For the 2023-2024 school year, the Associated Student Body has approved 29 new clubs. The Accolade’s cub reporters from the beginning journalism class will report on each new group in alphabetical order. For the previous ones that have already been posted, be sure to go to the Feature section.

Freshman Hugo Asencio’s only sewing knowledge before joining the Stylish and Sustainable [SAS] Upcycling Club was completely self-taught.

During the Tuesday, Nov. 28, meeting, Asencio was among the 10 students who learned how to sew for the club’s first meeting last semester.

“I like making crafts as a hobby,” he said. “But with little knowledge of sewing, there are some crafts I’m not capable of doing well. Before the meeting, I had no idea how to sew a button onto fabric.”

Club co-presidents juniors Ezrela Chang and Kathleen Handley hope to teach basic sewing skills that would help members in altering or redesigning old thrifted clothes to their personal taste.

“I think that upcycling is such an important factor, not just for self-expression with clothing, but it’s also good for the environment because you’re giving life to old clothing,” Chang said. 

The juniors started the club with the intent of fostering a collaborative group of environmentally friendly students interested in fashion.

Chang and Handley presented the club’s proposal to the Associated Student Body in early November and it was approved the following week. The co-presidents has held two meetings so far during which they briefly introduced the club and held a basic lesson on sewing a button onto fabric. 

“The meeting was very enjoyable and interactive,” said freshman Mollie McLain, a member of the club. “I’m excited for future activities involving thrifting and, as the name implies, upcycling clothes.”

In November, dance teacher Leiana Volen allowed three members of the club to help with costume designing for the annual Dancing with the Staff after the co-presidents reached out to Volen through email. With the help from club members: McLain, senior Alison Chan and junior Riya Macwan, the students bedazzled costumes with rhinestones, cut gloves and glued sparkly fabric strips onto body-suits. 

“I was really nervous at first because it was the first event held outside of school hours,” Chang said. “But it turned out to be a really bonding and intimate moment for me and a few others who dropped by.”

The club adviser, theater and English teacher Christian Penuelas, also invited the club to help design costumes for the school’s theater program.

“The number one thing that I’m most excited about is definitely helping out with the shows,” Chang said. “I think Mr. Penuelas and Mrs. Volen do so much for the school and they plan such big events, and to be a part of that is such a fulfilling experience.”

The SAS Upcycling Club meets every other Tuesday during lunch in Room 26. For more information, contact Chang at [email protected] or Handley [email protected].