Activities and Clubs
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As the district's websites are changing, the most up-do-date information on student clubs and activities can be found here.
There's always something happening at John Hersey High School!
Students can meet new friends, learn new skills, stay physically healthy, and get involved in their school community. Activities are both seasonal and ongoing throughout the school year. Additionally, students are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors and succeed academically when they feel connected to the school.
Many of the most rewarding and memorable experiences students have come from involvement in co-curricular activities. John Hersey High School offers a wide variety of such opportunities through our various clubs and organizations. Our co-curricular programs promote confidence, teamwork, greater academic success, and responsible social behavior.
There is an activity for every Hersey student who chooses to become involved. Some groups have a history within our school, while other clubs have been formed more recently to meet the changing interests of students. Faculty and staff encourage Hersey students to get involved and participate in any of several organizations of interest. Your high school years will pass extremely fast, however, friendships you develop and memories you make will last a lifetime. Get involved and make your high school years memorable, both for yourself and the many lives you will touch!
Those interested in beginning a club should take the following steps:
- The first step would be to meet with Ron Kiolbassa, Associate Principal for Activities and Operations. The purpose of this meeting is to gain an understanding of the proposed club including mission and purpose.
- If we determine that the club does not violate any board or school policy and does not subject the school community to safety concerns, the student(s) is responsible for finding a staff member who is willing to sponsor the club, possibly as a volunteer as we may not be budgeted for an additional club.
- All new sponsors are required to meet with the Associate Principal for Activities and Operations before any meetings are held. If the club is approved, potential stipends, times, dates, and club activities must be discussed in advance.
Activities and Clubs
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Academic - Noncompetitive
Book Club
Sponsor: Bruce Janu
Twitter: @HerseyARC
Instagram: @HerseyArcLike reading? We do too! Come to book club for all sorts of activities related to books and reading! Meets every week in the ARC, Wednesdays after school.
National Honor Society
Sponsor: Lyn Comer
The JHHS National Honor Society, Rene Cassin Chapter, encourages its membership to enthusiastically model and render assistance to others through character, leadership, scholarship & service.World Language Honor Society
Sponsors: Laura Monahan, Betsy Noble, Julie Waple
The World Language Honor Society is composed of the Chinese Honor Society, the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, and the Société Honoraire de Français. Membership eligibility is based on service, academic scholarship, and participation in relevant cultural events. -
Athletic
Athletic Trainers
Sponsor: Enrique Bacon
Athletic Training is the prevention, first aid, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Student Athletic Trainers assist the Certified Athletic Trainers in the these duties. They tape, assist with exercise, and provide first aid for all types of injuries. Become an athletic trainer to be involved in an activity that will carry over into the future, earn awards, just like all of the other sports participants, and assist athletes in their process of recovering from an injury.Cheerleading (Sideline)
Sponsor: William Hansen
Sideline Cheerleading aims to promote school spirit, teach fundamental cheerleading skills (stunting, jumping, tumbling, motions, etc) and entertain at school and community functions. The sideline cheerleading teams (JV & Varsity) perform at various JHHS sporting events, primarily football and basketball. Tryouts are held in the spring for the following year’s team. Practices are held after school 2-3 days per week.Color Guard
Sponsor: Sara Reich
Facebook: @jhhsguard
Instagram: @jhhsguard
Color Guard is the Sport of the Arts. We combine dance and movement with spinning flag, rifle, and sabre. There are two seasons - fall (Color Guard) and winter (Winter Guard). In the fall we perform with the marching band during football game halftimes and at marching band competitions throughout Illinois. During the 7-8 minute show, the color guard is responsible for visually portraying the music the band is playing and the story the show tells. In the winter season we perform a 4-5 minute show at Midwest Color Guard Circuit competitions throughout the Chicagoland area. The shows are different each year, combining music, floor tarps, props, and costumes to tell a unique story. Color Guard is open to any and all Hersey students, no matter gender or age. No previous experience is necessary! We will teach you everything you need to know!
