Peace Club

by J Jones

Among the many organizations at Hopkinton High School there is a club known as Peace Club. It has been going on for years now, but it is feared by some that there is a possibility of it ending with this year’s graduating class. A reason for that concern stems from the apparent lack of interest in the group. Those who have attended know that it is a club to be valued, a place where fellow classmates can come together and discuss current events or issues in the world involving many other things such as global/environmental issues. Also, it gives students a chance to be involved in any protests or rallies they are passionate about. The club has even been known to go on the occasional hike to truly appreciate the world we live in or just enjoy a nice stroll. Whatever the reason Peace Club is a perfect excuse to share one’s thoughts, munch on some quality snacks, and relax.

This year, senior Susanna Keilig, runs the club. When asked about the issue about years to come, she stayed positive and did not seemed to be phased at all. Instead, she talked about the goals for the club this year. These goals range from simply having good conversations about things going on in the world and watching interesting documentaries to more ambitious things like participating in at least one rally. Doing community service and helping out local organizations is also something the Peace Club is hoping to accomplish.

Other goals address the Peace Club population problem as well. "When there's only four people showing up to meetings it's hard to come up with things," comments Mary O'Neil.

"No one really knows what we're about," says Becca Shatney.

According to Ziggy Chesley, "When people think Peace Club they think hippies smoking in a field or Woodstock where they don't shower." Maybe the club is misunderstood, but the group members are looking forward to spreading the good word about the club by increasing awareness within the school and hoping to recruit more members.

Regardless of size, Peace Club keeps up the positive attitudes and just keeps on keeping on. The students involved were even talking about making a new name for the group to hopefully eliminate all the prejudices and negative connotations associated with the current one. It is not yet known what the club is to be called, but they are focusing more on something revolving around youth activism. No one can predict what will become of the club in the future, but one can only hope it sticks around.

"I think his year will be a really strong year for Peace Club," notes Erin McAuliffe.