There is a huge range of clubs and extracurriculars offered at Marathon High School. Students have the option of joining sports teams, community service clubs, math leagues and social or political organizations. With a short lull in sports between the fall and winter seasons, we took some time to check in with three of the many active clubs at MHS.
Z CLUB
Many people are aware of the Zonta club of Marathon and its long history of community service. The club is dedicated to the advancement of women through education, economic stability, legal and legislative equality, health and wellness. What many may not know is that there is a junior membership of the same club at Marathon High School. This club, called Z Club, embraces the very same pillars as the adult Zontians.
Members participate in a wide variety of events, offering services and opportunities for women and children throughout the community. The club’s charitable events include a food drive, partnering with other organizations to aid needy families, local car washes, and a holiday toy drive.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for girls to serve the community and fellowship building relationships that are encouraging, ” said club leader Carolyn McKechnie.
FELIS
One of Marathon High School’s newer club offerings is FELIS, a cultural club which embraces and celebrates the Spanish language. The club’s mission is to encourage students to appreciate the Spanish language and the many cultural nuances associated with Spanish-speaking countries. Students from many different places share their foods, traditions and customs with one another.
In addition to the cultural appreciation aspect of the club, another of its main functions is to offer tutoring for students who are struggling to speak and practice both Spanish and English. “I love getting to help students learn, practice, and improve their language skills,” said club president Yasmary Santos.
Julio Borras, the club’s sponsor, said, “It is important to help others realize the importance of being bilingual and how its benefits can help the community.”
DEBATE TEAM
In 2020, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative in conjunction with the Marcus Foundation. This initiative was put into place to increase student participation in the areas of speech, debate and civics, particularly those relating to the State of Florida. This year, Marathon High School has added its own debate team.
The debate team competes in speech and debate at Lincoln-Douglas debate competitions that happen across Florida and nationally. Students on the team compose argumentative briefs affirming or negating a nationally selected topic that is normally a current and relevant issue happening in the world. Lincoln-Douglas debate focuses on the legal, ethical, and moral arguments of a given topic.
