In 2026, sharing our voices is more important than ever before, as it is one of the only indicators of authentic connection. LHS fosters this necessity. From discussing world conflicts with friends, to simulating a court trial, to arguing about different topics every day, clubs available here encourage conversation with one another to a great extent and help students prepare for their rapidly approaching future.
These clubs at LHS help all students’ voices be heard. Whether in competition, collaboration or leadership-based communication, they allow their members to amplify their voices in a variety of ways in the community.
Debate
In the debate club, members are able to research, prepare and deliver arguments regarding specific topics, such as current events and political happenings. It offers its members practice in public speaking, critical thinking and persuasive skills. The club often competes against other schools, and recently went to state as well.
“I joined debate because I wanted to work on my speaking skills,” junior Matthew Simpson said. “It’s helped me grow as both a student and a speaker.”
Debate helps students work on many different skills, which aid students pursuing careers such as law, politics and business. Many who join the debate club plan on pursuing these careers in their futures.
Besides looking toward the future, many members enjoy staying in the moment and taking in the experience as they go during tournaments, scrimmages or just meet-ups such as their holiday parties.
“Making memories with the team was the best part,” senior Andy Trob said. “We have a great community on the debate team.”
Apart from gaining lasting friendships, members are also able to obtain useful skills, such as speaking, argumentation, collaboration and so much more, which they can apply to the real world and their future career.
“It’s taught me how to voice what I’m thinking more clearly,” Trob said. “Everyone who does debate becomes a better public speaker.”
Debate Club at LHS provides members with not only the necessary skills they can use for the future and a supportive environment, but also a safe space for them to amplify their voices, which may otherwise be silenced.
“It’s given me a lot more confidence in myself,” Trob said. “It helps you actually say what you’re trying to say; I can express my ideas more fluently now.”
Mock Trial
Mock Trial prepares students who seek to be in the area of criminal justice in their future or just want to have something fun to do after school. Within this club, members are either attorneys, witnesses or both. They prepare a case and compete against other schools, simulating a court trial and speaking out in defense of their case.
“It teaches you so much about [law],” senior Mateo Garcia, co-president of the Mock Trial club, said. “Not many clubs go that in-depth into one subject.”
In addition to teaching students the fundamentals of law, Mock Trial also allows its members to gain significant experience in the area of public speaking. From voicing an opening statement to acting as a witness, the club has a space for everyone to display their voice.
The community also provides a safe space for all students, whether they want to study law in the future or not.
“[Mock Trial is] something people really take pride in,” freshman Giselle Abascal said. “It’s an important part of our school community.”
Outside of LHS, though, the club participates in many competitions, including at the state-level.
“My favorite experience was probably [going to] state,” Garcia said.
Mock Trial is helpful for those wishing to go into law, business or finance, but also in careers that require public speaking, analytical skills and communication among peers.
“You have to take a lot of self-responsibility,” Garcia said. “I think it’s made me more of a leader.”
DECA
Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) is a club that helps prepare students for their future, including exposing them to marketing, finance, cordiality and leadership in the workplace. The club competes in multiple events at the regional, state and national levels, showing their skill in case studies, written exams and prepared projects.
“I joined DECA because I wanted to get more involved,” senior Roohee Patil said. “Some of my favorite memories have come from DECA.”
One thing especially unique about the club is its environment, as well as the interaction with other DECA clubs across the country. Traveling to places such as Disney World, Universal and Six Flags, the club treats its members with more experiences other than participating in business-related competitions and working on projects.
“You get to combine competition with travel,” Patil said. “You meet people from all around the world.”
While the club helps provide a community for people to connect with each other, it also allows students to practice their speaking, communicating and critical thinking skills, all used in the near future.
“There are so many important skills you gain from DECA,” Patil said. “Not everyone is naturally charismatic, but you can learn how to present yourself better. You can make yourself stand out in the job market.”
DECA not only fosters students’ soft skills such as communication and teamwork, but also gives them an area for them to express their ideas, opinions and perspectives, allowing LHS to become a truly safe space for these individuals.
At LHS, clubs are not just for building a resume or taking up free time; they’re also for students who want to share their voice with others. They are spaces for members to be heard, to shape ideas and to share passions. Whether it’s Debate, Mock Trial, or DECA, these clubs help people remember why students’ voices matter – and that speaking up can make a difference in our small local community and the entire world.
