“Give me that D20,” said Dustin Henderson in Netflix’s Stranger Things, regarding the game Dungeons and Dragons (D&D).  Now Lancaster High School students can say the same can at the new LHS D&D club. The group meets in room 105 every Monday after school. After only two meetings so far, interest in the club is very positive with membership at about twenty, which is more than what the founders of the club expected.

For those who don’t know, Dungeons and Dragons is a fantasy roleplaying game where the players make up a character and play as that character throughout a story called a campaign. Forbes recently published an article that suggested the game may improve social development. According to Alison Escalante M.D., who covers parenting, pediatrics, and neurodiversity for Forbes, “Playing Dungeons & Dragons provides participants social connection, a creative outlet, and a sense of control that benefits their mental health,” (Escalante 2024). This game is mostly played in a group with other people. Students interact and build friendships and connections.

LHS teachers Allory Taylor and Olivia Young are the sponsors for the club, and Young gave her view on the club’s upbringing. 

“The students who play D&D have shown a lot of interest, and their excitement about it has made me more excited for it to start,” she said.

“Getting to know my students on a deep & personal level is what I love most about my job, so I’m excited to connect with students through the D&D club. I have very limited knowledge about D&D, but I do know that the people who play it take it very seriously. That said, I’m really looking forward to seeing students’ personalities come out in ways I haven’t experienced before within the classroom. I think we’re going to have a lot of fun,” said Young. 

This is the first club sponsor experience for Young and she is very enthusiastic about it.

“Last year was my first year teaching at LHS, so I took the year to adjust to my new position and think of how I would like to be involved in the future. Over the summer, I decided this school year would be the right time to become more involved with extracurriculars. A student approached me about the D&D club idea and needing a sponsor at the beginning of the school year, and I took it as a sign that I should help out. I can’t wait to see how it goes,” said Young. 

LHS freshman Logan Cathey shared his interest in the game itself and how he got involved with the popular game.

“My interest in dungeons and dragons came from my brother. He was playing D&D with his friends from work and our game group decided to play D&D. I ended up joining them and having great fun in the game,” said Cathey.

LHS sophomore Autumn McCafferty told Eye of the Gale that she is excited about being able to play for the first time in a long time and that she learned to play D&D from her siblings.

LHS sophomore Jonah Wall shared similar excitement and interest in playing the game. 

“My brother is a big D&D fan and that is a big factor. Also, I know the club leader or the person making the club which helps. But overall being more active in this amazing school community, it’s my goal to be part of the community here and connect with others,” said Wall.

“I am excited about being a more active member of this school’s community and meeting new people playing D&D. I might be new to it, but I think others will be new to it too, and will make the experience better for both of us. No matter what, I think this will be a good opportunity to make some more friends,” said Wall.

Want to play D&D each week?  Roll that D20 and get started on an adventure.