Schaumburg High club helps students build relationships

More than 80 students gathered in Schaumburg High School's cafeteria Dec. 10 to take part in an after-school gingerbread house building hosted by the school's Events Club.

Senior Tyler Clendenning, an SHS Events founder, said the gathering was about bringing people back together.

"It's all about getting people back together and socializing again," he said. "It's been about a year and half since this has all started. We are all grateful and privileged to be back in school and seeing our friends again."

Clendenning said the idea of doing gingerbread houses was something he felt everyone could enjoy.

"Regardless of what your background is, or what you celebrate in December, gingerbread houses seem to be a common ground," he said.

Juniors Madeline Schulz and Madison Stein decided to attend after Schulz told Stein about the event.

"I am having fun with this," Stein said. "I love decorating cookies with my friends."

"I like that I get to be with her," Schulz added. "I also like that I get to eat the cookie when we're done."

Faculty sponsor and math teacher Julie Wager said the purpose of SHS Events is to create events for all students at the school.

"Our purpose is just to simply plan fun events," Wager said. "We want to offer the kids opportunities to do things together to deepen relationships and feel connected with other students and peers."

Events have ranged from after-school movie nights and gingerbread houses to escape rooms. Wager said one event in discussion for the future is a Mario Kart tournament.