AHS offers many cultural clubs and Honor Societies. These clubs/honor societies are from all around the world and they teach and influence students about their respected culture and they can bring students together to learn about their culture and other cultures’ history.
Spanish Honor Society
This year Spanish Honor Society is sponsored by Spanish teacher Antonio Rivadeneira, who has been running the Spanish Honor Society for 15 years now. It is an honor because it allows us to collaborate with the best AHS students in Spanish,” said Rivadeneira. The Spanish Honor Society has 30+ students who meet in room M-23 during PRIDE time. Ten hours of community service are a requirement for all members. In addition to caring for young children, working with religious organizations, and engaging in any activity that serves the AHS community, many members tutor their peers in all academic subjects. The Spanish language must be used during all of these hours as a link between AHS and the needs of our families.
Ethiopian and Eritrea Club
The Ethiopian and Eritrea club (EEA club) is led by ESOL teacher Mikias Girma. Girma has only been running the EEA club for two years now but has been a part of Annandale for a while. “Since I was born in Ethiopia and attended Annandale High School in the 1990s, I feel thankful to run the EEA Club. After we graduated Annandale in 1998, my classmates and I are still friends after 29 years. I’m hoping our students will be creating memories at Annandale and keeping their friendship for decades,” Girma said. The EEA club has around 25 students that typically meet on Thursday’s. Students can celebrate their heritage and show optimism and solidarity at the EEA Club. Students cross the distance between Ethiopia and Eritrea and Annandale despite their far locations by exchanging ideas, sharing time, being supportive of one another, and expressing their creativity. Students from other countries are welcome in the EEA Club to learn about their cultures.
Black Student Union
The Black Student Union is run by Andrew Butts who is the African American history teacher here at Annandale. This will be Butts first year running the Black Student Union. “It means a lot to me considering that I am a first-year teacher and that I am teaching the African American History elective. I get the chance to engage with the African American students at Annandale on the issues that are important to them”. The Black Student Union has around 16 students, who meet on Wednesday after school. The Black Student Union’s goal is to encourage students of African origin to be represented in a positive and useful way. They support student empowerment, social responsibility, and proactive leadership. The members of AHS BSU will value diversity, unite as a community, and embrace our cultural history. The BSU’s main goals are to raise people’s levels of knowledge, education, and consciousness about what it means to be an individual of African heritage in contemporary society. Our mission is to spread cultural awareness and educate others about diversity. They show this behavior by developing events that highlight tradition.
Arabic Club
The Arabic club is run by Arabic language teacher, Ola Layaly, she has been running Arabic club for the last 15 years. “This is the fun part of the day after school as I get to connect with students outside the classroom setting. I get to know more students and invite them to our middle eastern culture. I enjoy watching them having fun and socializing while doing the activities,” said Layaly. The Arabic club has about 40 students, which meet after school and during pride time. The Arabic club does tons of cultural activities like Arabian night where the club dresses up, brings food, plays music and has a huge fashion show. During club meetings, the Arabic club participates in many activities such as, competitions and games, tea parties, listening to music and bringing Arabic food. The Arabic club is a great way for students to learn, exercise, and celebrate their middle eastern culture.
