HS students dive into passions at annual Club and Org Fair

By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

University School of Nashville was buzzing with possibility during this year's Club & Org Fair, where 36 clubs, 18 organizations, and eight affinity groups packed into the cheerful chaos of Sperling Gym on Friday, September 5. With nearly one club for every six students, the fair is an annual showcase and celebration of students’ initiative, identity, and invention.


“I cannot wait to see what 2025-2026 holds, which groups will take their turn being front and center at different points throughout the year,” said High School Dean of Student Life Justin Karpinos.

Behind every group at USN is a faculty sponsor who balances teaching duties with the equally important work of nurturing student passions. These mentors provide guidance, space, and structure, allowing student ideas to evolve from passing thoughts to sustained communities. And with financial backing from Student Council grants for groups that enhance student life, the infrastructure is there for clubs to thrive.

Among the new additions this year was Poems Against Silence, founded by Breckyn Forcey ’26. The club will bring a passion for poetry and activism to USN’s hallways, giving students a chance to explore the written word as a tool for expression and social impact.

Also making its debut during this year’s fair was the Spanish Media Club, which will introduce students to a litany of Spanish-language media and pop culture. 

For students drawn to tech and tactile innovation, the Maker Club was hard to miss. 

Dalton Dervan ’28 manned the table, enthusiastically recruiting students to join a community centered around 3D printers, laser engravers, and even protecting the forge on the fourth floor. With camaraderie and access to advanced machinery, the Maker Club aims to build both projects and friendships.

One of the clubs that has had a long history at USN, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, returned this year to recruit more members in the High School. This year, Lila Hemphill ’26 is heading up the group and planning fundraising events.

“These diseases are a big issue in the United States,” said Hemphill. “It’s important to raise awareness and money for this group throughout the year.” 

Through events like lantern lightings and Homecoming boutonnière sales, the club is a great mix of community service and student engagement.

The fair also featured longtime favorites like the Cabbage Club, Board Game Club, and French Club, each offering its own quirky blend of connection and curiosity. Whether students had a passion for produce or strategy games, there was something for everyone.

In a school where students are encouraged to lead and experiment, the Club and Org Fair represents the best of USN. With more than 1,200 students at 2000 Edgehill, the interests of the student body vary, but the fair is a reminder that there is a place for all of those passions at the school, and there’s a good chance that there’s already a club for them.