Fishing Club
Sponsors: Dave Papez, Greg Moehrlin
The Hersey fishing club is open to all students and is hosted in the Spring. We learn about fishing techniques, rods and reels, the different lures and baits to use, and knot tying. On occasion we meet up for fishing excursion to a local fishing spot to apply what we have learned. We can make lures and talk to local fishing experts.Dance Team
Sponsors: Marli Levin
Instagram: @herseydanceteam
Twitter: @herseydanceteam
The goal of the Fall Dance Team is to promote school spirit and pride, provide an opportunity for individual growth, and entertain at school and community functions. The team performs on the sidelines and during halftime at every home football game. Tryouts are held in the spring.Ski and Snowboard Club
Sponsor: Mike Pierce, Nick Grubisich
Special Olympics
Sponsor: Nicole McCormick
Special Olympics is a sports organization for students with varying disabilities, providing year-round competitive sports, training programs, and social opportunities. -
Career-oriented
FCCLA
Sponsors: Tracy Dudzik Jen Liccata and Laura Mosher
Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America is a national career and technical student organization that develops leadership, life, and career skills through competitive events and other activities. FCCLA promotes personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner, and community leader, members develop skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.Meta Collective
Sponsor: Robert Murphy
The Meta Collective is Hersey's first Web3-devoted club where members research, learn about, and invest in emerging financial markets like NFTs, cryptocurrencies, DeFi, and more! We also explore the interdisciplinary nature of Web3 and innovative technology like blockchain, metaverse, and AI.
Scrubs Club (Healthcare)
Sponsors: Kelley Pataky, Niki Morley Brent Vilchez
The goal of Scrubs Club is to benefit students who are possibly interested in pursuing a health science career. We do not meet regularly as a whole group, however, there are numerous events each month for which members can sign up to attend, such as, presentations by speakers in the field and field trips. If you would like more information, please contact Mrs. Pataky, Mrs. Morley, or Mr. Vilchez.
Techettes - Girls in Coding
Sponsor: Bob Brown
The Techettes are working to close the gender gap in technology. Our program will educate, equip, and inspire girls with the computing skills they'll need to pursue 21st century opportunities. In our third year, the Techettes are run completely by female students that want to pass on their knowledge, excitement and skills in technology based applications to each other and future generations. This year we will be exploring many different programming languages, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create our own websites, learning Python to code simple games, messing with robots, and much more.
Contact Mr. Brown for more information.
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Competitive
Chess
Sponsor: Don Barrett
This group helps students who are interested in chess to learn the game and develop skills that will improve their level of play. In team competition, eight players form a Varsity team and play individual matches against players from opposing teams. JHHS participates in the Mid-Suburban Chess League, providing competitive play across the Northwestern suburbs. The season culminates at the IHSA State Tournament, usually held in Peoria in February of each year. Click here for more information. You can click here to keep up to date on MSL Conference Chess.DECA Business Club
Sponsors: Dan Vesper, Chris Kiepura
Twitter: @herseydeca
DECA is an international business organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management for college and career. DECA combines classroom preparation with competitive events. We compete at the District, Regional, State, and National level. If you love business...DECA is for you!
