English teacher Ashley Rodriguez hosts a new badminton club every Wednesday from 2:40 p.m. to 4 p.m. The club, which began in November, gives students a chance to stay active, meet new people and try a sport they may not have played before.

Badminton is a fast-paced racket sport played with a birdie. Because the gym is often unavailable due to limited space, the club meets in the small cafeteria downstairs located in the Lehman basement. Despite this, the sport has become popular among students who enjoy the welcoming environment.

During badminton club, students from different grades meet and play badminton against one another. Some are very competitive while others are just willing to learn the sport and play. Many students say that the club is similar to tennis.

Mahidul Islam, a junior and Md Ferdous, a senior, created the club for students who enjoy playing badminton. Ms. Rodriguez, who serves as the club’s adviser, said, “It’s fun to see shy kids having fun playing badminton, especially getting to know students I never taught.”

Freshman Vianny Reyes enjoys playing badminton with her friends. “It’s really fun,” Vianny said, adding even though she is not very experienced, she is willing to try and improve.

Burhan Ahmed, a sophomore, enjoys playing and going against others, because he is competitive and the sport is fast-paced.

Ms. Rodriguez says, “Many students attend each week, playing against classmates they may not have spoken to before.” With rackets in hand and birdies in the air, she said, the badminton club continues to bring students together.