By Ethan Zhang ’26
After Spring Break, the Choate community welcomed seven new clubs to its roster. These seven groups passed through the lengthy club initiation process, which commenced in the winter term when prospective club leaders submitted proposals via a Google form. Upon receiving the submissions, the Student Committee on Programming and Engagement (SCOPE) offered interviews to clubs with promising potential to learn more about their respective missions and goals. Finally, SCOPE narrowed its list, accepting a handful of clubs to add to the vibrant array of student activities at Choate!
Astronomy Club
Adrian Torres ’25 and Kay Lee ’25 started the Astronomy Club to provide a space for students of all expertise levels to develop their passions for the stars. One of the most unique features of their club is their bi-weekly stargazing nights. Using Choate telescopes, space lovers can observe planets and stars light years away. The Astronomy Club also plans to invite guest speakers to campus, host sci-fi movie nights, and discuss recent news and phenomena in astronomy.
Choate Gamer’s Association (CGA)
Andy Chin ’25 established the Choate Gamer’s Association (CGA) to foster a community for those interested in video games. “We’re inclusive to anybody and everybody. It doesn’t matter if you are a serious gamer or casual Hay Day player,” Chin said. Some events on the horizon include a schoolwide Minecraft survival multiplayer world and a Brawl Stars tournament open to veteran gamers and new recruits. Chin also plans to host club meetings twice a week, alternating between virtual hangouts and in-person meetings. Through CGA, gaming enthusiasts can join a fun-loving family of like-minded players.
Choate Political Union (CPU)
Monicke Costa ’25, Kevin Lawlor ’25, Nev Rathbun ’26, and Brayden Bratti ’27 founded the Choate Political Union (CPU) to provide a neutral space for respectful political discourse. Club meetings will follow an Oxford Union debate style, meaning participating members will work beforehand to prepare a speech rather than present their stances on the spot. “We want to create an environment hospitable to people who may not be well-versed in politics,” Rathbun said. CPU also plans to host various guest speakers to share their unique perspectives and spur conversation. Through this club, students of all political ideologies can develop healthy beliefs that recognize and are open to the opinions of others.
Drone Racing Club
The Drone Racing Club, founded by Jayden Dai ’25, is the perfect group for students passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) “to apply their knowledge,” Dai explained. Using his background in drone design, Dai’s vision for his club includes hosting educational workshops about drone design and aerial mechanics for curious students. Next year, he hopes to acquire club-funded drones, allowing new members to pilot their own aerial vehicles. Future pilots, budding engineers, and inquisitive learners are welcome to pursue wtheir passions through the Drone Racing Club!
Le Club Culturel Français de Choate
McCormick Breviu ’25 created Le Club Culturel Français de Choate to provide a space for interested students to learn about French culture. The club also plans to host fundraisers by selling French pastries, organizing a potential Student Activities Center (SAC) dance, and hosting French cooking classes. Le Club Culturel Français hopes to bring the sounds and flavors of France to curious Choate étudiants.
Spanish Club
Founded by Leia Caro ’26, Noelle Brighton ’26, and Owen Holbrook ’25, Spanish Club allows students to immerse themselves in Spanish culture. The bi-weekly club meetings will include fun activities such as fan painting, cooking events, and discussions of current events in the Spanish-speaking world. The inspiration for their club stemmed from their terms abroad in Sevilla, Spain, in the fall term. Holbrook reflected on his experience and said, “I fully absorbed the culture there, and I wanted to share that influence … from the cooking lessons [to] fan painting and soccer matches.”
Yarn@Choate
Yarn@Choate was launched by Teniola Obayomi ’25, Kaya Weerasuriya ’26, and Chloe Lee ’26 for those interested in the fiber arts, particularly knitting and crocheting. The club aims to make the craft more accessible to students by leading bi-weekly workshops that provide crochet hooks and yarn. Through the club, Obayomi hopes to make the fiber arts “an activity to take your mind off of work.”
The Yarn@Choate cabinet also hopes to help those beyond the Choate community by knitting and donating baby blankets and organizing visits to local elderly homes. Whether you have a closet full of crochet projects or you’ve never seen a pair of knitting needles, Yarn@Choate is a great way to create something beautiful and practical!
From a passion for the cosmos to a thrill for gaming to the exploration of different cultures, clubs at Choate offer a platform for students to cultivate community and pursue their passions. With the addition of these seven unique clubs, Assistant Director of Student Activities Ms. Colleen Kazar said, “Creating spaces for students to pursue their passions is exciting, and I’m eager to see what students this year will achieve.”
