With the hustle of schoolwork, it’s easy to get caught up in homework and studying. But for many students, the real magic of high school comes from its clubs, where creativity, collaboration, and passion come together. At Santiago High School, over 20 clubs meet during office hours or after school, offering students a chance to explore new interests, form friendships, and grow as leaders. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s dancing, volunteering, or even napping. Here are five standout clubs that highlight Santiago’s diverse opportunities.
1. Vietnamese Student Association (VSA): A Celebration of Culture
After interviewing Brenda Tran, the Co-President of the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), it became clear that this club is about cultural exchange and connecting students with Vietnamese traditions during office hours. VSA fosters a welcoming environment for students to connect while promoting Vietnamese culture through paper crafts, dance, and community events.
In 2025, VSA will participate in the ICA Showcase, performing a traditional bamboo hat dance. With dedicated dance coordinators leading after-school practices, members refine their skills while embracing Vietnamese cultural traditions. Ultimately, VSA strives to educate others about Vietnamese heritage while making sure everyone has an enjoyable experience for all involved.
2. Shark Hearts: Giving Back to the Community
Shark Hearts is dedicated to providing comfort and support to patients in need. During my interview with the founder and president, Aleeza Khan, I learned how her personal experience with the Ronald McDonald House shaped the club’s mission.
When she was younger, a family member underwent open-heart surgery at a Ronald McDonald House location–from there, she became deeply dedicated to creating a student-led community committed to supporting patients there.
Shark Hearts focuses on making an impact by providing comfort and assistance to those in need. This club allows students to volunteer, strengthen their leadership skills, and connect with needy patients. Members must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and, most importantly, “demonstrate empathy because there are small children in the Ronald McDonald Houses.” As the club grows, it remains committed to making a lasting impact and inspiring others to get involved.
3. Sleep Club: The Science of Rest & Wellness
Curious about Sleep Club, I spoke with board members Sabina Arevalo-Sierra, Kassidy Araujo, Karisma Ramos, and Lexi Carroll to learn more about their mission to promote sleep health awareness and its importance. In our discussion, I gained insight into the importance of healthy sleep habits and their impact on students’ health.
Recognizing that unhealthy sleep schedules have impacted many Santiago students, the club aims to help them improve their rest through guided naps and educational activities.
Sleep Club meets monthly (schedule subject to change), alternating between interactive activities and guided nap sessions. Members can learn about the benefits of healthy sleep, the steps to improve their rest, and how sleep influences overall health and academic performance.
With 30 minutes of nap time once every two months in the alternating schedule, they give people “a dedicated moment of rest” while promoting better sleep habits. It can affect your actions and attitude throughout the day. They truly stand by their phrase, “Sleeping better means being kind to yourself.”
4. Partners in Health: Raising Awareness for Global Health
Partners in Health has been an impactful club in Santiago for years, aligning with its national mission: “Injustice has a cure.” According to Michelle Quinonez, president of PIH, their mission is to “spread awareness of mental and physical disabilities people struggle through every day.”
During meetings, students can earn volunteer hours by creating cards for children in local hospitals and healthcare workers and creating posters around campus to promote awareness. One activity that happened in February was promoting Breast Cancer Awareness. Every year, Partners HealthCare participates in Winterfest, aiming to raise $1,000 to donate to a local organization or a regional hospital. Students can gain a sense of community, become aware of different diseases, and become compassionate towards others.
5. California Scholarship Federation (CSF): Supporting Academic Success
After interviewing the president of Partners in Health, I also spoke with the same leader about the California Scholarship Federation (CSF). This club focuses on helping students, particularly upperclassmen, learn and apply for scholarships.
Members are provided with various resources, such as packets from the college and career center, and they assist with application materials like letters of recommendation, personal statements, and college applications.
Beyond academic support, CSF is also active in school events like Winterfest, where members participate in fundraising and community outreach. Last year, in 2024, they sold donuts while promoting the club.
To make the scholarship process more manageable, CSF aids students in finding valuable opportunities, including those that don’t require essays. Their main goal is to deliver information simply so students can feel more comfortable applying for scholarships. To join, students must be upperclassmen who meet grade requirements (A’s and B’s) and pay a $3 affordable fee. Sophomores are also allowed to join in the second semester. Students who remain active members for four consecutive semesters are eligible to receive a graduation cord recognizing their dedication and achievements.
The clubs at Santiago High School offer students a chance to explore their interests, build a community, and make meaningful connections. From celebrating culture in VSA to helping students secure opportunities for their future in CSF, each club offers chances to explore and develop personal growth. While Sleep Club raises awareness about the importance of rest, Partners in Health educates students on the mental and physical disabilities and diseases in the world, and Shark Hearts provides opportunities to give back to the community through the Ronald McDonald House. Whether students seek to connect with others, support poignant causes, or prepare for life beyond high school, their engagement in the school community leaves a lasting mark of leadership and positive change.
