Hannah Kaufmann

Attendees of first ever Walking Club meeting in fisheye lense photo.

On Friday, February 23rd, Beaverton High’s new Walking Club met in room 183, a short walk from the track. Sunlight filtered in through the half-drawn window, reflecting off of yellow and white walls, drunk in lustily by the plants on the windowsill. Humorous posters lay tacked to the wall next to student-posted announcements. After a short presentation, the group of around 12 students got to walking on one of the nicest days of the month- a fool’s spring, a sunny oasis, a perfect start.

The Walking Club was started by juniors Cassandra Kain and Natalie Crabill. Kain, Crabill, and staff supervisor, Paula Jacobs, all consider themselves to be avid walkers outside of school. 

The school days are very long, said Kain, “and I found that for me, when I’m sitting all day, my lack of attention increases. I find it harder to pay attention in class, and it worsens my mood.” However, when Kain started going for walks, she found her mood drastically increased.

Crabill, who frequently averages six miles of walking a day, agreed. “[Walking] really boosts my mental health… sometimes, it’s nice to just go outside,” she said. 

But you don’t have to hate sitting down and love hiking all weekend to join Walking Club. 

“Honestly, it’s mostly just a social club… it’s something that almost anybody can join,” said Crabill.

The consensus was one-note, but not insignificant: walking and getting outside is a nice break from the school day for everyone. Walking Club will meet twice a month during Beaver Lodge.

Beaverton High Walking Club’s Instagram: @walking.clubbhs

Contact Natalie Crabill directly: [email protected]

Contact Cassandra Kain directly: [email protected]