The club that shows up to most, if not every school event – Gold Rush. The Gold Rush club, sponsored by government teacher Jacob Pedrero, has been a cornerstone at Plant High School, PHS, going back decades. For a club that has been around the school for so long, what does it really accomplish at Plant?
Gold Rush is comprised of a large board with a range of different positions that perform different tasks.
“I have the Vice President of Events position for Gold Rush,” Fiyori Russom (12) says. “I work with Pedrero in highlighting important events for the student body to attend to.”
Russom points out exactly the purpose of the club. Gold Rush uses their large student platform, on social media and real-life connections, to bring students together to support PHS school events. These events can range from different sports games, pep rallies and more.
“It is a great club at Plant to be involved in as it is a great way to get involved and meet new people while finding new interests,” Russom says.
While this is true, students may not always find success in the actual Gold Rush club.
“I didn’t even know how to join clubs at the start of this year,” Alex Brun (9) says. “I did follow Gold Rush on Instagram though.”
Apart from attempting to bring the student population together, the Gold Rush primary social media platform, Instagram, has a large following. @phsgoldrush has a large following at just under 2,000. Here, they post-game announcements encouraging members and non-members alike to come together and support their school’s sports teams.
account handle by caporcelli
“I am one of three social media members on the board of Gold Rush,” McLaurin Meyer (11) says. “We are given the heads up to make a post on the account and most days we’ll have a day or two turn around to get posts out so people can repost them and spread the word.”
While in theory the club seems perfect for alerting PHS about their myriads of different games available to attend, that is not to say there is not room for improvement.
In board interviews every year, Mr. Pedrero asks interviewees what they think they could do to improve the club. Recognizing this room for improvement allows the club to constantly evolve and remain relatively successful in comparison to the others at PHS.
An example of this was seen in the addition of a new board position this school year, Arts Representative. With PHS’ growing arts programs, including band, painting and more, the club felt it fitting to have someone to represent their interests as well.
“I think Gold Rush does a great job on social media and with the student board representatives bringing all kinds of Plant students together,” Madden Moore (11), Arts Representative, says. “Gold Rush promotes student involvement and inclusion to support all aspects of the culture.”
Ultimately, despite any room for improvement, Gold Rush works to bring together the student body in a world of evolving interests and priorities.
“Bring the rush!” Will Meade (12) says.
Design by EMMA BROWN