Student Clubs
2022-2023 Clubs Program
Dear student,
Student Government is proud to offer an extensive clubs program for the student body at IHS.
Clubs will be held every Thursday during tenth period from September 15 through April 27. “A” clubs and “B” clubs meet every other week. Certain clubs are available during “A” and “B” club periods.
The information below contains complete descriptions of the various clubs that are offered.
Students who do not join an “A” club or “B” club will be placed in a study hall. Please consider getting involved in our outstanding clubs program.
You can also watch videos that the Student Advisory Council filmed regarding your various club options. To watch the videos, please join Google Classroom with the following code: bv5cx7a
Thank you,
Mr. Michael Bertig
Dean of Students
“A” CLUBS
(Clubs listed in alphabetical order)
ASVAB Prep Club
This club is for preparing students for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). There are no fees associated with this club, and each student will be given a study guide to use. The Armed Services bases your placement based on your ASVAB score. Additionally, the ASVAB can be used as a graduation pathway, in lieu of a Keystone Exam, if you score the minimum requirement for enlistment, which at this time is 31. This club is open to all students. You can also join in order to increase your ASVAB score.
Advisor: Mr. Sell
Card Games Club
Bring out your decks! If you enjoy card games, this is the club for you. This club is a casual atmosphere in which players can enjoy card games such as Magic: The Gathering, Yu-gi-oh!, and other non-gambling card games.
Advisor: Mrs. Sexton
Careers in Music Club -- Contemporary Commercial Music
Through guest speakers visiting via Google Meet, participants in this club will discover a wide variety of careers in music that extend beyond music teaching and standard classical performance. Commercial music careers, such as those in films, advertising, management, production, music therapy, and composition will be emphasized. Students will be able to interact directly with our international and nationally-recognized guests, asking questions and sharing ideas. This is an exciting opportunity for any students interested in a professional career in music.
Advisor: Dr. Laird
Chess and Board Games Club
This is a club where you can relax and play chess or other board games with members. Members are responsible for bringing their own games.
Advisor: Mrs. Distefano
Drama Club – International Thespian Troupe 7525
Members of this club help to prepare for IHS drama productions by painting sets, organizing costumes, building props, focusing lights, ushering, and helping with publicity. In addition, this club operates the business aspect of all senior high drama productions at IHS and is affiliated with the International Thespian Society Troupe 7525. Any former member of Troupe 7525, or any other Thespian troupe from another high school, is welcome to transfer membership if planning to remain active in high school play productions.
Advisor: Mrs. Lyons
Eco Club
Interested in making new friends, having fun, and competing in this year's Envirothon while increasing our school’s awareness of environmental issues? If so, this club is the place for you. Students who participate in this club will work together to develop a deeper understanding of natural resource management and ecology. Topics of study will include aquatic ecology, soil and land use, forestry, wildlife, and current issues.
Advisors: Mrs. Betta, Mrs. Dress, and Mrs. Janetski
Everyone Club
This club will create awareness of trauma, abuse, sexual assault, and mental health issues. This club is a safe space for everyone.
Advisor: Ms. Horrell
Film Club
The IHS Filmmakers club is dedicated to bringing out the creativity in young filmmakers while giving them a platform to display their hard work. Now that the pandemic has slowed down, people all over the world are starting to go back to the movies, and with streaming services becoming more popular than ever, the demand for filmmakers is going to rise, and the IHS Filmmakers Club gives high school students the opportunity to experiment with making movies before they go on to enter a film school after high school. The club will simulate what it is like to be a part of an actual production company, with different departments that all play a part in distributing a film. The ultimate goal of the club is to produce a project/projects and enter said project into the All American High School Film Festival. All entrance fees for the festival will be paid in full by the members of the club. Attending the festival is optional and finding transportation is up to the student. For more information on the festival, click on the following link. https://www.hsfilmfest.com/
Advisor: Mr. Wingerter
Global Scholars Honors Program
This program is sponsored through the PA State Modern Language Association (PSMLA), which will recognize students who have completed several globally-focused requirements during their four years at IHS. Students who join this program will not be required to report to the Global Honors club each week. They are permitted to join the Global Scholars AND an "A" Club that meets regularly.
