Skyline has 57 clubs, and all of them have done a variety of interesting things over the school year. Here’s a brief recap of some of this year’s highlights.
Aerospace Club for Engineering and Science
Aerospace Club for Engineering and Science designed and launched model rockets. They’re now working on the SunRISE project with the University of Michigan and NASA, collecting data on radio waves to detect solar flares.
“[We’re] a club focused on conducting hands-on projects in the areas of Space Science, Engineering, and General Sciences,” said Co-President Liana Zhou (‘25). “Our goal is to create an environment where students can apply the math and science skills learned in class to real world projects.”
Asian American Youth
This year, Asian American Youth hosted an art festival and put on the first Ann Arbor Asian American Youth Summit on April 19th with Marketing Club, the Neutral Zone, and the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission. It featured catering from local Asian restaurants and an appearance by Councilwoman Linh Song.
“[AAY] gave me a space not only to share my culture, but to also learn about other cultures,” said Co-President Nithila Balaji (‘25). “I love the community and especially the snacks and the games!”
“[AAY] is a place to celebrate AAPI culture and experiences,” said Co-President Ezra Min (‘24). “The club has grown a lot this year. This is our first year doing advocacy and community outreach and initiatives. It’s overall been an awesome year!”
Barbershop Club
Barbershop Club, as in barbershop quartets, performed a mashup of “Lida Rose” and “Will I Ever Tell You” from The Music Man at Acapellapalooza on November 20 at Huron. They learned two dozen minute-long songs, known in Barbershop as tags, across a variety of styles.
“We’re able to really test our musical abilities, and develop new skills that we can bring back to our choirs,” said club member Timothy O’Connell (‘26). “Beyond that, people are able to sort of take control when they’re leading us in a piece, which is really neat— it allows people to listen more critically and with a different goal than just singing it all correctly. We’re an ensemble, and our meetings serve to strengthen that community.”
Black Student Union
BSU hosted a food drive for the Ypsilanti SOS Community Service. They also went to Detroit to visit the Charles H. Wright Museum and bowl.
“We always tried things to put the community together,” said President Jessica Porter (‘24). “Like field trips to learn about our culture, and parties that other BSUs in AAPS put together. Things that help build the BSU community, to not only be at Skyline, but everywhere.”
Board and Card Game Club
Board and Card Game Club met to provide students games and an opportunity to play them.
“Being in [the club] has made me realize board games are more than something that you do when bored,” said member Julian Emkow (‘25). They are “a fun experience to play with others, have friendly competition, and excuses to talk with others about even the most absurd things…I have played several games that I really liked, and even a few that I bought to play with my family outside of the club…While I sometimes think about leaving early for whatever reason, I never do, and I always get caught up in the fun.”
Book Club
This year, Book Club has read The Measure by Nikki Erlick; A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson; The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby; and You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kaylnn Bayron.
“I think that the club is a great way to meet new people and expand your horizons,“ said Co-President Grace Yao (‘24). “Book Club has been an opportunity for me to explore all different kinds of genres, from science fiction to mystery to memoir.”
“We also place a lot of emphasis on creating a community of open communication and healthy disagreement,” said Social Media Manager Leela Aiyagari (‘24).
Business Professionals of America
The Skyline Business Professionals of America chapter was founded this year, attended regionals, and sent half their members to states.
“I think the club is a great place for business-minded people who are more academic oriented or are perhaps not as confident in their presentation skills,” said President Stephanie Wang (‘25). “[It’s] a competitive space in which those who are interested in the field of business can get some simulated experience in order to get more comfortable with that type of work.”
“I personally have had some wonderful experiences with BPA recently at the State Leadership Conference,” continued Wang. “There was a dance and a dinner that were super fun, and I got to meet so many cool people from all over Michigan.”
Chess Club
Chess Club met to allow students to practice chess. They competed in the Scholastic Team Tournament.
“Chess Club has mainly served as an intellectually driven, healthy, and tightly interwoven community,” said Co-President Josh Hetrick (‘25). “I have had many rewarding interactions with new members of the club as they embark on their learning expedition into the infinitely complex world of chess.”
