Gifted teacher Jared Hoffman does not have an artistic background, but after senior Anna Raffaele asked him to sponsor the Anime Art Club, he happily obliged. 

“Although it’s not really my background, I do have some experience with the arts more on the technical side,” Hoffman said. “I was happy to be a sponsor because the kids would have some time to socialize and come together for something they really enjoy.” 

Raffaele, the president of the club, originally created the Anime Club in 2021. But this year, Raffaele decided to incorporate animation and art elements into the club.

“We have a lot of diversity in the club and it’s very accepting,” Raffaele said. 

Hoffman agreed.

“I like that it’s a different group of kids in the school that are coming together for a combined and similar type interest, and they all get to express their ideas as well as work together on hands-on type projects,” Hoffman said. 

During the meetings, members often engage in different activities, ranging from 2D and 3D drawings on the walls of the Think Tank in the library to watching anime together. 

Junior Kaitlyn Schmidt said the meetings have enabled her to further explore her interest in anime. 

“I’ve been a fan of anime since fifth grade, and (the club) has allowed me to talk more with other fans and make closer connections with my friends,” Schmidt said. 

Raffaele has also partnered with similar clubs in the Pittsburgh area, such as the Chutz Pow Project, a Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh comic book project that focuses on Holocaust.

“We collaborated with Chutz Pow, and they gave a presentation to our club about the animation and drawing process, who works in it, and how they got (their jobs),” Raffaele said. 

Moreover, Raffaele believes the anime club contributes to the acceptance of different cultures. 

“It opens our horizons to be more accepting. Accepting some of Japanese culture (through anime) has helped open the door between American and Japanese cultures,” Raffaele said. 

Ultimately, Raffaele hopes that the club will serve as a safe space for students socially at BHS. 

“It has the intention of creating a safe place after school for students to express themselves artistically and socially, and it will benefit the people that join by making them safe to socialize and make friends with similar interests. It helps students feel more comfortable within the school,” Raffaele said. 

Schmidt agreed.

“Everyone has a little community, and there’s a lot of fun involved. It’s a safe place to be yourself,” Schmidt said.