Advisor: Mr. Dykun
Love is Love Club
This is not just your average Gay-Straight Alliance. This club's purpose is to create an LGBTQ+ community at IHS. We will discuss political issues, challenges that the LGBTQ+ community faces, and learn about LGBTQ+ history and representation in the media. We will form a safe place to deal with situations that LGBTQ+ people face. This club is made to accept everyone. We're here to help.
Advisors: Mr. Smith and Mrs. Smith
Me to We Club
In this club you will have the opportunity to learn about local and global problems and discover ways that you can help end these problems. Club members will plan and carry out three to four community service projects of their own creation. Interested Club members will have the opportunity to travel to New York for We Day and travel to another country to participate in a community service project. Me to We is a youth empowerment movement supported by We Charities, a global organization.
Advisor: Mrs. Steve
National History Day Competition
This club is for students who are interested in participating in the National History Day competition at the local level. If successful at the local competition, participants will move on to the state and possibly national competitions.
Advisor: Ms. Hoffman
Newspaper Journalism Club
This club is designed for members of the Newspaper Journalism class to update and develop design ideas for the school newspaper website, www.thehigharrow.com, as well as plan, organize, design, and construct the layout of the High Arrow newsletter. This club is for High Arrow staff members only.
Advisor: Mr. Nath
Praystation
This club will pray for anyone who needs prayers. The club will read scripture, with suggestions from club members. Members will also have group talks. Club members will write positive notes and hand them out to others. This club will create a prayer box that is anonymous for anyone who does not feel comfortable sharing their problems. Club members will play group games and paint prayer rocks.
Advisor: Dr. Wharton
Sailing Club (Advised by non-IHS adults who have expertise in the field)
The mission of this club is to involve students in recreational sailing, and to allow beginning students to master basic skills. Mastery will lead to a US sailing certification. Students will learn to sail small boats at Yellow Creek State Park.
IHS Teacher-Liaison: Mr. Murphy
Non-IHS Adult Advisors: Mr. Nathanael Arthurs and Ms. Beth Rettig
Science Club
Students will follow ISEF guidelines to research, create, and conduct an experiment or project. Students will then present this as a 10-minute oral presentation at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Regional Competition which will be held at the end of February. Students are scored based on a rubric from one to three. If a student scores a one they will be invited to compete at the state level which takes place on Penn State Main Campus over three days at the end of May. Scholarships are awarded each year to 11th grade students for Penn State. Students will also conduct a poster presentation at the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair in March which offers over one million dollars in prizes and scholarships. This is a fantastic experience for students to include on college applications. Check out the PJAS and PRSEF pages for more information. Other competitions may be entered on a request basis. If you know of a science competition that you would like to participate in, we might be able to make it happen.
Advisors: Mrs. Edmonds, Mrs. Hixson, and Mr. Lehman
Student Advisory Council
This is an organization that implements positive school-wide activities to promote respect, integrity, and decency in the school environment, while recognizing the strengths and values of unity, diversity, and common purpose.
Advisor: Mrs. Stewart
Technology Education Club
This club will consist of students who have taken or are currently participating in a senior high technology education class. The purpose of the club will be to not only provide students with extra time to work on their various class projects, but students will also participate in required lab maintenance exercises. As the members further explore technology education-related careers and skills, the club may also choose to participate in fundraisers for charitable donations and/or to fund trips or projects selected by the club members. A minimum GPA of 2.5 must be maintained. This club will meet during both “A” and “B” clubs. Final approval for membership will be granted from one of the advisors.
Advisors: Mr. Rend and Mr. Stants
Visual Arts and Portfolio Club (11th and 12th Graders)
This club is open only to juniors and seniors who have taken an advanced art class and/or are considering a future in art and design. The advisor must approve all applicants. Enrollment is limited to 15 students. Since a portfolio is necessary for entrance into higher education for a design-based career, one purpose of the club is to enable art students to mat and frame their artwork and develop a portfolio of their work. This culminates in a senior art show. Visual Arts and Portfolio Club is also heavily involved in arts outreach, and members will take part in multiple community involvement projects and field trips. This club meets during both “A” and “B” clubs.
