Every Monday at lunch, crowds of students gather in the gym to unwind from the stress of the school day by playing badminton. With a turnout of 20-30 kids per week, players enjoy spending their lunch watching the matches.

Badminton club was started by senior friends Steffi Lorica, Yubelle Punzal, Mackenzie Lopez, and Zienna Stoddard. It quickly became a hit with other students who have the resources and equipment available. Club President Lorica was first on a badminton team in the Philippines and brought her passion with her. “I couldn’t start a team, so I settled with starting a club. I wanted people to find the same joy in badminton as I did,” Lorica said.

Guests such as Principal Richard Nash come in at lunch to play with them, making great memories as they represents their inclusivity for everyone. “My experience has been great at badminton club, as it’s a great environment and a fun activity to do at lunch on Mondays,” fresh- man Hugo Haeseler said. For Lorica and Punzal, it has been a great opportunity for them to share
their love of the game with everyone.

“It was really rewarding and fulfilling to see all the students come together over a shared interest over bad- minton club as we thought it was kinda silly,“ Punzal said.

Although some club meet- ings have been cancelled due to rainy days when the gym had to be used to shel- ter students, the club has overall become a great joy to all that attend. “Anyone can play badminton no matter who they are or how good they are at playing badminton,” Lorica said.