by Lauren Rathmell '17
Three new student clubs help fans of fiction have fun and focus on real-world issues.
Foam Fighting Society
Purpose: Members participate in Dagorhir, a sport/battle game that combines full-contact combat simulation (using foam-padded weapons) with live action role playing, inspired by medieval history and J.R.R. Tolkien鈥檚 The Lord of the Rings trilogy
Getting real: 鈥淥ur fighting not only relieves stress, but also builds relationships through mutual respect. Our rules enforce discipline, which everyone can benefit from,鈥� says freshman Todd Stipe, club president.
Golden Flash Fiction Club
Purpose: Writing club that focuses on flash fiction鈥�1,000 words or less鈥攕o that aspiring novelists and writers can unwind during the week, enhance their imagination and improve their writing skills
Getting real: 鈥淔iction writing is cathartic: It allows us to deal with problems in a healthy way鈥攂y putting feelings into a physical form so we can analyze them objectively,鈥� says junior Corinne Engber, club vice president.
Lumos Flashes
Purpose: Local chapter of the Harry Potter Alliance, a nonprofit organization run primarily by Harry Potter fans to fight social injustice in areas such as mental health, labor rights, immigration reform and climate change
Getting real: 鈥淲e did a fundraiser for This Star Won鈥檛 Go Out, a nonprofit foundation that gives financial aid to families who have children with cancer,鈥� says senior Carolyn Matovina, chapter president.