Coding Club
Coding Club went to the Saginaw Valley State University Competition on March 15; both of its teams placed in the Top 10. They also participated in the Eastern Michigan University High School Programming Competition, Michigan State University High School Programming Competition, Pioneer High School Coding Scrimmage, and Code For a While online competitions. In USACO (Online), two of their members were promoted to the Silver Division. They will have competed in numerous more competitions by the end of the year, including LeetCode and Codeforces.
“The club members of Skyline Coding Club are passionate about coding and solving problems in general,” said Founder and President Arjun Alva (‘25).
“I have been in the coding club for more than a year now,” said Vice President Kirill Zamulin (‘25). “It has been an awesome experience. Everyone is nice and helpful, so it is easy both to learn and to have fun with friends.”
“The programming competitions were some of the most notable memories,” continued Zamulin. “You get to go to new places with a team of two or three people and work together on some coding problems!”
Crochet and Knitting Club
Crochet and Knitting club met to provide students a space and materials to crochet and knit. Its members individually worked on projects while watching movies together.
“I love the club because it gives me a set time out of the week for me to work on projects and chill with friends,” said President Simone Chin (‘24). “The club is pretty chill. We don’t really work towards big things besides personal projects. A lot of the times we create and eat. Materials is provided, so anyone can join.”
“It’s an enjoyable and chill club,” said Vice President Aiden Niemeic (‘26). “I love the club because it gives me time out of the week to work on my school work or crochet projects and hang out with friends.”
Cubing Club
Cubing Club devoted itself to Rubik’s cubes, learning how to solve ever-more elaborate cubes in ever-faster times. Its members went to several competitions, including Washtenaw Winter 2023, Washtenaw Spring B 2023, Michigan Speedcubing Spring 2023, Michigan Mini 4 2023, and Washtenaw Fast ‘n Late Fall 2023.
“[We’re] a dedicated practice space, a club where you can learn how to solve puzzles in-person, and overall just a chill place to meet new people,” said President Jack DeCapua. “I care about cubing because it provides a hobby that can always be built upon. I can always work to improve at something, I can keep getting faster, and there’s always a new puzzle to learn how to solve. Also, it’s a great community and everyone in it is very friendly.”
DECA
Distributive Education Clubs of America competed in the District and State Career Development Conferences. 23 of their chapter members went to the International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, California. Additionally, they’ve volunteered at the Peace Neighborhood Center and donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
“I think that DECA is a beyond-amazing experience where students can gain real-world skills and grow in the world of business,” said President Lillian Shannon (‘24). “I also strongly believe that the club is more than just a club, it allows students to give back, grow their learning, meet new people, network, and gain new experiences.”
English Language Learners
English Language Learners met to allow students a place to practice vocabulary, read, and play games.
Environmental Sustainability Club
Throughout the year, Environmental Sustainability Club mulched trees at Skyline to help their growth, gathered recycling around the school for proper sorting and disposal, and picked up trash around campus. They also volunteered with Natural Areas Preservation to create plans for battery drives. They planned a rain garden and explored the nature around Skyline.
“We’re … a close group,” said Co-President Ian Schleick (‘24). “which makes even the most mundane or unpleasant volunteer work, such as picking up trash, surprisingly enjoyable.”
“I found it fulfilling to be a part of something bigger than just myself, “ said Photographer Patrick Bui (‘24). “Taking photos—some silly ones at that—made every day just a bit better than the last. I enjoyed every moment we spent as a group together, creating memorable moments to look back on. … It allowed me to be me.”
Ethics Bowl
Ethics Bowl spent the year discussing ethical issues in preparation for the Ethics Bowl State Competition and was able to send two teams to it for the first time. Their A-Team made it to semifinals, losing to the eventual third-place national team. Their B-Team co-won the best team name with “Kant Stop the Trolley”.
“This year, it was great to have a larger team,” said Co-Captain Catherine van Lent (‘25). “Having so many new perspectives made our discussions much more interesting. It was also exciting to prepare for the competition knowing it was so many people’s first time.”
“A memorable experience for me was our team’s evening meetings at Sweetwaters leading up to the competition,” said member Ashley Han (‘26). “With ambient jazz in the background, armed with a sweet drink, we were ready to take on any case. It was a really nice time and I think our team got a lot closer because of it.”
“My favorite memory was probably from the week before the competition, where we gathered for pizza and practice rounds,” said van Lent. “Everyone was focused, and it was great to see how much more confident and eloquent people were compared to the beginning of the year.”
