Anchor Club is already diving into the 2025 and 2026 school year. Susanne Tyler (F) has advised Anchor Club for three years. Mrs. Tyler says that the club has grown exponentially throughout the years.
“The first year it was very small and last year we had 70 kids and this year we have over [100] kids…,” Tyler said.
Tyler orchestrated various ways to recruit members into the club. For instance, for field day and Panther Day, Anchor Club had a booth setup to recruit. Anchor Club also puts up posters and even announces projects on the morning announcement. To keep the club organized Mrs. Tyler gives due dates to the upcoming members.
“…We have a cut off date for turning in dues money, and we have to mail it off. So after that, a lot of times students will be sad that they can’t be in Anchor Club because they can’t join so we’re like we’ll recruit you next year,” Tyler said.
Anchor Club is making a change towards hundreds of people in the community. Tyler believes that the student body enjoys being knee deep in showing love towards the community. School hours even give Anchor Club members the opportunity to step out towards the society.
“Well I think kids just had fun doing things during the school day like promoting causes and help gather things like Toys for Tots. That’s not our original idea, but we participated in gathering toys and doing it for a good reason. Like for kids that don’t have Christmas gifts. It feels good to collect those to give to others. I think that kids like doing good things during school. Also it is an opportunity to do organized events like Fantasy of Trees, Shiners Car Show, the Christmas parade, and trunk or treats,” Tyler said.
Anchor Club is an outlet for other students. Anyone is able to join without any GPA requirements. Anchor Club is more about letting students do good for the community and shape their future rather than focusing on the past.
“Well I feel like that not everybody has perfect grades to be able to be in [National Honor Society], and not everyone is going to have time to do Panther Crew. [Meanwhile] with Anchor Club we give so many different opportunities that I feel like kids can find the time. I think it’s wonderful that if they want to do it we should be able to provide for them, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. I like doing it, like kids have a chance to go to the nursing home, and do things that they wouldn’t think about on their own unless it’s already organized for them,” Tyler said.
Mrs. Tyler and the members of Anchor Club make it hard for students to resist joining. Tyler has made Anchor Club not just a club but a home for students to change their community. From orchestrating the Toys for Tots, helping Fantasy of Trees, and promoting causes each month.
