Students RUSH to the quad
During both lunches on September 3 and 4, Rialto High School ASB hosted Clubs and Sports Rush to get students excited about participating in an extracurricular activity for the 2026/2027 school year.
Over the two days, Heather Bartlett, RHS Activities Director, shared that 35 clubs and sports participated in the event. In the past, the event included only clubs. However, over the years, the goal of Rush has changed to include sports.
The primary goals of Rush are recruitment, school involvement, and community building within Rialto High School. Senior Kimora Richard, a RHS student who participated, says, “Club Rush exposes students to new clubs and ideas to help the community.”
Despite temperatures in the 80s on both days, each club or sport had representatives available to answer questions or advocate for their program. Clubs and sports set up tables throughout the quad with club posters and signs. Some handed out flyers while others provided photo props or handed out snacks and candy.
Freshman Assistant Principal Francisco Zelaya and sophomore Assistant Principal Vincent Gutierrez watched and engaged with staff and students in the quad. For Zelaya, it was his first Rush event as he is new to RHS.
Senior Angel Gonzales noticed that some club tables had less traffic than others, pointing out that those clubs required students to express more of themselves. “I think people are afraid to express their opinion,” Gonzales says.
Some Rush representatives shared their experiences in their club or sport, hoping to inspire others to join or at least learn something new about a program at their school.
Junior Alec Delgado, a representative for Badminton, explains, “When I first participated in this club, I was nervous, but I realized that I wasn’t the only beginner, which made me more comfortable.” Board Game Club, advised by science teacher Zachery Nelson, was represented by several students, including senior Gabriel Endean, who described the event as “a new but pleasant experience.”
Aaron Robb, a senior and member of Crew Knights, shares that their club is thriving and practically runs itself with how dedicated the members are.
Senior Josue Espinosa, social media manager for Knights of Compassion, shares, “Making a change in the community and helping others with both my friends and new members is why I am a part of Knights of Compassion,” while senior and Broadway Knights treasurer, Samantha Hernandez, states, “Broadway Knights helps with not only acting but being able to express your feelings towards others with ease.”
Other Rush participants merely wanted to share their passion in hopes of helping or encouraging others to find theirs.
Senior Aylene Lopez, president of the Crochet and Crafts Club, shared that her club's goal is to let members express their creativity through the work they make. Senior Lucy Solis, club member, says their club is a “friendly, welcoming, non-judgmental environment” and hopes new members come in “with a positive mindset.”
Kaitylin Bozigian, theater teacher and advisor for Broadway Knights, was present during Rush to encourage other students to join. She is eager to share her passion for theater and has wanted to teach theater since she was 14. Regarding her students, she says, “Everything they do is just so incredible, and I'm so inspired every time I watch them work, and I just feel very blessed.”
Senior Constance Islas, Anime Club President, would tell future Anime Club members, “Set your heart ablaze,” referring to an inspirational character from “Demon Slayer.” English teacher Kevin Roberts created Anime Club to share his love for Asian culture and Japan’s animation industry.
For some students, Club Rush was more than an opportunity to find or share a valuable after-school activity. It was a chance to discover or promote an interest that could connect to their future. President of the Astronomy Club, Melany Rivas, shares, “My club started with my love for space and flying. My dream job is honestly to be an astronaut and a pilot, so when I noticed there were no space-related classes or clubs here at RHS, I decided to start one since it got me closer to my dream career!”
Junior Daniel Villa, who is a member of the Teach Rialto Club, says, “This is my first year, and I went to Morris Elementary School for a field trip. The kids love you. I got to meet new people and learn about teaching in education.” The Teach Rialto Club is for students interested in becoming educators. Senior Katherine Moreno Garcia is also involved with Teach Rialto Club and shares, “It’s a really fun experience. I think more people should join.”
Other Rush participants have been longstanding. MESA has thrived at RHS for years and allows students to explore and apply their love for math, engineering, and science. Anchoring the club’s identity in a single phrase, senior Marco Perez exclaimed, “We are MESA!”
Members of the Gardening Club hope that by participating in Rush, they can recruit enough members to expand their work to the quad, freshman Angela Carillo says.
While not all students were involved in Rush, many others participated in the two-day event, making this year’s Rush a successful, school-spirited ASB event. Senior Dayana Guardado, treasurer of Knights United, attests, “Honestly, I love seeing how involved our students are and how school-spirited they are.”
Comments