Padua Takes on Virtual Clubs
Many students love to participate in Padua’s clubs during flex and after school. This year, however, clubs will look a little different than they have in past years. Almost all clubs have had to move virtual due to COVID-19. Student leaders and teachers have been working hard to develop plans so that everyone can participate in and enjoy their favorite activities.
On Wednesday, October 7th, students gathered on Google Meet to explore and learn more about what each club will have to offer.
Hungry Pandas has always been one of Padua’s most sought after clubs. In normal circumstances, Hungry Pandas offers students a chance to explore their culinary talents and share their creations with other members during monthly themed meetings.
Senior Meredith Kuchma, one of the leaders for Hungry Pandas this year, said, “When brainstorming what we wanted Hungry Pandas to look like this year, we took into consideration every member’s ideas. We want this to be a group effort and something that everyone can enjoy. We are always looking for new ideas on how we can bring the club to people virtually.”
Hungry Pandas has decided to offer baking and cooking classes over Zoom for the entire school, led by the leaders. Members are encouraged to share ideas of what treats they could make during their monthly club meetings.
Hungry Pandas has also come up with the idea to collect recipes and images of food the members eat/cook to put together to create a recipe book. “We are excited to create a keepsake for our members so that they can look back and maybe even try some of the recipes.” Kuchma said. Although Hungry Pandas will look different this year, the love of food and cooking shared by its members is certainly still there!
Another club that may look a little different than usual is Blue/Gold. ”We are not going to be able to do field trips or invite guests into the building sadly, which were our two main actions in the club” Says Mrs. Pugliese, Club leader.
Some of the highlights of the club include the Blue/Gold Christmas party and the Blue/Gold prom both held in Padua’s cafe. This year, the club is looking to hold monthly meetings with board and club members to brainstorm ideas on how they, as a group, can support the community safely.
Special Olympics in Delaware has been hosting outdoor sporting events that members of Blue/Gold can volunteer at. Olivia Stankewicz, Senior at Padua and Blue/Gold board member has enjoyed volunteering and playing soccer with the kids. “It is a great way to connect with the community through Blue/Gold in a safe way as we cannot host our normal events this year” Stankewicz says.
Krissy Kanu, a senior at Padua has been busy developing a plan for the club she leads, Black Student Union. “BSU provides students with a chance to learn and share personal experiences and thoughts.” Kanu says. This year, BSU has come up with a plan to alternate how they spend their time in meetings each month. One month will be about planning and what to expect in the future and the next month will be dedicated to students talking and discussing how they are doing in school and their personal lives. “I am bummed that we cannot take a trip like we did last year to DC, that was definitely a highlight of the club. However, I am so excited to see what new things we can do with BSU It should be really interesting.”
Although Padua’s clubs will look a little different this year, there is no doubt that each student will still get the opportunity to learn and participate in activities. Padua’s clubs are greatly focused on what works for the students and are excited to take ideas from club members on how to improve during their time as virtual clubs.
Sienna DeMedio is a senior at Padua Academy. She chose to come to Pauda because she liked the idea of going to an all girls school and one in a different...
