This year’s Ski and Board Club trip was to Windham Mountain in upstate New York. Photo by Ms. Lauricella.

By Samantha Reyes

The Passaic High School Ski and Board Club was first created back in the 1970s by English teacher Mr. Fritz. The clubs mission statement is to inspire character, courage, commitment and personal achievement in PHS students through challenging and rewarding experiences. The club annually serves over seventy PHS students.

Recently the Ski and Board Club took a trip to Windham Mountain, a popular ski resort, to put their skiing and snowboarding skills to the test. Ms. Lauricella, the Ski and Board Club adviser, Ms. Pyron, and Ms. Hall chaperoned the trip.

Ski and Board Club members prepare for a day on the slopes at Windham Mountain. Photo by Ms. Lauricella.

The Ski and Board Club fundraises to supplement the cost of their trip. Stephanie De Dios, a senior who has been in the club since her freshmen year, expresses her thoughts, “Although we struggled a lot with a low budget we were able to make things work and get to go on those life changing trips. I will honestly make an effort to stay skiing and hopefully join the ski club on their trips in the nearby future.”

Hopeful spirits like these are what keeps the club thriving with dedicated members. A club like this is empowering not only through the winter sport but by leaving impacting life lessons. The club helps students a lot like senior Kelvin Bracero experience new and exciting trips. One of the few important lessons Kelvin learned is that “even the best people fall and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help or ask if others need help.”

Not being afraid to try and fail is better than not trying at all. Both seniors agreed that these trips are fun and help create memorable moments with friends. Experiences like these will never stop thriving as the club continues to stay active.

When asked about the future of the club supervisor Ms. Lauricella said, “as long as there are students willing to put in the time and effort to raise money, the club will continue to thrive.”

It is staff members like Ms. Lauricella and Mr. Sheridan (the club’s previous adviser) who help to inspire fellow PHS students in the club to be a better version of themselves. Not only being fellow club members they soon become close friends sharing powerful experiences with one another. There is no doubt that the Ski and Board Club will continue to attract members in hopes of changing students’ outlook on life and helping to create memorable experiences.