There is something for you here.

This mantra is what every person is told when starting school at any age. At Parkway Central, some students make the most of this opportunity and start a club that they find interesting and hope others will join. Despite the plentiful amount of clubs already, senior Mya Hoff thought something was lacking.

As president and co-founder, Mya had an idea that no student has thought of before: start an Ice Cream Club. Mya wanted to share her love of ice cream with other students at school, which inspired the startup of the club.

“I thought the school was lacking some joy and needed a good environment,” Mya said. “I wanted to create a community where everyone can express their shared love of ice cream and hang out with friends.”

When asking teachers to sponsor the club, at first it seemed like a joke, but It did not take any convincing when Hoff asked social studies teachers Joni Patton and Sophia Seawel.

“A few laughed at first but then realized how amazing this club is and the opportunity it would bring,” Mya said. “They were extremely excited and enthusiastic to help sponsor the club.”

While the club may seem like a  joke, the value of belonging is not. Psychologist Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a major point of emphasis in building better schools, and belonging is part of the structure. The five levels: physiological needs, safety needs, belonging, esteem, and self-actualization, meaning that the feeling of nurture is vitally important to one’s happiness. AP Psychology teacher Brad Robertson believes that this is a key aspect, especially in a school setting.

“Longitudinal studies show that relationships are the greatest indicator of belonging and happiness,” Robertson said. “And what better way to share relationships than a club like this.”

Vice President Brody Blatt, senior, jumped at the opportunity to help co-found the club with his peer, and wanted to create a place that gave people joy and laughter.

“Ice Cream Club gave me a way to connect with all students in and outside of school,” Blatt said. “I wanted to facilitate an environment that breeds friendship building.”

Junior Louie Kelly knew he was joining the club the minute Mya introduced the idea to him, and was eager for the first meeting.

“Mya Hoff told me about it when she was first getting it started,” Kelly said. “I got to watch the whole beautiful process of her getting it approved by the administration and I was ready to join.”

Ice Cream Club is not a typical after school activity, and Mya wanted to make sure of that. Kelly knew that this would be an enjoyable experience to be a part of because of the people leading it.

“I thought it was such a cool and unique idea and something that could really make the school day better,” Kelly said. “I also knew that if Mya Hoff was the one leading it that it would be great.”

Freshman Kate Hoff got to see a different side of the club, because her sister is the president. While it comes with constant questions, it also means she gets to take part in the decision making.

“She got me into it and I get asked a lot when the next meeting is,” Kate said. “It’s very fun because I get to help plan some of the stuff.”

Senior Taylor Jesse took this club as an opportunity to meet new people who all bonded over ice cream. It makes people step outside of their comfort zone and talk to other students you don’t normally see day-to-day.

“It is filled with all grades, not just my own friends,” Jesse said. “[It] forces people to talk to each other and pass the scoop down from grade to grade.”

Another positive Jesse sees about this club is the variety of flavors that is offered, which helps picky eaters try new things.

“You get to talk to people while eating ice and trying new flavors,” Jesse said. “It forces me to expand my palette because there are a lot of ice cream options.”

The Ice Cream Club is unique and Kelly saw that from the start, which is why he was eager to join.

“You don’t get to eat much in other clubs and this was for fun and enjoyment,” Kelly said. “Ice Cream Club was about connecting over ice cream and spending quality time together.”

A highlight for Kelly is the plentiful amount of ice cream offered in one day, and being able to enjoy it with old and new friends.

“I think we had like 10 different flavors in one meeting,” Kelly said. “We all go to discuss which ones we liked and share them with each other.”

As Blatt’s senior year is coming to an end, he looks to the future and hopefulness he has after he graduates.

“I hope we pass down the scoop to a junior who will be the next president,” Blatt said.