By Theresa O’Connor

One of the several opportunities Tempe Prep offers is for students to create their own club. A group of eighth graders have decided to take advantage of this option and set up a brand new origami club!

At meetings, middle school students join together and fold paper into various figures such as dragons, boxes, cranes, and so much more. Additionally, there are delicious snacks as well as tea provided to help students feel relaxed and ready for the start of the week of school.

This particular club enables students’ artistic ability and precision along with patience not only in school, but in life too. A club member, Taylor Conley, explains that folding origami is a cool skill to learn and have and it helps make others more creative. She remembered being most successful when one of the five organizers of the club, Eowyn Stojanowski, taught her how to make a box. Eowyn believes that this club prepares a student mentally for a busy school day.

Another one of the organizers, Sarah Penry, says, “Origami club is just a way to have fun and it helps you be motivated for a Monday morning.” She is one of the members who brings super decorative paper for others to enjoy and fold.

Furthermore, Anika Fretz, who is among the managers of the origami club, says it “helps with fine tune skills, patience, and it is calming. We set it up to have fun with our friends and do the things we love.” She provides hot tea with extravagant flavors which is shown to boost people’s energy.

Also, Olivia Kerbaugh, who also helps organize the club, says, “To me personally, I believe [origami] is a very good stress reliever and also I’ve been lately obsessed.” Olivia just loves being in that environment with her friends.

Lastly, as an organizer of the club, I just adore origami and I’m so glad my friends and I made a club for our passion. As part of our tributes, I want to say thank you to Mr. Mac for being a wonderful sponsor. If you are interested, come swing by Room 304 on Monday mornings at 7:25.