The Asian American & Pacific Islander Club (known as the A.S.I.A Club) is a cultural group at Watertown High School that wants to unite and educate, while also supporting members of the AAPI community. WHS science teacher Gary Bridge, the faculty advisor of the club, told about how the club came to be.

“The A.S.I.A. Club stands for ‘Asian Students In Action,’ ” he said, explaining that the AAPI community “includes members that are and are not ethnically Asian that want to learn more about Asian culture and help support their friends and other members of the wider community.

“For example last year we had a bake sale that raised around $250 that was donated to a fund for victims of a mass shooting that targeted Asians in a California community.”

This club started last March, when students Mia Sarmiento and Nina Paquette approached Mr. Bridge about starting this club.

“Mia Sarmiento and Nina Paquette approached me because they felt there was a need for a place for the AAPI community to come together to be able discuss issues around the AAPI experience,” he said.

“We instantly had around 35 students sign up for the club, which clearly showed they were correct in identifying the need for such a club. This year we are looking to expand that number of members even more.”

This year, the A.S.I.A Club will also be looking to have a few night activities, as well, Mr. Bridge said.

For anyone interested in this club, it holds meetings every other Friday.

–Dec. 3, 2022–