Advisor: Mrs. Porter
Young Adults (YA) Book Club
In this club, you will read a variety of Young Adult books during this year. Club participants will vote on the books read during the year and are expected to purchase their own copy of the chosen books. Discussion will take place using Google Meet, FlipGrid, and Google Classroom. The "A" club session will be for discussing the chosen book, and the "B" club session will be for reading the book.
Advisor: Dr. Bond
“B” CLUBS
(Clubs listed in alphabetical order)
Acoustic Stringed Instruments Club
All instruments should not require any electronic amplification. Participating members' stringed instruments may be of the following: Acoustic guitar, mandolin, mandola, mandocello, banjo, dobro, ukulele, sitar, acoustic bass, upright bass, cello, violin, viola, harpsichord, autoharp, harp, charango, requinto, or guitarron. Please inquire with the advisor for questions about any instrument that does not appear on this list. Students are expected and required to bring their instruments to each club session.
Advisor: Mr. Murphy
ASVAB Prep Club
This club is for preparing students for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). There are no fees associated with this club, and each student will be given a study guide to use. The Armed Services bases your placement based on your ASVAB score. Additionally, the ASVAB can be used as a graduation pathway, in lieu of a Keystone Exam, if you score the minimum requirement for enlistment, which at this time is 31. This club is open to all students. You can also join in order to increase your ASVAB score.
Advisor: Mr. Sell
Aviation Club (Advised by a non-IHS adult who has expertise in the field)
This club is open to any student who would like to discover more about aviation and flying. Students in this club will find out about the aspects of small aircraft as well as possible careers in private and commercial aviation and flight from experienced pilots. Opportunities will be provided to get involved beyond the club in activities and events at local airports. This club is limited to the first 28 students who sign up.
IHS Teacher-Liaison: Mr. Puskar
Non-IHS Adult Advisor: Mr. Nathanael Arthurs
Card Games Club
Bring out your decks! If you enjoy card games, this is the club for you. This club is a casual atmosphere in which players can enjoy card games such as Magic: The Gathering, Yu-gi-oh!, and other non-gambling card games.
Advisor: Mrs. Sexton
Chess and Board Games Club
This is a club where you can relax and play chess or other board games with members. Members are responsible for bringing their own games.
Advisor: Mrs. Distefano
Chinese Club
This club is a great way to get to know the basics of the Chinese language, the most spoken language in the entire world! Through plenty of fun activities, food, and collaboration with friends, this is a great way to understand a language that most Americans know nothing about, and impress a lot of people in the future!
Advisor: Mrs. Oesterling
Everyone Club
This club will create awareness of trauma, abuse, sexual assault, and mental health issues. This club is a safe space for everyone.
Advisor: Ms. Horrell
Film Club
The IHS Filmmakers club is dedicated to bringing out the creativity in young filmmakers while giving them a platform to display their hard work. Now that the pandemic has slowed down, people all over the world are starting to go back to the movies, and with streaming services becoming more popular than ever, the demand for filmmakers is going to rise, and the IHS Filmmakers Club gives high school students the opportunity to experiment with making movies before they go on to enter a film school after high school. The club will simulate what it is like to be a part of an actual production company, with different departments that all play a part in distributing a film. The ultimate goal of the club is to produce a project/projects and enter said project into the All American High School Film Festival. All entrance fees for the festival will be paid in full by the members of the club. Attending the festival is optional and finding transportation is up to the student. For more information on the festival, click on the following link. https://www.hsfilmfest.com/
Advisor: Mr. Wingerter
French Club
This club is open to any student currently enrolled in French or who has taken at least one year of French in the past. During French Club, we will explore the French language and culture through various activities. We will watch films, listen to music, play games, engage in discussion, take a trip to a French bakery, enjoy some French foods, and hear from guest speakers.
