The Black and White

By: Bridget Pouliot

Pilgrim was buzzing on September 19, 2024, from around 9:45 to 10:24. Students moved from table to table in the cafeteria, laughing with their peers and getting to know new people. They explored the options their school and, for some of them in their first year at Pilgrim, new community had to offer. From performance-based clubs to student leadership to saving lives, both in real-life situations as an EMT and in a dice game as a mystical being, the activity fair is a fantastic place to find new friends. 

For many students, the clubs they engage in turn into second families; a home away from home, and a reason to go to school on days they do not want to. “Drama is a great club to find yourself in. Everyone is so welcoming, and it is so satisfying to work together and feel accomplished when we put on an amazing performance,” Club President and Stage Manager, Alyssa Grenier, expressed. Often referred to as a “dysfunctional family”, the Pilgrim Players Drama Club explores the many sides to putting on a show. Whether that’s on-stage or off, there is a place for everyone to be part of the Pilgrim Players.

For other students, their learning extends beyond the normal school hours with their clubs. In clubs like the Robotics Club, which is a student-run club where the advisor is only there if they get stuck and need help being “pushed in the right direction,” participants are given a prompt and instructed to solve it by creating a robot. In another club, the Chem Club, students receive a packet from the American Chemists Society with a theme of the month (such as cosmetics or the environment) and they perform experiments and activities related to the theme. They also go on field trips to a nuclear reactor at URI and engage in community service opportunities when they host workshops at other schools. These clubs are great ways to challenge participants and take their knowledge to new levels.

There is a club for every student at Pilgrim High School, no matter who they are. The Unified Club strives to show acceptance “regardless of any disability”. As club advisor, Mr. Magee, explained proudly, “The Unified Club celebrates diversity. It’s a nice mix of students with disabilities and the regular student body, and it’s really rewarding and fun.” From celebrating Spread the Word day to playing unified volleyball and basketball to doing the polar plunge, the Unified Club thrives on supporting one another.

Clubs are the highlight of the school community. They showcase true companionship and teamwork. Whether a student wants to make music, play games, or solve problems and be pushed to new extremes, joining a club is a fantastic way to discover new friendships and happiness. 

List of Clubs at the Fair (& Advisor)

• The Art Club (Mrs. Root)
• The Book Club (Mrs. Naughton)
• The Chem Club (Mr. LeBlanc)
• The Chess Club (Mr. Marrese)
• Chorus/Chorale (Mrs. Soares)
• Concert Band (Mrs. Watterson)
• The Crochet Club (Mrs. Sanzi)
• The Debate Team (Mrs. Bizragane)
• The Drama Club (Mr. Denningham)
• The Dungeons and Dragons Club (Mr. Carlson)
• The Guitar Club (Mr. Millette)
• The International Club (Mrs. Corpolongo)
• Lifesaver (Ms. Tamburini)
• Newspaper (Dr. Xiarhos)
• The Robotics Club (Mr. West)
• The Science Olympiad (Dr. Savery)
• The Student Council (Dr. Hainey)
• The Unified Club (Mr. Magee and Ms. Rachiele)
• Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse (Mrs. Feretti)
• Woodshop (Mr. Guest)
• The Yearbook Club (Mrs. Rafferty and Mr. Dussault)