It’s not every day that you get to take a school field trip to Chicago’s largest comic and entertainment convention. But that’s exactly what Baker College Prep’s esports and anime club did last year.

Students in the club walked through the towering glass entrance of McCormick Place to attend C2E2 last March, eyes wide and smiles big as they perused colorful vendor booths and admired the amazing costumes worn by cosplayers. It was a huge highlight for the club last year, but it’s not the only reason why it’s the most popular club at Baker. Club members carry that same creative, fun-filled energy as C2E2, bringing pure imagination and a shared passion into every one of their Tuesday meetings. 

Arrica Gaddis, the teacher who first took over the Anime Club in 2019, has watched the group transform over the years. What started as a small group of six students watching My Hero Academia and playing Smash Bros has grown into a vibrant community where everyone feels welcome, she said. Despite the club shutting down during remote learning, it came back twice as strong when students returned to the building. Since that revival, students have also taken ownership of the club.

 “At first, students mostly came to play or watch but now they lead,” Gaddis said, “They organize tournaments, host themed days, create fan art, and write anime reviews. The group has become much more student-driven; they make decisions, teach each other, and mentor younger members.”

For Gaddis, the most meaningful part has been watching students grow in confidence. She recalled one student who joined quietly, unsure of how to connect. But before long, that student was laughing, sharing recommendations, and helping others learn new games.

“Seeing them open up reminded me why this space matters. It gives students a chance to belong, connect, and feel accepted exactly as they are,” she said.

That sense of belonging is exactly what keeps students like Mikey and Chris coming back week after week.

“Anime club matters to me because I want a safe place where others can enjoy anime without getting judged for it,” said Mikey, the club’s vice president and senior at Baker, “It gives me something to look forward to after classes, which motivates me to get through the day.”

Chris, another senior and longtime member, shared a similar sentiment: “Since freshman year, I’ve felt nothing but welcome — and even those who only join for the credits end up genuinely enjoying it. The highlight of my day is knowing I get to end it with people who share the same passion.”

The space has even become important for staff. In 2024, Brian Lane, a paraprofessional at Baker,  joined the club after Gaddis discovered his love for anime and gaming. 

“I saw it as a great way to connect with students outside of class,” he said. “It gave me a chance to share my passion for anime and esports with the Baker community.”

Since joining, Lane has also watched the club evolve into a thriving hub of collaboration. At first, students just came to watch or play, but now they’re building out even more ways to connect and have fun.

“Some students created Minecraft servers so they could build and play together. Others started competing against each other in games like NBA 2K. It’s been amazing to see a real culture forming, one where students feel comfortable, connected, and excited to contribute,” Lane said.

Attending C2E2 last year is something that students still talk about. For many of them, the bus ride to McCormick Place felt like the start of an adventure. Some nervously adjusted pieces of their cosplay, others compared favorite shows, and a few quietly wondered what it would be like to step into a space filled with thousands of fans just like them.

The moment they walked inside, their reactions were immediate and unforgettable. Eyes widened at the costumes, artwork, and merch on display. Normally shy students found themselves asking artists questions, trading stickers with other con-goers, and excitedly pointing out characters they recognized among the cosplayers.

“For many of our students, it was their first major convention,” Gaddis said. “Seeing their faces light up as they met artists, cosplayers, and other fans was incredible. It showed how meaningful this club has become. It’s not only a space to connect at school but a gateway to larger communities.”

The experience didn’t end when they left C2E2. On the ride home, students swapped stories, compared what they’d bought, and made plans for how they might cosplay next year. Some said they felt inspired to draw more. Others talked about wanting to join a competitive esports team or start creating their own fan art. A few simply said it was the first time they felt like they truly “fit in” somewhere.

Both Gaddis and Lane have big dreams for what’s next. Gaddis envisions a full program with a dedicated gaming lab, art exhibits, and an annual “Bobcat Con.” Lane hopes to see students create official esports teams and compete in high school leagues (including Noble League’s own new esports championship). After the success of the C2E2 trip, both agree on one thing: this is only the beginning.