Anime Club has been a part of Milford High School for the past few years and is a fun place for creative and outgoing people to come together and share their love for this Japanese art. This is the fourth year that it has been sponsored by Kathleen Simmermon, a Science teacher at MHS, after she was asked to by a student.

“They’re very energetic. There’s a lot of laughter.” Simmermon said.

The group meets every Thursday in room 204 from 2-3:30 p.m. During that time they’ll watch one or two episodes from an anime show, decided by popular vote. Though there are a few restrictions to what is shown (i.e. nudity, excessive gore or swearing, etc.), for the most part, anything goes.

Anime is a type of animation, derived from manga, and heavily centered in Japan. The most popular animes here at Milford seem to be “Ouran Highschool Host Club” (a story depicting a girl who joins a “dating club” in high school, pretending to be a boy)  and “Fruits Basket” (A story about an orphan girl who goes to live with a classmate and his family and then comes to realize they are subject to a curse of the Zodiac).

Students are free to watch the anime or step out into the  hall to talk to their friends and socialize.

“It’s not all about anime. You can talk to people and make new friends!” said Kurt Mastrantonio, a member of the club.

The group president is Dani Pasco, a senior at MHS. This is her first year holding that position and she is excited. She hopes that more kids will join to experience the different culture and art.

 “If everyone came together, it would be great!” Pasco said, encouraging more students to join.    The members of Anime Club aren’t your average student.

“They tend to express themselves in ways where they wouldn’t fit in with the ‘mainstream’ students.”  Simmermon said, referring to the current members.

Describing the group in one word, people affiliated with it used words like “diverse”, “silly”, “artistic”, “hyper”, and “outgoing”. They’re very accepting, however, and  seem to care deeply, not just about the Anime, but about each other as well.

Joining the group not only gives students an opportunity to meet cool people, and get rare anime knowledge, but students will also receive a T-shirt! The design is going to be based off of the winner of the contest they’re holding until Nov. 1st.  The T-shirts will cost $10 and will be personalized with the members nickname printed on the back.

It’s very obvious that the students already part of the club love it. When asked if they would recommend it to other students the group members responded with a unanimous yes.

“Anyone who likes entertainment would love being a part of the club. It’s full of similar people.” Pasco said.

Braedyn Clayton, a freshman who just joined, agrees.

“It’s a lot of fun, You get to hang out with friends!”

Group members say they look forward to meeting each week and are going to be a part of it all year.

“It’s too fun to NOT stay with it! I’m very excited for the coming year,” Mastrantonio said.