Olivia Spokoiny

In a Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, Allen Suner and Doug Dietzel fight for the Quaffle as (from left) Aseem Chipalkatti, Max Sherman, Sam Schneble, Erin Hoffman, Sam Stendal, David Zhong and Joseph Choung look on. By Jordan Rixon

Skyline High School’s Harry Potter Club is the largest (and certainly the quirkiest) club that the high school offers this year. Juniors Erin Hoffman and Erin Pazaski, founders and “Head Mistresses,” said the idea evolved over the past summer.

At the first meeting, more than 150 Skyline students were sorted into houses — Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw — according to results from surveys created by the Head Mistresses.

The students show remarkable pride for their houses, and are eager to participate in meeting activities, which exclusively revolve around the Harry Potter saga. The club meetings, every other Wednesday, consistently draw about 50 attendees.

The houses compete to earn the most points throughout the year, and creativity counts. The Hufflepuff house was recently rewarded with points for making a mascot entirely out of duct tape. Points can also be earned through trivia, spell-dueling and Quidditch matches.

Despite the rivalry, the eclectic group is brought together for one reason and one reason only, according to Hufflepuff Elaine Pazaski, “It’s all for the love of Harry Potter!”

Clay time

By Rachel Osgood

The outlandish phenomenon sweeping its way through Issaquah High School will surely recapture your childhood fancies. Clay Club, a unique gathering for the Play-Doh-obsessed, gives students the chance to satisfy their artistic whims every other Friday.

Spencer Hilde (left) and Christian Osgood show off their unique clay creations. By Rachel Osgood

Shannon Chen and Grace Wu, juniors and current presidents of the club, were asked by the founder to carry on the tradition. The rapidly expanding club has since cultivated a group of about 10 regulars.

Members eagerly embrace the light-hearted pastime.

“Clay Club is my favorite part of the week,” said senior Spencer Hilde. “I’m always looking forward to those two Fridays every month, during which I can hang out and learn how to make creations ranging from roses to lollipops.”

Clay Club is a unique place for socializing as well.

“I love going to Clay Club to visit with my friends and cultivate my skills with clay,” said Amy Bear, a senior and a regular club member.

Certainly one of the most unusual clubs offered at Issaquah High, Clay Club is open to anyone looking for an entertaining way to meet new people while appreciating the art of clay.

Japan Club: Not your  average kurabu

By Daniel Pickering

Members of the Japan Club actively engaged in a game of ‘Jeopardy!’ By Nathan Wilhelm

When the Japanese language class is not enough to properly immerse oneself in Japanese culture, look no further than Liberty’s Japan Club.

“The goal of it is to get more people to see past the stereotypical anime stuff and see how rich in culture Japan is, and how unique they are,” club treasurer and junior Amanda Howard said.

Instead of having a central focus or mission, the club breaks off into smaller groups. At a typical meeting, several things will be happening at once.

“Half the club will watch anime and half the club will do something random, like learn to draw manga, or origami,” club member and junior Lisa Perry said. “There are also some people who aren’t in Japanese class that the club has taught some Japanese language to.”

“Not too many people from the actual class are in the club,” Howard said. “And those that aren’t in the class now want to be, thanks to the club. It’s really helped to get more people to take the Japanese class.”

Japan club meets every Monday and Thursday in Matthew Harvey’s classroom from 2:30-4 p.m.