This year there is a bumper crop of new clubs founded by AHS students. Starting clubs at AHS has always been an incredibly democratic experience. If a student has a great idea and an advisor, then it is possible to start a club.

At the club fair, which took place in early October, over twenty five new clubs were established, ranging from the Ukulele club led by Cerena Thomsen to Chris Wheatley’s newly formed Aspen Film Club.

With all the new entries to the club scene, it can be difficult to figure out which new organization to join. Here are three new clubs that seem to be creating a lot of buzz around school. Be sure to check them out.

Photography Club

Club founder and photography aficionado Dylan DeGraff started his organization because AHS does not offer photography courses to the student body. He wanted to create a space for student photographers to share their photos,  improve techniques and learn more about the craft. DeGraff plans to invite professional photographers as guest lecturers. The Aspen Times has also indicated that they will publish an Aspen Photography Club photo of the week. Fifty four students have already signed up.

Student contact: Dylan DeGraff ([email protected])

Teacher/adviser: Kate Holstein ([email protected])

Women’s Empowerment Kickboxing Club

Co-club founder Jordan Fox started her club to offer students at AHS a place to express themselves and learn self-defense. The goal is to provide a fun physical activity after school to build up self-confidence and promote women empowerment in a productive engaging way. They plan on convening bi-week with local boxing trainer Arielle Vanderschuit to learn fundamental boxing techniques. More than fifty students have signed up.  

Student contact: ([email protected]) ([email protected])

Teacher/adviser: Sarah Ward ([email protected])

Climbing Club

This year AHS Spanish teacher Alex Reginelli founded Climbing Club to promote AHS students involvement with the climbing in the valley. Alex realizes that climbing is not a CHASA provided sport for public schools in Colorado, so he hopes to establish a club team by the end of this year.  More than 50 students have already signed up to participate and a student leadership role is still being determined.

Student contact: TBD

Teacher/adviser: Alex Reginelli([email protected] )

   “I think the more clubs the better. My only concern is that there are more kids who sign up for clubs than will actually participate,” said AHS Counselor Josh Berro. “If clubs at AHS can guide a group of kids through a productive extracurricular activity then it is a very valuable experience. I really encourage students to sign up and participate.”