Hello, freshmen! I’m sure you know that Lexington High School is most notable for its rich STEM curriculum and prominent STEM students. However, I’m here to tell you that there are plenty of ways for non-STEM students to thrive at LHS as well. Whether you’re a dedicated humanities student or simply someone looking to try something new, I hope this article will help you discover the diversity of LHS and express yourself in ways you haven’t before.
Implementing Humanities Courses into Your School Day
LHS offers a wide variety of non-STEM courses, from year-long APs to single-semester electives. Yes, some form of English is required all four years of high school, but there’s also a variety of fun humanities electives that you should consider taking!
Starting with APs, it’s worth mentioning that LHS does not offer AP Literature or AP Language. Many students who self-study those APs take the exam outside of LHS. Nevertheless, LHS does offer several social studies APs, some of which can be taken as your history core class for sophomore and junior year. Additionally, in senior year, you will have the option to take AP US Government and Politics, AP Human Geography, AP Psychology, or AP Economics (which prepares you for both the AP Microeconomics and Macroeconomics tests). These classes are great for students interested in the social sciences.
In addition, LHS’s unique, less-intense humanities electives are perfect for those who want to dabble in the humanities without committing too many hours. For instance, the art department offers courses ranging from Animation to Ceramics to even BioArt, a new elective that combines biology and visual art. There are also introductory courses to personal finance, law, and marketing, which are especially applicable to potential future careers.
In terms of the performing arts, LHS also has three levels each of orchestra and band, along with a chorus, all of which operate as year-long courses. There are even theater and public speaking courses, as well as a beginner piano course for those interested in performance.
Clubs and Activities Outside of School
LHS also has a plethora of non-STEM clubs, all of which are very welcoming to newcomers. Some of the largest groups include The Musket, Mock Trial, Model UN, and the LHS debate team. The latter three groups regularly send students to competitions, providing fun opportunities for one to represent LHS. Many clubs, such as the Investment Club and Personal Finance Club, also aim to teach students practical skills for the future.
Interested in clubs that are more expressive? LHS students have created publications for students’ voices to be heard in the form of writing or art, whether it be Lexspects (LHS’s cultural, social, & political publication) or Folio Magazine (LHS’s literary and art magazine). You might also consider joining the K-Pop Dance Club or the Bollywood Dance Team—physical movement is a form of expression, too!
And to those looking for non-STEM community service opportunities, I got you. Clubs like the Musical Outreach Collaboration and the Harvard Homeless Mission Club are centered around reaching out to our local community, and most humanities clubs also offer various volunteering opportunities throughout the year. Join clubs, and you won’t have any trouble meeting that 40-hour community service requirement!
A Quick Note on Competitions
To those who are looking to win awards in non-STEM fields—don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Clubs are one of the best ways to find these opportunities because many clubs—and not just large ones like Debate or Mock Trial—attend competitions. For instance, the Economics Club participates annually in the National Economics Challenge. Your teachers will also have more information on subject-specific competitions, so consider reaching out to them!
As for incoming writers or artists, perhaps one of the more well-known competitions in the community is the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. As a personal recommendation, try to submit as many pieces as you can there! You can potentially win awards at a national level, so it’s definitely worth a shot.
Other Fun Events to Attend
LHS regularly holds events and performances after school, such as the fall play, spring musical, and seasonal jams by our talented a cappella groups. Our various orchestras and bands also perform a couple of times a year, such as during LHS Pops, a music festival that features nearly all LHS’s ensembles.
LHS’s student body is diverse–and thus, all the cultural events at LHS and Lexington also deserve a shoutout. Lunar New Year, Asian Night, and the Festival of Colors (to name just a few) are celebrated in tandem with the town community, and are great places to meet students with similar interests.
Welcome to LHS!
And with that, I hope this article has been of use to you. Whether it be social sciences, liberal arts, visual arts, music, or something else that you are interested in, know that you can succeed at LHS. Remember: reach out to teachers and students who share your interests; forming communities you can trust is crucial to having an unforgettable high school experience. Don’t be afraid to try new things–who knows if you might find a new hobby to enjoy! Lastly, focus on yourself–high school is your place to shine, so don’t be afraid to explore and express yourself. You’ve got this!
Best of luck,
Victoria
Musket Arts and Entertainment Editor