Note: Reporter Kathryn Plotner is Co-Captain of Ethics Bowl.
Gardening Club
The Gardening Club held a plant sale over the winter to raise money for future projects. They made and sold mini terrariums to raise money for the Peterson Memorial Garden. They built a garden box outside, which they’ll fill with plants when it gets warmer. They have another planned plant sale.
“I have had a great time with this club,” said Co-President Alicia Dyer (‘25). “Everyone gets along really well and we all have a great time.”
Gender, Sexuality, and Romanticality Alliance
The Gender, Sexuality, and Romanticality Alliance hosted community events and parties, like Halloween Movie Night and the Winter Gift Exchange. They worked with the school system to edit Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth survey questions to be more inclusive. Additionally, they sold pins and bracelets, raising $70 for the Trevor Project. They held a Day of (NO) Silence to raise awareness of queerphobia, with students staying silent for a day. They plan to have a Skytime lesson about the history of Pride month and the LGBTQIA+ movement.
“[We’re] a safe and friendly community for LGBTQIA+ and allied students,” said President Nhoa Kim (‘25). “Coming to GSRA is one of the highlights of my week.”
“Having the club is important because it lets incoming students know we are a safe school and we have a safe space for them,” said Secretary Jessica Iekel-Johnson (‘24). “[It lets] current students know we are here and fighting for them and for us.”
Health Occupational Students of America
Health Occupational Students of America attended the Regional Leadership Conference in December. Members who placed in the top 7 at the regional competition attended the State Leadership Conference in April.
“HOSA has been a great way for me to further explore my interest in the healthcare field outside of the classroom,” said member Anjali Kakarla (‘24). “It has also connected me with a lot of like-minded peers who have similar goals as me.”
Hearts of Humans
Hearts of Humans held a bake sale to raise money for a homeless shelter. During the holidays, they helped wrap presents with staff and made Christmas cards for a retirement home. They also made bracelets for Mott’s Children’s Hospital.
India Club
India Club met three times throughout the year to discuss Indian culture as well as meeting for Diwali and Holi.
“During… club meetings, students give presentations about India’s rich heritage and its tremendous contribution to the modern world,” said Founder and President Arjun Alva (‘25). “The club members share Indian snacks and Indian food with students.”
“[We] get together to discuss them and talk about what certain members and their families do for the specific holiday,” said Co-Founder Saumil Agarwal (‘25). “I think the club is unique as it talks about a certain culture that is not often discussed and is open to all even if they don’t celebrate or understand that holiday, which is the point of the club.”
Interact
Interact held a variety of fundraisers, including a clothing drive, a Hunger Packing event, and a bake sale for those struggling in the Middle East.
“Interact has been such a great experience for me, between the welcoming community, varying opportunities for leadership, and participating in helping the community,” said member Adarsh Nadgir (‘25). “I’ve been loving it so far and I’m so excited to explore more into the world of Interact.”
Mandarin Club
Mandarin Club met to allow students to practice Chinese outside the classroom.
“Many students that take Chinese at Skyline don’t use it at home, including me,” said President Abbey VanderWerp (‘27). “I wanted students and myself to have a place outside of class to have real world conversations in Chinese as well. I believe that having conversations in Chinese will immerse students more in the language and help them become better speakers.”
Mandolin Club
Mandolin Club performed as a chamber group in the VPAA Benefit Concert. They performed in the Spring Concert.
“I knew nothing about the Mandolin instrument family when I first joined the club,” said member Nhoa Kim (‘25). “Since then, I’ve been learning Mandocello! It’s a really great club because learning Mandolin is not an opportunity that a lot of people have access to.”
Marketing Club
Marketing Club hosted Sonia Raheja, who worked at marketing at Ford and Dominos. They marketed for the Asian American Youth Summit, hosted by Asian American Youth Club.
“Marketing Club is a club with a lot of potential,” said Co-President Alexander Hemenway (‘25). “We have a lot of ideas for next year and I’m excited to see where they go!”
Mariachi Club
Mariachi Club attended the Mariachi Youth Festival at the Academy of the Americas in Detroit and performed with other Mariachi Clubs. They collaborated with the Philharmonic Orchestra to perform at the Spring Concert.
