Started by former teacher Mark Sauer, and librarian Sandra Henthorn, Tabletop Gaming Club offers a laid back social setting for students to play Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammer, Cyberpunk, and numerous other multiplayer games.

The club is currently run by Laura Howren, who describes it as “A very welcoming place where [students] can just be themselves. I think that’s the most freeing thing in the world, just to enjoy what you enjoy, and kick back and be yourself.” 

As the former sponsor, Henthorn agrees. “[The D&D group] are a great group of kids, which is what I love.”

Henthorn praises long-time members of Tabletop Gaming Club as extremely welcoming to newcomers, and always willing to teach the rules and mechanics of their games.

Now that she has taken on the role of sponsor for this year, Howren has shared her plan for the club.

“I think for this first year, I don’t want to rock the boat too much. I want to come in, observe, and just kind of see how it is that I can best lead this club going forward, but I do think that’s going to take some time of me offering that welcoming, warm, happy space.”

Howren has stated that one of her main focuses is strengthening the Mehlville community by creating a space that fosters the essential soft skill of collaboration.

“I think I do a good job of unification and helping people of all different strengths, and backgrounds, and all levels of knowing each other be comfortable in my presence.”

On the other hand, Howren requests that students leave their expectations and biases at the door.

“Come with an open attitude, not too much expectation. I’ve been a coach in my background for many years, and one of the toughest issues to work around as a coach– now I know this is totally different, which is why I’m doing it– is when people come in with too much expectation, and their own buildup in their head. It doesn’t really work that way when it comes to working with a team. Being that I’m new, and being that we still need to get to know each other and build a rapport, and there might be new people, just come in, we’re gonna have fun.”

For those readers that may be inclined to join Tabletop Gaming Club for any of their upcoming meetings, you can email Laura Howren for more information.

Howren invites interested members to “Come in with an open mind, and a sense of adventure.”