Four new student-led clubs launched at Friends Select School this fall, expanding opportunities for students interested in international relations, fitness, mental health advocacy, and school spirit.

Theo Stanev Pots ‘26 is starting the Model UN Club to allow students to develop debating and leadership skills. Theo said, “It’s like a fake UN summit … they propose a problem and you act as a country and try to solve the problem.” Model UN Club will meet in Anna’s room, 206, on Wednesdays during lunch block. 

Theo is also establishing a Cycling Club for students to go on bike rides and stay physically fit. Theo said, “I think cycling will be really fun, especially in a group, and I think there aren’t enough clubs revolving around physical activity, so I think it’s healthy.” The Cycling Club will be advised by Teacher Andrew, Upper School Advanced Biology teacher, and will meet every other weekend by the Art Museum. The club will bike for an hour to an hour and a half.

Sage Heller ‘28 and Jyena Wallace ‘28 are starting a Psychology Club, where students will learn about the field of psychology and how to help students with mental health-related issues. Sage and Jyena said, “[We are adding Psychology Club because] we want psychology to be an accessible and fun topic to those interested in it, even if they are not able to take the elective.” Psychology Club will be advised by Katrina McKnight, the Upper School Counselor, and they will meet every other Monday in room 204. Sage and Jyena also plan on creating a psychology-themed newspaper and partnering with Student Government to share their findings about their research on school-related stress and mental health. 

Lyla Harel ‘28, Joely Kaplan ’28, and Serena Krouk ‘28 are starting Admissions Ambassadors and Merch Club, where students will assist the admissions team and prospective families looking to apply to Friends Select. In this club, students will plan when to give tours of Friends Select, participate in panels and open houses, and build and design student gift boxes. Lyla, Joely, and Serena said, “Our main goal is to give a window into FSS for new families and to provide student leadership opportunities.” Admissions Ambassadors and Merch Club will be advised by Caroline Slingluff, the Associate Director of Middle & Upper School Admission, and will meet on Mondays in the conference room. 

On the importance of these new clubs, Norman Bayard, the Upper School Dean of Students, says, “[New clubs] give the students a sense of freedom to create and contribute to their own legacy and to bring something good to the community that can last for a very long time. [As an example] Book Club started from a member of the class of 2024, and that club will be here forever and will outlast them. So having new clubs is always good, and it adds to the strength of the community.”