Mock Trial
Mock Trial was able to send two teams to the Monroe County Regional High School Mock Trial competition on March 2nd. Their Blue Team placed third, moving on to the State Championship in Lansing.
“It was amazing to see the amount of skill that other schools had as well as showing off our own skill,” said member Cate Howard (‘25). “I loved my role on the team. I played this character named Sandy Boone, and I got to put on a country accent in front of the whole courtroom. The judge was cracking up.”
“Mock Trial is such a great club and amazing experience,” said Captain Amelia Repp (‘24). “I love it because it teaches you so much about law and the justice system, while also improving confidence and public speaking skills! It really is so much fun to get really into the case and compete against other schools across Michigan.”
Model UN
Model UN went to University of Michigan’s Model UN competition, with four second place wins. They traveled to New York City for the National High School Model UN Conference.
“It is such a great way to combine public speaking with public policy,” said Co-Secretary General Reva Patchava (‘24), “and a cool way to connect with other people while reaching a shared goal.”
National Organization of Women
The National Organization of Women held a bake sale to raise money for charity. At their weekly meetings, they highlighted women underrepresented in conversations of feminism.
“NOW Club has given us the opportunity to connect not only with the members of the club, but with women all throughout Skyline,” said member Robin Sickman-Garner (‘24). “We learn from each other by talking about our ideas and our experiences.”
Neurodiversity Club
Neurodiversity Club started this year to promote neurodiversity and be a “safe space for neurodivergent students and allies to learn, bond, and hang out”, as their motto says. They planned a mural celebrating neurodiversity. They met with administrators to present at a teachers’ professional development meeting on how to support neurodivergent students. Additionally, they hosted several movie nights.
“I’ve had a great time leading the Skyline Neurodiversity Club,” said Co-President Em Rusch-Daley (‘25). “[I’m] so happy that it has provided numerous students with a safe place to make friends!”
Note: Reporter Kathryn Plotner is Co-President of Neurodiversity Club.
Peer to Peer
Peer to Peer hosted a monthly journaling workshop and their Post-it Palooza event. They attended events hosted by the U-M Depression Center. They engaged in safeTALK training, learning the warning signs of suicidal ideation and strategies to help.
“[P2P] has taught me a lot about ways to help,” said Co-Vice President Sophia Marrs. “This club is meant to be a safe place for our members and a way to advocate for healthy mental health within our school.”
“Through P2P, I have learned more about mental illness in general,” said Event Coordinator Cecelia Brush (‘24). “The club has two main goals of education on an often stigmatized topic, as well as experienced members who can identify and get help to someone who may be struggling.”
“[P2P] has changed my life,” said President Aliyah Evans (‘24). “I have been able to form so many valuable connections with my peers at Skyline. I love that we are working together to bring positive change to the rest of our school community!”
Pickleball Club
Pickleball Club set up nets at Skyline to play Pickleball in the fall and spring. They played at the indoor Wolverine Pickleball nets in the winter.
“I have really enjoyed playing pickleball, which was the main reason I started the club,” said Founder Sophia Nielsen (‘24). “I am not terribly good at pickleball but I do find it really fun.”
Positivity Club
Positivity Club met once a week to spread positivity and practice mindfulness through meditation, crafts, and discussion. They made posters, gave teachers gifts, and raised over $300 for charities Food Gatherers and the MJR Foundation.
“In general, we just encourage our members and community to have a more positive and empathetic mindset in a stressful world,” said Co-Leader Evelyn Kidle (‘24).
“We … like to focus on having our club space be a positive, welcoming environment,” said member Anneliese Johnson (‘25).
Quiz Bowl
Quiz Bowl competed in the Utica Academy for International Studies Fall Invitational, placing 5th. They hosted a tournament with 20 Midwestern teams on January 27th. Their co-president Lucas Caswell went to the Individual Player National Championship Tournament in Rosemont, Illinois. They earned 13th place at the National Academic Quiz Tournaments Michigan Class A State Championship.
Red Cross Club
Red Cross Club ran two blood drives, collecting a total of 50 pints of blood.
“We were able to save the lives of 150 people,” said Records Keeper Vikramjeet Kapoor (‘25), “thanks to the support of our club members, the American Red Cross, and all our blood donors at Skyline High School.”
