“Joshua,” derived from the Hebrew name “Yehoshua,” which means “a savior; deliverer.” The name first appeared in the old testament of the bible, in which Joshua was a companion of and spy for Moses. He is revered by people of many faiths, and his name has traveled through the millennia into modern times.

Many of us have heard someone say, “I’m just joshing you,” or “I’m just joshing around.” referred to as good natured banter. The origin of the phrase is not exactly known, but it’s possible it could relate to an old counterfeiting story back in the 1800’s, or a pseudonym by an author in 1845.

The name Josh rose in popularity during the 1970s in the United States. It peaked in popularity during the 1980s and early 90s. There are currently about 710,563 people named Joshua in the United States. If you include the name’s shorter version, “Josh,” that number jumps to about 750,000 people. That’s a lot of Joshes out there joshing around.

There are also many notable Joshes on the celebrity scene, including Josh Hutcherson from the Hunger Games movies, and Josh Gad, the voice of Frozen’s Olaf. The sports world is also full of famous Joshes, including baseball’s Josh Donaldson and Josh Hamilton, and football players Josh Gordon and Josh McCown. It’s a Josh Josh Josh Josh world.

So why all the Josh talk? One of the more unique clubs at East High is the Josh Club, which meets weekly after school on Tuesdays.The goal of Josh Club is to meet and make new friends who may have different interests and to do new and interesting things while expanding interests and social circles. It isn’t exclusive an exclusive club, though: it’s open to Joshes and non-Joshes alike. There are currently around 20 members who participate regularly in Josh Club. “We talk about what it is to be a Josh, also what a Josh IS” said Josh Club member Joshua Callaway. The Josh Club is currently discussing its plans to be more involved in community service outside of the school but they are not sure what they want to do yet. “Come out and have fun. You don’t know what it’s like until you try it” Joshua Callaway said about coming out to Josh Club. You can find Josh Club in room 026 on Tuesdays after school. If you have any further questions about the club you can talk to Josh Hurlbut, the Josh Club President, and/or Mr.Funk the teacher sponsor of the club.