The Shark Club won for homecoming door decoration two times in a row.
Shark Club meets every Monday after school at 417. The group has approximately 46 members. The purpose of the Shark Club is to teach students animal needs and to care about the environment they live in for a kinder world by shaping future generations. Last year, the club had major field trips to animal shelters, but this year, they have more field trips to goat hiking and visits to vet schools and vet hospitals. According to general research, one interesting fact about the high school Shark Club is that it wasn’t around a few years ago, and later Ms. Berezniak, the zoology teacher, decided to create the first animal club called Shark Club, which stands for Showing Animals Respect and Kindness.
“I have always been a huge animal lover, ever since I was a little kid. So, when I started teaching at Morton, I realized there was a need for an animal club, and that is how SHARK Club came about! What I enjoy most about the club is spending time with students who also have a love for animals and having that in common! Some of my favorites would include volunteering at the animal shelter, making outdoor cat shelters, goat yoga, and hiking with goats! My proudest moment, though, has been winning the Homecoming Door Decorating contest TWO YEARS IN A ROW NOW,” said zoology teacher Maria Berezniak.
Students involved in the Shark Club discussed what the activity means to them.
“I’m a senior and part of the Shark Club, aiming to become a veterinary technician. My inspiration was my older sister, Samantha, who works as a veterinary assistant. I also invited my younger sister Crisol to join the club, as she hopes to have the same career. We meet in room 417 each Monday after school. Meetings start with the club advisor informing us about upcoming events. We’ve made Christmas cards for dogs at clinics, and we’ve been on field trips to local animal shelters. My favorite meeting was with a vet med student who shared her experiences and preparation tips for pursuing veterinary medicine after high school. As a senior, I hope to graduate and start my journey toward becoming a veterinary technician. I’ll always cherish my time in zoology class and in the club, and I’m grateful for the teacher Ms. Berezniak, who guided me in exploring my passion for animals,” said senior Morton East student Alexa Moreno.
Another student who’s a member of the Shark Club discusses their first experience in a club.
“I’m a sophomore, and my dream job is to be a veterinary technician or assistant. I joined the Shark Club to connect with like-minded individuals who share my passion for animals. I found out about the club through my big sister Alexa, who’s a senior at Morton East and told me all about it. I was thrilled to discover a club that focuses on learning about animals and exotics and the environment. Now, I’m enjoying making new friends who share my interests,” said sophomore Morton East student Crisol Moreno.
