by Bill Morones, Executive Director, Clayton Valley Charter High School
At Clayton Valley Charter High School (CVCHS), one of the cornerstones of our educational approach is fostering a vibrant, inclusive community where every student’s unique background, experiences, and voice are celebrated. From the wide array of clubs to extracurricular activities and cultural celebrations, I’d like to share some reflections on our recent Multicultural Rally and the many ways our students engage in activities that honor their diverse backgrounds.
In April, CVCHS hosted its highly anticipated Multicultural Rally — an event that highlights the beauty of individual backgrounds and experiences within our school. Students dressed in traditional clothing from their cultures, performed dances to music that told their stories, and proudly shared pieces of their heritage with the rest of the school. For many, the rally is an exciting day, filled with energy and pride, but the challenging work that goes on behind the scenes often goes unnoticed. The rally is produced by our Associated Student Body (ASB), who work months in advance to ensure that every student’s culture is represented.
Auditions are held early in the school year to select the dancers, and from there, rehearsals take place after school. The ASB selects which students will participate, ensuring that a broad spectrum of backgrounds is represented. It’s truly a labor of love, and the results are always breathtaking. The Multicultural Rally builds bridges, breaks down barriers, and creates a sense of unity within our diverse community.
Extracurricular activities play a vital role in the holistic development of our students, and we encourage all students to become involved in activities outside of the classroom. Whether it’s joining a club, participating in sports, or engaging in community service, extracurriculars provide a unique platform for students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. These activities also allow students to grow in areas such as leadership, communication, and teamwork.
According to studies, students who are actively involved in extracurriculars are more likely to develop confidence, improve their social skills, and build resilience. Colleges and universities increasingly look for well-rounded individuals, and extracurricular involvement is one of the best ways for our students to stand out in their college applications.
College admissions officers aren’t just interested in what students are doing in the classroom – they also care what they do outside of school. That’s why extracurriculars are a graduation requirement and is an important piece of what Ugly Eagles do with their free time outside of their academic setting.
CVCHS offers over 60 student-led clubs, ranging from academic-focused groups like the Robotics Club and Model United Nations, to cultural and public service organizations like the Asian American Pacific Islander Club, Black Student Union, and Key Club. There are also plenty of fun social clubs like Karaoke Club, Pickleball Club, and the Garden Club, where students can unwind, build friendships, and explore new interests.
These clubs are also powerful forums for students to voice their opinions, advocate for change, have fun and grow as leaders. Many of our clubs are directly tied to our school’s Academies, including the Applied Physics & Chemistry Club and the Women In Science & Engineering Club, where students can explore their passions in specific fields of study.
Behind the scenes, the ASB is the heartbeat of CVCHS. They are a driving force in creating a sense of belonging for every student by overseeing club activities to organizing Blue Crew events and dances,.
At CVCHS, each student is unique and multicultural events, clubs, and extracurricular activities create an environment where everyone can learn from one another, grow together, and most importantly, be themselves.