Debate
Sponsor: Tom Smith
Twitter: @jhhsdebate
Hersey Debaters write legislation, research current policy proposals, collaborate with teammates to create persuasive arguments with credible evidence, and have a great time traveling around the state meeting and competing against fellow debaters.E-Sports
Sponsor: Eric Dieterich
We compete against other schools in the state of Illinois in Rocket League, League of Legends, Smash Bros Ultimate, Valorant, Overwatch, and Fortnite.Law Team
Sponsor: Jodi Blazek and John Kenworthy
Twitter: @jhhs_lawteam
The JHHS Law team is a competitive mock trial team. The ISBA typically releases the case used for competition each year on November 1st. Students meet 1-3 times a week to prepare for competitions, which typically begin at the end of January, and culminate with the ISBA High School State Mock Trial competition in mid-March.Math Team
Sponsors: Jackie Ballarini, Jessica Brtva, Eric Johnson, Brian Hirschauer
"Mathletes" compete in five regular season meets and are given a 30-minute period to take a five-question test. These contests typically contain advanced problems beyond what is given in the traditional math curriculum. Students are able to compete in both individual and team contests. Practices are held weekly after school. Find math league information here.Scholastic Bowl
Sponsors: Andy Walton and Scott Paeth
Scholastic Bowl is an interscholastic activity sanctioned by the IHSA. A team of five players compete using a signal lockout system to answer questions on a variety of academic topics. This is a fun, fast-paced game that requires quick thinking and reflexes. Competition is against other schools in the Mid Suburban League. They also compete in various tournaments in the Chicago area.Science Olympiad
Sponsors: Eric Bahaveolos-Wolf, Ayssa Caccamo and Tom Davidsmeier
Science Olympiad describes competitions as being like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events. Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved. Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on group participation.Speech Team
Sponsor: Jacob Aske
Speech team is NOT about speeches you make in class. We compete based on acting or public speaking skills on topics YOU choose. Join the ranks of former Speech Team members like Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Oprah, Supreme Court Justice Scalia, and many more. Future actors, actresses, lawyers, politicians, teachers, rappers/singers wanted! -
Cultural
Asian Student Association
Sponsor: Sasa Mo, Sam Silver and Charles Nowak
Interested in experiencing different Asian culture, entertainment and advocating for social justice? All are welcomed to immerse yourself in various cultural activities, food, film, and make an impact on both the local and global community. Asian Student Association meets in room 118 twice a month on Wednesdays. Sign up on Remind App @jhhsasa or Instagram @jhhs_asa for upcoming events. Contact Ms. Mo, Mr. Silver or Mr. Nowak for more club information.
Black Student Union
Sponsors: Vivian Lopez and Marie Mbi
The Black Student Union (BSU) is committed to providing a safe space for black students to learn about their heritage, share personal experiences, think creatively and critically, and build relationships. The BSU welcomes all students and is committed to building a strong sense of self and learning about others to encourage intellectual, cultural, social, and ethnic diversity.
BSU meets every Tuesday at 3:00 in RM 124D
JHHS Greek Club
Sponsor: Christopher Chiakulas
Greek Club was founded to promote and celebrate Greek culture and encourage Hellenic pride around the school!IndoPak
Sponsor: Sarah Wysock
The purpose of the club is to bring interested students under one platform and share the values, cultures, festivities of India and Pakistan in a positive way. All students are welcome. Meeting Room 163A.Meets once a month, first Monday at 3pm
LASO (Latin American Student Organization)
Sponsors: Mike Ayala, Celia DeLeon
The LASO club has an open door policy and welcomes all interested students, regardless of cultural heritage. Meetings are held after school and the group organizes activities throughout the school year with the goal of becoming an active part of Hersey and the larger community with positive and progressive involvement.LASO meets every Wednesday after school in room 201. ALL are welcome!
Spanish Club
Sponsor: Laura Monahan and Julie Waple
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Fine Arts
Art Club
Sponsor: Mirela Ibrahimovic
Art Club is open to anyone- even if you are not currently enrolled in an art class. We will enter contests, make collaborative art pieces, and use the time as open studio to work on individual art.Band
Sponsor: Spencer Hile
At the beginning of each school, all members of the band program participate in the Marching Huskies (August to October) with practice beginning over the summer prior to the first day of school. After marching season concludes, band members audition for position in either the Concert or Symphonic Band. In addition, there are multiple jazz, percussion and chamber groups that students participate in throughout the school year. Visit the band website to learn more.Choral Music
Sponsor: Sara Michael
Hersey has 11 choruses, some of which are open to any students who are interested and others that require students to audition. Some of the choruses are for women-only or men-only and others are for mixed voices. Additionally, some of the choruses perform with instrumental accompaniment while others are a cappella. Click here for more.Theater
Sponsors: Sarah Wade and Lara Becker
The theater program brings together hundreds of student actors for productions throughout the course of the year. Students must audition for their preferred roles and commit to attending after-school rehearsal leading up to the performances.Improv Club
Sponsor: Elizabeth Higgins
Impov Club (Improvisation Club) is a club open to all. No auditions necessary and no experience necessary. You will learn the fundamentals of improvisation. This is a theatrical style in which dialogue and scenes are created in the moment. Improv Games and techniques are taught by sponsor and experienced Hersey Improvisors. More information can be found here.
