Eagles on the Trail: Wethersfield High School’s Hiking Club Finds Adventure and Community

Photo Credit: Quarry Park Website

By Elizabeth Mann             
                                                                                           
Have a passion for nature and the outdoors? Well, Wethersfield High School is reintroducing its Hiking Club, which was founded during the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020 to encourage students to appreciate how hiking and nature can calm nerves. The Hiking Club is more than just a group of students that take walks; it has a sense of community built on laughter and adventures. Now the WHS Hiking Club is dedicated to exploring new trails and making memories.

The WHS Hiking Club has already gone to Quarry Park in Rocky Hill, and really enjoyed their time there. The co-presidents Sophie Centurelli and Rosie Thigpen plan on hiking Castle Craig in Meriden. They meet the first Tuesday of every month at 2:20 after school in room 304. It welcomes grades 9 - 12. While there, they talk about actual hike dates, times, and locations that vary depending on the weather and seasons. If you want to join the club contact Mrs. Cristina Russo, Sophie Centurelli, or Rosa Thigpen. But, due to its recent popularity, you may occasionally need to wait for an opening to join the club.

Sophie Centurelli and Rosa Thigpen, WHS seniors and the club's co-presidents, share some of their thoughts on the club. After spending previous years hiking and exploring, Thigpen started developing a passion for the outdoors and nature, which led her to join the school’s hiking club. Centurelli then shares that she loves the challenge that comes along with hiking; she lives for it.

Over the years, the WHS Hiking Club has shown a commitment to not just to Wethersfield High School, but also the community. They have had a positive impact on the Connecticut Children’s Hospital, by raising over $600 in 2021. They demonstrated that they aren’t just focused on hikes, but also providing support to our community.

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