By Chloe Brown

Panther’s Tale

Derby clubs, activities and pathways were invited to send student representatives to Derby Middle School for the Activity Fair on Friday.

This is the first year for the Activity Fair. Sophomore Kayli Marczynski is one of the students speaking about journalism.

“When I was an eighth grader, they had like an orientation night where some of the booths from the high school clubs set up and talked to us, but nothing like this,” Marczynski said. “I do wish I got involved with journalism sooner, so I do wish we had this when I was an eighth grader.”

Coni Honn, the counselor at DMS, is in charge of the event. The idea came from a committee called Community Engagement that Honn was involved with.

“This was an idea we came up with as a committee and I took the reins on the plan,” Honn said. “I contacted (Derby High counselor Beth) Lankford, and she emailed the elective and activity teachers. From there, those teachers emailed me wanting to be a part of this opportunity.”

These are the clubs, activities and pathways participating:

• Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC)

• Band

• Biomedical pathway

• Choir

• Club International

• Culinary Arts

• Debate and Forensics

• Drama

• German Club

• Journalism

• Law, Public Safety and Security (LPSS)

• National Art Honor Society (NAHS) and Visual Art

• Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

• Spanish

• Student Council

There are four sessions for the two seventh grade and two eighth grade teams. ROTC and drumline perform at the beginning of each session and will have a table for questions after their performances. The middle school students will watch presentations from the clubs and can ask questions. Each group can bring props, presentations, print materials or anything they need to hand out or present to DMS students.

Senior Taylor Tompkins, the Student Council Treasurer, hopes she can inspire the middle schoolers through this event.

“I want to let the students know that even though it is intimidating to join a club and meet new people, it has a lasting effect on how fun your high school career is,” Tompkins said.

Honn is working to make this a great event and already has plans in mind to improve it for next year.

“Next year I would like to do it on December’s team activity day so that it can happen before the eighth grade students enroll in classes. I am hoping it doesn’t cause havoc for the counselors,” Honn said. “I am really excited about this opportunity for all students involved.”