It’s Monday. Stress takes over as several assignments pile up. Lunch comes around and a fresh aroma makes itself present. The humming sound of conversation flows out of a room, and the sweet sounds of laughter and the smell of tea lures you in; the Tea Club is the place to go when in need of a little bubbly cheer and stress relief.

Over the past few years, the Tea Club has welcomed vast amounts of people. It’s a very mild and gentle club in which each individual feels they’re appreciated. Shannon Spahr, a distinguished member of Tea Club, explained her passion for the group.

“It’s always been a place for me to go and I just feel generally accepted. Everyone is so friendly, nice and welcoming, and I just really love that.”

Junior Gabi Robinson also described how Tea Club has made an impact on her time at AAHS.

“It’s a place to decompress because you’re drinking tea and having a good time while having lunch with friends. It’s a very cozy environment and a good break.”

The Tea Club first took off a few years ago and was hosted by a previous senior class. The founders came up with this club when they were searching for activities that would be calm and enjoyable for people to attend.

Spahr described how Tea Club came to be. “The seniors a few years back created the club in memory of Denver Wolff,” she explained.

Tea Club has become a very popular spot for many students to come and enjoy their lunch while meeting new people and enjoying a cup of tea. Many think that drinking tea is just for fun, but there are many interesting elements about the beverage that reach beyond just the taste.

According to Tea Answers, teas were previously used for medication. It took almost 3,000 years to become a common, everyday drink. Following this, tea bags were invented by Thomas Sullivan in 1908 here in the United States. The four major tea types are black, green, white and oolong. All of these flavors come from one plant.

Spahr described how the process of beginning each Tea Club meeting starts before the members arrive. “We are in Mrs. Robinson’s room and usually one of her teacher’s assistants or our vice president will start warming up water. We have eight coffee pots that we fill with water and get it ready,” she stated.

Robinson spoke of the teas they have. “We have this huge bin of teas and you kind of just dig through it and find your little tea,” she said.

Struggling with a choice of tea?

According to the Tea Association, in 2017, Americans consumed over 3.8 billion gallons of tea. The most popular was black tea with 86% of Americans drinking that tea.

Tea club brings diversity and positive attitudes to the table, making several impacts on AAHS students including the opportunity to meet new people. Tea club is welcoming new club members and always looks forward to seeing new faces.

Tea Club meets on Mondays in Ms. Robson’s room at lunch.

Top Ten Holiday Teas

1. Cinnamon Apple – If you are in a mood for apple, then this is the tea for you.
2. Pumpkin Spice –  Get into the fall mood with the pumpkin spice tea.
3. White chocolate Peppermint Rooibos – Christmas is almost here! Try this peppermint-filled tea.
4. Cinnamon vanilla – Try this sweet vanilla infused tea.
5. Christmas eve – If you’re into spearmint, then you’ll want try this tea!
6. Ruby Spice Cider – Tea and fruit! Taste this tea and enjoy the sweet and sour taste.
7. Christmas in Paris – Enjoy the sweet warmth of this subtle tea.
8. Honey Vanilla Chamomile – If you’re into honey and vanilla, this is the tea for you!
9. Holiday Chai – The sweet and simple drink with a soft flavor.
10. Chocolate Hazelnut – If you are into Nutella, then don’t pass this one!