Dana Hall clubs reflect diverse interests of students

A Dana Hall School education is not restricted to the 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. class day or the four walls of a classroom. In addition to their academic course work and athletic commitments, students participate in a variety of clubs and organizations that appeal to their unique interests and talents.

Through these groups, girls make connections and form friendships across grades, backgrounds, and cultures. These extracurricular endeavors are vital to the school’s mission, as Dana Hall is not only committed to excellence in academics, athletics and the arts, but also to preparing students for the challenges and choices they will face as women and global citizens.

All students are encouraged to join as many clubs as interest them and that they can balance with their academic and athletic commitments. While most girls are involved in at least one club, many belong to as many as two or three student groups. Clubs meet once a week during a reserved time in the academic day, but members often get together informally for meals, off-campus excursions or special activities.

There are 25 clubs currently open to Upper School students, with a smaller list available for middle schoolers. If students with a special interest see a need for a new club, they can start one.

“We ask students to fill out a detailed club proposal, so they really think their ideas through — how their club will run, what resources will they need, who will be their faculty advisor, etc.,” says associate dean of students Kristen Ryan. “So there’s a certain amount of responsibility and effort required, but it is a fairly easy process, and most clubs are approved.”

The clubs with the highest group membership are Blue Key, comprised of student tour guides who work closely with the Admission Office to give campus tours to prospective students and their families; the Crew, Dana’s spirit club; Gospel Choir; the International Student Association (ISA), which supports international students and educates the Dana Hall community about different cultures; SHADES (Sisters Honoring All Diasporas & Enlightening Society), which is Dana Hall’s multicultural awareness club; and the Community Service Advisory Board, which facilitates and implements Community Service programs, projects and events.

“I joined SHADES during my first year at Dana to meet friends who were interested in diversity as much as I was. My experience has been irreplaceable,” said Noemia Nau, a junior from Lynn, Mass. “I have gained so much from joining and being active in SHADES — relationships, knowledge and a feeling of accomplishment that I was able to educate and inform others for the better of our society.”

There are several clubs with smaller membership, and they coordinate lots of school-wide activities and events. The Environmental Club oversees recycling in the Upper School and educates the community about environmental issues. Model U.N. members attend regional and national competitions. Girls who participate in Best Buddies are matched with a buddy with special needs for the entire year. And the members of Bridge, Dana’s gay/straight/bisexual/transgender alliance, provide education to the school community and a forum for discussion. Some clubs also host events open to the wider community, including weekend trips or dances to raise money.

Clubs include all of Dana Hall student publications — Focus (yearbook), Mirage (literary magazine) and Hallmanac (school newspaper) — and many offer opportunities for significant student leadership, including Student Council, Disciplinary Committee and Student Proctors.

For more information about Dana Hall’s student life, academics, athletics, arts, facilities, faculty, admission process and more, visit www.danahall.org.