If you’ve ever felt like there’s nothing to do during flex, you might not have looked hard enough. Portsmouth High School is home to a diverse lineup of clubs, and whether you’re into business, art, writing, debate, or just want a place to hang out with people who get you, there’s probably something for you.
FBLA, or Future Business Leaders of America, meets during flex on Tuesdays with advisor Mr. Sullivan. The president of the club, Jiles Tracz a senior, says it is the only business club at PHS that combines fundraising with real competition.
Members pick a topic, sales, graphic design, marketing, whatever interests them, and can compete at the State Leadership Conference (SLC), where students from across the state pitch projects and present in front of judges.
“If you’re interested in anything in business, this is the place to explore it and get real experience,” said Tracz.
Rowen Wierbonics, a junior, said that the club is open to all grades, and it’s great if you want to get real-life experience. Sign-ups will be available again next year.
Debate Club has a reputation for being intense and time-consuming, but according to its members, it’s worth it. The club, advised by Mr. Kraus, is led by president Freya Doshi, a junior, who has seen it change the way she thinks and communicates.
“With Al, it’s harder for people to articulate their own thoughts,” Doshi said. “Debate has made it easier to say the things I want to say.”
She also credited the club with improving her research skills, vocabulary, and ability to do well on her own in job interviews. The club even takes students to Harvard for a debate.
“There are not a lot of clubs that give you as much return for your time and effort,” said Doshi.
Freshman Rebecca Martin, who joined less than a year ago, said she already feels noticeably more confident speaking in front of people.
“I’ve learned so much about so many different topics,” Martin said. “It helps with writing, public speaking, and just thinking on your feet.” If you can handle the commitment, debate delivers.
The Neurodiversity Club, advised by Mrs. Stroup, is a space for neurodivergent students (and anyone who wants to learn more) to come together, decompress, and talk about their experiences.
President of the club Lux Jundi, a senior, has been part of the club for all four years of high school. “It’s mostly a safe space for neurodivergent people to decompress,” Jundi said.
Members play games, watch TED Talks, and share personal experiences in a low-pressure environment. The group has a simple set of norms: respect each other’s opinions, be aware of different sensitivities, and actually listen.
Georgia Westerberg, a freshman, said that it’s also educational; the club talks about topics like Tourette syndrome and helps members learn about different kinds of neurodivergence. “It’s not only a safe space, but a place to learn,” said Westerberg.
If you’re looking for a calm, welcoming way to end your day, this one’s worth checking out.
Epitome is PHS’s literary and art magazine club, run by advisor Mr. Ganz. The club reviews and publishes original student work, writing, art, music, and really anything creative, once a year in a printed magazine. Submissions are anonymous, so you don’t have to worry about people judging you before the work even gets published.
Senior Flannery Holbrook says, “There are not a lot of places to show your own work in high school,” and Epitome fills that gap.
Norah Nash Pannella, a senior, said the atmosphere is uniquely equal, “no one is higher, everyone is equal”, and said it’s become a nice way to unwind at the end of the week. You can check out last year’s issue in your English classroom, the library, the main office, or by tracking down Mr. Ganz.
Art Club, led by president Ash Lore, a junior, and vice president Imogen Crichton-Ingalls, also a junior, and advised by Mrs. Mundy, is a fun way to spend your flex block, and you don’t have to be good at art. The whole point is to try things you wouldn’t normally try, finger painting, new mediums, techniques you’ve never heard of, in a space that’s welcoming and low-stakes.
Lore, who’s been president for two years, described it as “always open” and a great place to make friends. It’s also a resource for students who are serious about art and want to learn about opportunities to pursue it further.
Global Connect is one of PHS’s newest programs, advised by Ms. Wemple and Mrs. McGrimley, and meets on Fridays. It’s focused on building global awareness and understanding how local actions connect to bigger international issues.
“The mix of grades, backgrounds, and perspectives is what makes it special,” said Wemple, adding that the fact students show up on a Friday says a lot about how much they care.
Seniors Noelle Gagnon and Sydney Ruel described it as a tight-knit and genuinely eye-opening club. “You hear from so many different experiences and work on projects to solve real problems,” said Gagnon. For anyone who wants to think beyond their own backyard, Global Connect is a solid place to start.
Between these six clubs alone, PHS has something for every kind of student. Even this article you’re reading was made through a club, the Journalism club that meets on Wednesdays in room 212! Most of the clubs are low-commitment, all-grades-welcome, and are actively looking for new members.
The best way to find out if a club is right for you? Just show up once. You might be surprised.
