in on decisions about international issues? Well, even if that hasn’t been your dream since you were little, you still might find it fascinating to take part in Model United Nations (Model U.N.). Teams meet to plan for conferences, in which they each get to play the part of a specific country in the United Nations. Then teams from high schools across Northern Virginia, or even further away, meet and discuss a broad range of global issues affecting the world today. Not only do Model U.N. members learn a lot about international politics and issues, but they also become better speakers and writers, and have a good time doing it. Clubs meet once per week.
For more information about these and other activities, visit your school’s club and activity Web site:
Washington-Lee
Wakefield
Yorktown