Orchesis
Sponsor: Christine Widell
John Hersey High School Orchesis is an extension of the Dance program. The group meets both as a class and co-curricular activity with an emphasis on exploring, creating, encouraging, and producing dance as an art form. Orchesis performs numerous times throughout the school year with the highlight being its annual concert in February.Orchestra
Sponsor: Christopher Kuzmanoff
Hersey students have access to the chamber orchestra, symphony orchestra, and concert orchestra. The symphony and concert orchestras meet daily as a class for anyone interested and the chamber orchestra is made up of a select group of talented students. Click here for more.
Technical Theater
Sponsor: Matt Michelin
The Technical Theater program supports all of the performances at John Hersey High School each year, including the fall musical, the variety show, student-directed one-act plays, the winter production, the Orchesis dance concert, and the spring production. Tech crew tasks include building and designing sets, running lights and sound, and providing backstage support during performances.See also: Media/Writing
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Leadership/Volunteerism
Hearing Impaired (Jr. N.A.D.)
Sponsor: Pam Wechman-Mueller
Junior N.A.D. is a program of the National Association of the Deaf. It offers deaf and hard of hearing students in middle and high school opportunities to develop leadership skills, learn and demonstrate citizenship, and meet and interact with students from other schools and states.NJROTC
Sponsors: Lt. Col. Wayne Beyer
NJROTC is a course in leadership, teamwork and citizenship, using studies about the Navy as a common core. Students take the course as an elective and receive a grade that counts towards graduation and their GPA. Only the academic class and a few unit activities are mandatory, but cadets are highly encouraged to participate in the unit's 'extra-curricular' field trips, teams, and events. Click here for more.Orange Crush Spirit Group
Sponsor: Celina Wilk
Service Over Self (S.O.S.)*
Sponsor: Mark Gunther
Click here for more details.Student Council
Sponsor: Laura Monahan and Rebecca Mulligan
Student Council is the student governing body of John Hersey High School. It allows students to voice their opinions and influence the overall atmosphere of the school. Any student can be a member of Student Council by simply filling out an enrollment form and completing a minimum amount of work per quarter. To be an officer, students must be active members of Student Council.Senior Class '24
Sponsor: Joanne Park
Junior Class '25
Sponsor: Sarah Wysock
Sophomore Class '26
Sponsor: Zach Poulos
Freshman Class '27
Sponsors: Alyssa Caccamo and Sam Silver
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Multimedia Communications
Hersey Dispatch
Sponsor: Todd Hatfield
Hersey Dispatch is the Huskies Multimedia Communications hub. This group of story tellers use multiple platforms to tell the various stories that Hersey students want to tell. The Correspondent is a digital publication that comes out once a month. The Howl is a podcast record in a new, state of the art, podcast studio. HTV brings students, staff, and community live event coverage from sports to fine arts. The Correspondent, The Howl, and HTV stories can all be found in a location online at Hersey Dispatch. All interested students should sign up for Intro to Multimedia Communications.Yearbook
Sponsor: Jacob Aske
The yearbook staff applies principles of publishing and photojournalism to produce the yearbook. Students become familiar with the process of planning, layout, copywriting, editing, photography, and production. They improve their communication skills by conducting interviews, writing, and practicing constructive critique strategies with fellow staffers. They also learn the basics of photography and photojournalism and work cooperatively with others, learning the financial aspects of publication and the problem-solving skills needed to overcome obstacles along the way. -
Student Support
The EmpowerME Club
Sponsor: Lori Pixler
EmpowerMe club is an accepting, nonjudgmental space for students of any grade, race, religion, sexuality, etc, to discuss issues that affect us all as well as participate in fundraising and volunteer work. The club meets Wednesdays twice a month in the staff lounge.GSA - Gender & Sexuality Alliance
Sponsor: Matthew Stack
Partners Club
Sponsor: Nicole McCormick
The goal of Partners Club is to support and engage with all athletes in the District's Special Olympics program through both social and sports competition (Unified Sport) opportunities.