This year, Stamford High clubs were forced to change the ways they meet in order to accommodate social distancing guidelines, according to members and leaders of the drama, debate and friendly faces clubs. Many students are recognizing the challenge that comes with this distance.

“When we have had rehearsal outside the few times that we have, we’ve had to stay six feet apart and wear masks at all times, which has been interesting and a bit of a challenge” says Hannah Shaeger, a member of the drama club.

This group has also lost an important part of their performances: an audience. Instead of performing in front of friends and family, the shows are now being pre-recorded and live streamed. 

The debate club has endured a considerable change as well. This team is used to traveling around the state for their meets. Last year they even traveled as far as Columbia University to compete. It was clear that this would not be an option. Now, they participate in their usual competitions, but over zoom.

Debate club member Kaitlyn Pepa described her experience with online meets, saying “While we do get to have our rounds and debate there is still a side of disconnect between the students, where it makes it harder for them to communicate with one another than usual.” She also added, “CDA has worked hard to provide us with debates online and bring many debaters together as well to replicate physical debate tournaments the best that they can.”

Mollie Herz is president of friendly faces, a club that helps integrate students with special needs into the student body. Mollie is making sure that each member has the opportunity to stay connected in some way.

“We are making supply bags to hand out to everyone and we have activities over google meets to talk and get to know each other better while also doing a fun arts and crafts project or playing games,” Herz said.

While it is easy to focus on the negative aspects of meetings and competitions this year, Pepa and her peers recognize that they are fortunate to be able to meet, even if it is from a distance.

“At the end of the day, many clubs are not able to hold events online, so I would count myself lucky for still being able to debate,” she said.

All of the hard work and planning that went into overcoming this new obstacle seems to be worth it to many. 

Herz said, “I loved to see the smiles on everyone’s faces when we had our first meeting.”