With the start of the 2025–2026 school year, school hallways are buzzing with new opportunities as students pour their energy into launching a variety of clubs and communities. Whether it is through a DJ, breakdance, or ramen club, these student-led groups are more than just a way to pass the time, they are spaces where students can find their niche, connect with others who share their passions, and build community. Here is a closer look at three new additions to the Gabrielino clubs community.
Breakdance Club
Junior Maiya Bhatt founded Breakdance Club with the goal of expanding the breakdance community at Gabrielino and beyond. Breakdance, an art form with deep roots in hip-hop culture, is not widely taught in the San Gabriel area. Bhatt hopes to change that. One of Bhatt’s main motivations for starting the club is that “there aren’t many breakdancing competitions around here.”
Bhatt feels that many people in the San Gabriel area have not had the opportunity to learn much about breakdancing. The club plans to expand the community by teaching the basics at Gabrielino and, starting next semester, offering workshops at San Gabriel elementary schools.
Breakdance Club is open to all Gabrielino students whether you are a beginner or want to refine your skills. Meetings are on ”’
DJ Club
DJ Club, started by junior Mila Katz, aims to bring together students interested in all genres of music while teaching the fundamentals of DJing.
Katz hopes to create a welcoming, diverse community where students can experiment with different styles. “No matter the genre, DJ Club embraces the creativity that comes with learning to mix and blend music,” Katz said.
The club meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month at lunch, alternating between music appreciation sessions (exploring a new genre each time) and hands-on DJing and music production. “If you have a passion and you’re really trying to find an outlet for it, that’s the place to go,” Katz said.
Ramen Club
For junior Kalli Zhang, president of Ramen Club, ramen is more than a comforting meal—it’s a way to connect students with culture. The club explores the history and cultural significance of Asian noodle dishes while giving students the chance to bond over food.
“I figured a lot of people would share that passion,” Zhang said. “There’s a lot of history and cultural significance behind this as well.”
Meetings will first feature lessons on the origins of noodle dishes, from a different Asian country each month. Then, followed by a tasting of the dish discussedso members can experience the culture firsthand.
Ramen Club meets on the third Friday of every month.
As the school year continues, the breakdance, DJ, ramen, and many other clubs will grow, giving students the chance to learn something new while building community. Together, they show that at Gabrielino, clubs don’t just keep students busy—they shape the culture.