Advisor: Mr. Dykun
Love is Love Club
This is not just your average Gay-Straight Alliance. This club's purpose is to create an LGBTQ+ community at IHS. We will discuss political issues, challenges that the LGBTQ+ community faces, and learn about LGBTQ+ history and representation in the media. We will form a safe place to deal with situations that LGBTQ+ people face. This club is made to accept everyone. We're here to help.
Advisors: Mr. Smith and Mrs. Smith
Newspaper Journalism Club
This club is designed for members of the Newspaper Journalism class to update and develop design ideas for the school newspaper website, www.thehigharrow.com, as well as plan, organize, design, and construct the layout of the High Arrow newsletter. This club is for High Arrow staff members only.
Advisor: Mr. Nath
Science Club
Students will follow ISEF guidelines to research, create, and conduct an experiment or project. Students will then present this as a 10-minute oral presentation at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Regional Competition which will be held at the end of February. Students are scored based on a rubric from one to three. If a student scores a one they will be invited to compete at the state level which takes place on Penn State Main Campus over three days at the end of May. Scholarships are awarded each year to 11th grade students for Penn State. Students will also conduct a poster presentation at the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair in March which offers over one million dollars in prizes and scholarships. This is a fantastic experience for students to include on college applications. Check out the PJAS and PRSEF pages for more information. Other competitions may be entered on a request basis. If you know of a science competition that you would like to participate in, we might be able to make it happen.
Advisors: Mrs. Edmonds, Mrs. Hixson, Mr. Lehman, and Dr. Layden
Spanish Club
This club is for ALL students who study Spanish who want more experience with the culture and language. Students will have the opportunity to watch authentic films.
Advisor: Mr. Henninger
Stage Crew
This organization is for students who are interested in the technical aspects of the IHS theatrical productions. During club periods students will work together to help prepare for upcoming productions which may include painting sets, pulling costumes and preparing props. Club members will also learn how to use the sound and lighting boards and will work towards being approved to run the tech for IHS shows, assemblies and concerts. This team also helps serve as the front of house crew for IHS productions. Actors are also encouraged to sign up for this club to help them become a more well rounded theater maker.
Advisor: Mrs. Lyons
Student Advisory Council
This is an organization that implements positive school-wide activities to promote respect, integrity, and decency in the school environment, while recognizing the strengths and values of unity, diversity, and common purpose.
Advisors: Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Juart
Technology Education Club
This club will consist of students who have taken or are currently participating in a senior high technology education class. The purpose of the club will be to not only provide students with extra time to work on their various class projects, but students will also participate in required lab maintenance exercises. As the members further explore technology education-related careers and skills, the club may also choose to participate in fundraisers for charitable donations and/or to fund trips or projects selected by the club members. A minimum GPA of 2.5 must be maintained. This club will meet during both “A” and “B” clubs. Final approval for membership will be granted from one of the advisors.
Advisors: Mr. Rend and Mr. Stants
Visual Arts and Portfolio Club (11th and 12th Graders)
This club is open only to juniors and seniors who have taken an advanced art class and/or are considering a future in art and design. The advisor must approve all applicants. Enrollment is limited to 15 students. Since a portfolio is necessary for entrance into higher education for a design-based career, one purpose of the club is to enable art students to mat and frame their artwork and develop a portfolio of their work. This culminates in a senior art show. Visual Arts and Portfolio Club is also heavily involved in arts outreach, and members will take part in multiple community involvement projects and field trips. This club meets during both “A” and “B” clubs.
Advisor: Mrs. Porter
Writers Club
A description for this club is forthcoming.
Advisors: Mrs. Pangonis and Mrs. Manning
Young Adults (YA) Book Club
In this club, you will read a variety of Young Adult books during this year. Club participants will vote on the books read during the year and are expected to purchase their own copy of the chosen books. Discussion will take place using Google Meet, FlipGrid, and Google Classroom. The "A" club session will be for discussing the chosen book, and the "B" club session will be for reading the book.
Advisors: Dr. Bond and Mrs. Dress
Young Republicans Club
Description forthcoming.
Advisor: Mr. Brocious