Fresh off the ASB approval board and eager for members, a variety of new clubs now offer students even more ways to express their interests. These clubs, as well as returning ones, will be open for recruitment during Club Rush in the amphitheater at lunch from Sept. 9-13. From preventing violence to questioning reality, here is a look at the latest.

Animal Cruelty Awareness

Natalie Armenian, President

Dr. Mary Mardirosian, Advisor

“You’ve seen ASPCA commercials, but that’s not where I’m going,” said senior Natalie Armenian. As the founder and president of Animal Cruelty Awareness Club, Armenian says she hopes to inspire the public, sans-Sarah McLachlan. “Still, it’s really important to put that out there,” Armenian said. “People pay a lot of attention to, say, the homeless and poverty, but they don’t focus as much on animals.”

The club aims to combat animal cruelty by having members volunteer at local animal shelters and inviting guest speakers in the veterinary field. Armenian says she has already developed fundraisers, such as selling message bracelets, to raise money as well as awareness for animal care organizations.

Students Against Destructive Decisions

Christina Galajan, Co-President

Nicco Mekerdichian, Co-President

Mrs. Judy Sanzo, Advisor

Many a student can attest to the fact that he or she has made some regrettable decisions. Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) is the latest club to help students break the habit. “Along with tobacco, there are plenty of other destructive behaviors such as alcohol, violence and suicide,” says SADD advisor Judy Sanzo.

As advisor of the similarly-oriented Kids Against Tobacco Smoking (KATS) Club, Sanzo says both SADD and KATS will work together to encourage positive life choices. Both KATS and SADD will lead the Crescenta Valley Youth Alliance, an organization formed by teens to help teens struggling with destructive decisions. Participating SADD members will work with City Worker and former Clark ASB President Lyova “Leo” Zalyan, earning community service hours to boot.

Gay-Straight Alliance

David Olvera-Sanchez, Co-President

Sheina Sakhrani, Co-President

Savanna Gharibian, Co-President

Mrs. Stephanie Sajjadieh, Advisor

With growing national support for the LGBTQ community, Clark’s new Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) aims to further positive relations between people of all sexual orientations.“It’s something that the school needs, a good attitude toward the LGBTQ community,” GSA Co-President Sheina Sakhrani said. “One of our goals is not to create problems but to solve problems that are underlying and could erupt if someone were to come out.”

Sakhrani and her fellow Co-Presidents David Olvera-Sanchez and Savanna Gharibian have registered GSA with the GSA Network, an organization that supports high school GSAs across the nation. While working with the GSA Network to organize fundraisers, Clark’s GSA aims to invite guest speakers and participate in the annual AIDS Walk LA.

“Of course, you don’t have to be LGBTQ to join,” Sakhrani said. “But if you’re interested in getting to know the community, or if you have unanswered questions, definitely come to a meeting!”

Philosophy

Allen Dishigrikyan, Co-President

Ani Mosinyan, Co-President

Mrs. Stephanie Sajjadieh, Advisor

Many clubs aim to change the world by doing. Philosophy Club, on the other hand, aims to change the world by questioning it. “There are a lot of clubs that are more activity-based, but there aren’t so many that are focused on intellectual exploration,” said club advisor Stephanie Sajjadieh. “There is a need in high schools to have a place for debate.”

Philosophy Club aims to attract a following at this year’s Club Rush and subsequently engage in “meetings of the minds.”

Intellectual Discussion

Alen Shirvanyan, President

Azat Sarkisyan, Vice President

“‘Where is Waldo?’ everybody asks. But the real question is, ‘Why is Waldo?’” said junior Alen Shirvanyan. As the president of Intellectual Discussion Club, Shirvanyan says he wants to ask the tougher questions.

Vice-President Azat Sarkisyan said that Intellectual Discussion’s goal is to create a friendly environment. “We wanted a place for us to gather and debate about topics in a non-formal fashion,” Sarkisyan said. “Like a friendly discussion as opposed to a formal argument.”

“We don’t want anybody to be offended,” Sarkisyan said. “We want people to be able to come, make new friends and just have a good time.”