All are welcome in West Haven High School’s new Westies Are Besties Club. Run by teachers Lauren Kozlowski and Betsy Bruneau, Westies Are Besties allows students to make new friends and do all sorts of fun activities.

Ms. Bruneau is eager to promote the new club for its inclusiveness.

“We’re so excited to start this so we can welcome all different students who enjoy being together,” Ms. Bruneau said.

Students stay after school to play board games, go bowling and do yoga. Activities this school year included a Thanksgiving get-together at Molloy School and a holiday party complete with an abundance of snacks and hot cocoa.

In short, many of the activities that kids do are hands-on and are cooperative, said freshman Gabriela Bethancourt, therefore, students are further encouraged to make new friends.

Fellow freshman Diana Gallegos agreed that group activities help break the ice.

“People talk to each other more here,” she said.

Groups of friends often mingle, as well. Allannah Allen recalls joining Westies Are Besties with her friend, Ana Rodriguez after Ana initially expressed interest.

Sophomore Quintez Welch said he enjoys the club for the games and food, but especially for its welcoming atmosphere.

“It’s cool. [You] meet new people [and] expand your circle,” he said.

Students appear to have a lot fun in this laid-back club. At its last meeting, students made thank-you notes for those who volunteered at the Thanksgiving event a month prior while eating cookies and sipping hot chocolate.

“It’s delightful!” said Lance Andriulli about the club.