Over 100 people piled into room A-3 on Sept. 15 to support Carlmont’s new and upcoming P.A.W Club.

The club was expecting 50 people to attend their first meeting, however those expectations were exceeded with the tons of eager students ready to advocate for their passion for animals.

“We were all super surprised, we were not expecting that big of a turn out!” said Maya Paulo, the club’s vice president.

The club aims to make a difference for all animals in need by raising awareness of abuse and abandonment. Through volunteering, fundraising, and educating the public about animal rights, P.A.W Club endeavors to reach their goal of animal protection. P.A.W stands for Protecting Animals World-wide, this depicts the club’s overall goal of animal safety and awareness.

Throughout the school year, the club plans to incorporate animal awareness all around Carlmont’s campus. They hope to place bird feeders around the school’s grounds, as well as plant milkweed for butterflies. A major goal for the club this year is to have animals in Carlmont’s quad, including tigers.

“Bringing the tigers on to campus will be one of the highlights of the school year. It will be the first time any school in our district has done something like this,” said Makenzie Smith, one of the club’s vice presidents.

As of 2015, Carlmont High School had never before had an animal rights and awareness club. Since this is the club’s first year, all members are excited about the uniting of animal lovers. The club will allow students to freely speak their minds about animal rights and awareness.

“I’m excited to get the school involved in trying to help raise awareness toward animals, and meet people with the same drive and love towards animals as me.” Smith said.

The club’s first meeting included the election of club presidents, as well as the explanation of the club’s purpose. Elena Mateus and Thomas Chin have become the club’s presidents, along with the many vice presidents and eager supporting students.

P.A.W club meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. There will be more meetings to come for all of the eager animal supporters.

“By the end of the year we will have hoped to educate everyone at Carlmont about what we can do to help and advocate for all type of animals all around the world” said Smith.

As the newest Carlmont club, and the only animal club, P.A.W club has a lot of expectations to live up to. With all of the supporting students and teachers, their goals are within reach.