Home Ec. After Hours is a new home economics club that was started by seniors Madelyn Elzen and Gaby Miller back in November. They meet in science teacher Stacy Bartlett’s room every Tuesday after school from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and want to spread the joy of baking with other students around the school.

The idea came to the two seniors when they visited Bartlett’s room after school one day. They began discussing the vast history of home economics classes from the past and how Bartlett had all of the leftover tools that had been used. Luckily for the seniors, Bartlett was thrilled with the idea of a home economics club when they brought it up, and was willing to be their advisor. The club became a reality in mid-November.

Both girls, especially Elzen, have had a passion for baking for a very long time. Elzen has been cooking since she was young, eventually owning her own baking business called Mooing Munchies. She currently brings her creations to school, selling out of whatever new thing she makes.

It has made her aware of “what goes into it,” according to Bartlett, because of all of her experience.

The love they have for baking has been spread to those who have attended the club. It has gained immense popularity very quickly, just within a couple of weeks. Some activities they have done so far include cake decorating, crispy day and pasta day.

“It gives more people ideas to do fun things in the kitchen and to have fun with food,” Miller said. “There are so many people coming to our meetings, and it is amazing to see.”

Unlike other attempts at clubs in the past, this club is special for how it has grown so much in just a few weeks. It seems to be already running like an adult business, with organization as a top priority.

“This could have really flopped if there were not two people as dedicated as they are to making it successful. They come in, and the things are all sorted out, and they have it all organized,” Bartlett said. “I think because of that, they have not really had a whole lot of growing pains.”

With all of the success they have had so far, they are hopeful for the future. They are currently looking for an underclassman that would have the same dedication and organization that they had this year. They would “love to talk to you” if someone would be interested, according to Elzen.

Overall, the club has opened up so many opportunities for students to be creative and try something new. Even if the class was retired over a decade ago, there is still a place for the student body to learn new skills that could help them in life.

“It is going to teach a lot of kids that cooking and baking are not boring. It is fun, it is rewarding. It tastes really good,” Elzen said. “And it is definitely a valuable skill not just here at school, but once you become an adult and you have to make things for yourself.”