Excited chatter filled the gym Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, as South Lakes hosted their annual activities fair, a tradition that marks the start of the school year. For incoming freshmen and returning students as well, the event was flooded with opportunities, transforming the gym into a center for clubs and sports at South Lakes.
Every corner was occupied by student-run booths, each decorated with colorful posters and enthusiastic members advertising and eager to recruit. From the community service focused Interact Club to the faith promoting Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), the amount of opportunities was clear.
A junior at South Lakes, Nandita Cherukuri, the president of the Red Cross club was busy pitching her club at the fair; “Our aim is to alleviate human suffering and participate in lots of volunteer work like blood drives and making cards to armed forces.”
Her club garnered an impressive 50+ sign ups, a testament to the activities fair’s reach.
Other clubs like the Asian Culture Club and FCA also shared their success from the fair with Max Nguyen, a senior and co-president of the Asian Culture Club, sharing their mission.
“We explore different Asian cultures, spreading awareness and celebrating holidays like Lunar New Year together,” he said.
At FCA’s booth, Ava-Grace Satterfield, a junior and leader described the experience as “really great,” adding, “It was fun explaining what I love to a wide range of people who were interested.” Their efforts were certainly met as they gained about 120 sign-ups.
The fair serves a crucial purpose beyond simple sign-ups. It fosters a sense of belonging and encourages students to develop new skills and leadership qualities. Teachers and other faculty members circulated through the crowd, witnessing firsthand the beauty of student-led initiatives and school spirit.
As the bell rang, signaling the end of the fair, students spilled out of the gym, clutching their new info graphics and flyers. The event encouraged students to bridge the gap between their academic lives and personal interests. This ensures that South Lakes would be filled with students that do not come just to learn, but also connect with others and thrive during their time here.
