Glee Club, once a prominent musical force at Mayo, is making a comeback, thanks to a group of determined juniors. Kyra Strauss and Lilly Davis, along with Robyn Smith and Avalon Heise, had the brilliant idea to revive a club that was once a big part of Mayo Spartan identity. During their freshman year, the student-run club had around 30 members, but since its return, the Glee Club has begun holding smaller meetings.
Vice president Lily Davis said, “A lot of clubs get caught up on how they look on applications,” but having fun and sharing good times with friends is just as important. In fact, it is a great stress reliever. Then too, some people criticize the club’s connection with the television series that ran from 2009-2015; however, Davis explained that ”enjoying the show is nothing to be ashamed of.” The TV show Glee highlights themes of diversity, including LGBTQ+ identities, minorities, and disabilities, while showing the challenges that many students face in everyday life. This is something that the board of the Glee club is doing their best to reflect in its meetings.
Right before a Glee Club meeting, Kyra Strauss, Robyn Smith, and Lily Davis discuss the slideshow.
Robyn Smith, another member of the club’s board, explained that this club is “what Mayo is all about, having fun and making great connections.” The officers of the Glee Club agree that one of the main ideas behind the club is that everyone should feel welcome and be themselves. Even though the Glee Club has just restarted, many of the traditions have stayed the same – eating donuts, bringing friends, and watching clips of people singing, including practicing The National Anthem.
However, the size has shrunk drastically. The main challenge of this club involves trying to get more people to join. When meetings are on Fridays in the morning, it can be difficult to gain new members. Club president Kyra Strauss notes that ”it can be tricky to focus on just having fun.” The Glee Club officers also emphasized that this club is open to everyone, not just a select group of friends.
While watching a song be performed, Glee Club members clap and sing along.
One of the biggest misconceptions about this club is that you are forced to sing or to perform. In reality, this is not the case. Meetings are usually spent introducing yourself to other members, sharing ideas of songs to practice or perform, and, of course, watching performances from Glee. While this club is rebuilding its brand, the officers are hoping that more students will join as word spreads. With a focus on fun, inclusivity, and a love of music, Glee Club is back to become a place where students can truly be themselves, creating an environment where individuality is not only accepted but encouraged. As the club continues to grow, it stays a safe space for everyone to build friendships and lose the pressures of school while being able to belong.
To find out when the Glee Club is meeting, ask any of the officers or check out their Instagram page @mhs.glee.club. Meetings are always at 8:25 in the morning, in Mr. Larson’s room, #2-233.
The 2026 Glee Club include (l-r) Front: Robyn Smith, Avalon Heise, Lilly Davis, Kyra Strauss; Middle: Elizabeth Carlson, Lizzie Wigle, Lilly Carlson, Anya Kisiel, Lousia Boes; Back: Lily-Rose Decker, Reese Mauermann, Zoie May, Sophie Davis, Norah Thorson; Far Back: Annika Bliss, Joseph Villarama
