Pitman’s very own Anime Club has announced its largest milestone since its abrupt rise in activity—a field trip to SacAnime Winter 2015, one of the largest anime conventions in Western America.
With over 27 people signed up to go and only $40 in the club’s account, it wasn’t easy for the club to embrace such a challenging goal. Aside from the initial $30 entrance fees, expenses such as gas, food, and transportation come into play, resulting into a jaw dropping amount of required money to go on this field trip. Every officer when asked automatically answered that money would be the greatest obstacle for them this year.
Being a member of Anime Club for four long years and secretary for three years, I have seen the club both rise and fall. During my first two years, the hard working presidents had tried their best to keep the club running, but their senior activities got in the way which led to the evident downfall. It wasn’t until last year that, we agreed as a club that senior presidents are not the wisest decision, and have been on a dramatic rise in members and activity ever since.
Aside from a change in leadership principles, it has become evident that there is another key in play.
“This year, there’s a lot more people…and they seem more energized and motivated to fundraise,” commented Grace Cardoso, sophomore, treasurer and youngest officer the club has this year.
Her words held true, as the brown snack boxes roaming the campus were the club’s first genuine fundraiser in preparation for the upcoming events. However, due to district orders, selling from snack boxes during school hours is now prohibited, thwarting Anime Club’s plans for fundraising towards everyone’s tickets.
Nonetheless, the club’s officers remain adamant in nature, striving to stop at nothing to complete what they hope to be a legacy and eventual tradition for future years. The strongest voice among the officers for this is junior, Sarah Reedy the renowned club president. The club’s loyal members know that while she is not the greatest anime fan in the club, she has endearing reasons for taking on her position.
“I love Anime Club, and I’ve been dedicated to this club since freshman year. This year, I finally decided to stand up and do something,” she responded one morning as she played Super Smash Bros. Brawl in the Games Club room.
The club’s officers have made many background decisions during their officer meetings every Monday during lunch in Mr. Lynch’s classroom—seeing as he is the advisor for Anime Club. It is during these meetings that they plan for each club meeting and event in detail; examples of such activities include discussions for our annual—and eventually seasonal—t-shirt design competition along with next month’s open Karaoke Night.
“There’s only one different [officer] from last year,” noted Anime Club senior vice president Tarae McQueen, as she and I reflected on such matters.
Officers, even when each of us were only members, have been close; we understand each other’s capabilities and areas of expertise without any need to ask.
“I trust the leadership. I definitely trust the leadership,” Sarah admitted full heartedly, the truth of her words sensed from her tone.
Anime club started off as a small and unknown group on our campus, many people not knowing what anime even is. This proud group has finally met a great rise for the new school year filled with enthusiastic members, trusting officers, and exciting activities in store.
I asked Tarae, being the only other senior officer, if she feels we placed our treasured club in good hands when we graduate.
“I’m not worried about Sarah, but it definitely depends on who they elect,” she considered, the future being as unknown and unpredictable as ever.
As it welcomes more members through the passing of the years, new leadership shall rise to accomplish the success of its predecessors. While our goal at the moment is to go to SacAnime, and if we accomplish this we will come into play and bring forth a bright future. So here’s fingers crossed to the future of PitmanHigh School’s Anime Club.