Written By: Zara Khemlani

Each fall, the Activities Fair marks one of the most energetic traditions in the Upper School. Taking place in early September, the fair gives every club at Rye Country Day the chance to showcase their clubs and invite new members to join. Although it is only half an hour, the Activities Fair is a tradition that many students look forward to. For Mr. Kyle, the Dean of Students and the leader behind this event, “The Activities Fair is a demonstration of the Rye Country Day Upper School at its best.”

The fair highlights two parts of student involvement in the club process: both club leaders and members are crucial to the success of the event. Club leaders work hard to prepare posterboards and displays to attract new members, but the star of the show is the energy created by the students exploring the stands. Collectively, the community comes together and forms – what Mr. Kyle calls – a “tornado of school spirit.”

For new students, the fair is much more than just a chance to sign up for clubs, it shows them the many opportunities available to them at RCDS, allowing them to get involved outside of the classroom. For new freshman Emily Hau, clubs have been an exciting new addition to her schedule. She stated, “So far, I have joined Model United Nations, Enviro Club, and APIDA. I have really enjoyed getting to connect with the upperclassman and explore different areas of interest.”

This tradition has deep roots at RCDS. Mr. Kyle, who has worked in the Upper School for 26 years, says that the clubs fair has been a part of the opening of school for as long as he can remember. When he was a student, clubs played a central role in campus life, much like they do now. He once wrote for The Rye Crop too! Since his initial years at RCDS, the student body and the number of clubs have grown significantly, making this years’ fair one of the most energetic yet. 

As the school year begins, the Activities Fair is a good reminder of what makes Rye Country Day such an incredible place–an engaging community where students get to share their interests and energy to shape the Upper School.