Upperclassmen were prepared to pitch their activities to freshmen on Wednesday morning, Sept. 2.

But at 8:20 a.m., when the speeches were scheduled to start, most of the gym bleachers were still empty.

The unoccupied seats were a stark contrast with the previous Friday’s pep rally.

“I think the fact that they made it in the morning on Wednesday and [didn’t make] it mandatory didn’t give students the motivation to go,” senior Pauline Keselman said.

“Many people are discouraged from coming in the morning because they want to sleep in,” senior Rachelle Magaram agreed.

The activities fair is an annual event intended to give new students more exposure to the different clubs and activities in the high school.

Additionally, clubs can spread the word about themselves and find new students to replace graduated seniors.

“It seems to be a good way of getting the information out [about clubs],” Alexander said. “Not all kids check their email.”

Almost 30 clubs presented during the fair, including art club, Spanish club and stock club.

Student leaders gave brief speeches about the purposes of their organizations, meeting times and upcoming events.

“There’s no better way to get everybody to know all the different clubs,” said Keselman, who represented multiple clubs at the fair.

For those who would still like to get involved, sign up sheets are available in the cafeteria. Students can also contact club leaders or advisers of clubs they want to know more about.

“Judging from the last time I looked at the signup sheets, it went okay,” said student activities coordinator Craig Alexander.

Alexander said the lunch period signup sheets were more successful in getting kids to talk about extracurriculars.

“I’m thinking about… making a formal structure to actually get kids out of class during lunch periods so that the organizers of different things are there in case people have questions,” Alexander said.

He is also considering adding tables to the cafeteria, where students can set up displays related to their club.

Some students believe that holding the activities fair during the school day next year would be most helpful for everyone.

“I think it’s something that benefits everybody… I think everybody should go,” Keselman said. “There are always opportunities for upperclassmen to get involved.”

Academic challenge captain Lin-ye Kaye also felt attendance that morning was low, but does not want to see students forced to attend.

“I don’t really agree with the idea of making it mandatory and during the day, because there are some people who have no interest in doing extracurricular activities,” Kaye said. “I’d rather stay a few minutes after school.”

The recruitment process is not over. At Open House on Thursday, Sept. 10, there will be more sign up sheets and tables so that parents get the chance to learn about clubs as well.