“Just working with the other club members to ensure everything goes smoothly was fun by itself,” continued Kapoor. “Before joining the Red Cross Club, I had never participated in a Blood Drive. I am so glad I joined, otherwise I never would’ve had these incredible experiences during my high school career.”
Republican Club
Republican Club hosted conversations and debates about international and local events. They discussed the upcoming election and fiscal conservatism.
“My experience with the club this year has been fantastic,” said President Emma Zamansky (‘24). “I believe every one of our members has learned new ideas and grown throughout the course of these discussions.”
“I’ve had a lot of fun discussing and debating issues with club members,” said Vice President Aidan Mazza (‘25). “Although we generally share a more conservative outlook, nobody truly has the same opinions and it’s really wonderful to see how individual experiences shape our viewpoints.”
Robotics Club
Over six weeks, Robotics built a robot to compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge. They went to two district competitions, earning second place in one. They then went to the State Championship and were ranked 60th of 622 Michigan teams. They went to the World Championships, placing 36th of the 75 teams in their division.
“Robotics is the best team I have ever joined,” said Captain Emmie Pokryfke (‘25). “The atmosphere to be able to work in an environment with 40 kids all determined to complete a robot in a timely manner is a very unique high school experience, and one that I am proud to be a part of every year.”
Science Bowl
Science Bowl competed in the Regional Science Bowl, with its A squad finishing 5th of 12 schools, advancing out of the round-robin to the elimination rounds.
“Science Bowl has been a great way to reinforce information learned in current and past STEM classes,” said Captain Addison Kim (‘24). “It has also been lots of fun to run through trivia questions, both in practice and competition. It is a great feeling when the team is able to figure out tricky questions together!”
Songwriting Club
Songwriting Club made a song as a group: TV Man. They plan to create more songs.
Speech and Debate
In the fall, Speech and Debate competed in the debate season as a varsity team, discussing domestic and foreign policy. In the spring, Speech and Debate competed in speech competitions, going to semifinals in one and reaching final rounds statewide in the others.
Student Action Senate
Student Action Senate has two committees: Spirit and Activism. Spirit planned homecoming, WinterFest, prom, and various spirit days, as well as working on decorations. Activism has done some fundraisers, including Gobbles for Good for Food Gatherers, and Teddy Bears for Mott’s Childrens’ Hospital. Additionally, SAS meets with administration once a trimester to give a student voice.
Student Athlete Mental Health Awareness
Student Athlete Mental Health Awareness discussed adversity athletes face and how to cope. They also celebrated past SAMHA alumni and held pizza parties.
“I resonate very strongly with the core values of the club because I am an athlete,” said Co-Vice President Josh Hetrick (‘25), “but I’m sure that people of all disciplines would benefit from learning about mental health.”
“We were able to relate with each other, making the club a safe space,” said member Gabriella Marble (‘26).
UNICEF
UNICEF Club, associated with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, raised $500 through bake sales and bottle/can drives to provide water, clothing, and hygiene and medical kits to those in Gaza affected by the conflict.
“Being a part of UNICEF club has been a fulfilling experience for me,” said Vice President Kialyn Thai (‘25). “Not only did it challenge my views on global issues and activism, but it also increased my understanding about the importance of collaboration and taking actions to make a difference.”
Women in Science/Engineering
Women in Science/Engineering brought female speakers from a range of STEM professions, including some professors. They visited the U-M Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, sitting in on seminars and participating in a panel of female medical students and doctors.
“I especially like the club because it bolsters STEM self-efficacy,” said President Michal Kama (‘24), “and allows members to explore different parts of the STEM fields that they may have never heard of before.”
YAC Unified
YAC Unified held the Polar Plunge and raised $500 for the Michigan Special Olympics. They planned Respect, Inclusion, and Kindness Week and had people sign a pledge. In collaboration with the Peer Connections class, they held Unified Day.
Not included/Could not be reached
The following clubs could not be reached in time for publication: Art Club, Chemistry Club, Electrical Engineering Club, French Club, Girls Group, Girls Who Code, Latinx Student Union/Aguilas Unidades, Naptime Ninjas, Student Equity Team, and Ukulele Club.
The following clubs chose not to be included: Anime Club, Economics and Stocks Club.
