Clubs & Activities
LET'S GET INVOLVED
BLACKHAWK COMMITTED & STUDENT LEADERSHIP
On Friday, August 20 students received a BLACKHAWK COMMITTED t-shirt announcing our Roll On Tour dates on the back. The goal for the 2021-2022 school year is for 100% of our students to get connected to West High, and we challenge all our students to be BLACKHAWK COMMITTED.
We are also challenging our students to lead. A framework for student leadership has been established, and we will work to provide opportunities for students to lead their peers.
A list of our athletic offerings can be found here:
https://il.8to18.com/westaurora/home
A list of our club offerings can be found below on this page.
ROLL ON TOUR
All of our Blackhawk Students are encouraged to participate in our Roll On Tour. The Roll On Tour is a list of athletic, performance and club events throughout the school year for students, teachers and parents to attend!
We invite all of our Blackhawks to support one another on the field, in the stands, or on the stage by attending these events!
A list of the Roll On Tour and Upcoming Events can be found here:
West Aurora High School Student Activities, clubs and Organizations
ALL Clubs and Organizations are open membership, unless otherwise indicated:
* Must be invited or audition to join
**Can join if you are a part of the class
Competitive Clubs
| Club | Staff | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Challenge | N. Gross (Math) |
To gain a deeper appreciation of Science and Engineering through contests and group activities (formerly titled WYSE) Schoology Access Code: RMCQW-582CN Contact: ngross@sd129.org |
| AFJROTC Drill Team** |
S. Hellinger / E. Pettyjohn (AFJROTC) |
To enable a team to move as a cohesive unit in an orderly manner. It aids in disciplinary training by instilling habits of precision and response to a leader’s orders, which then provides the development of strong character, attention to detail, and excellence. CAN ONLY JOIN IF IN CLASS Contact: shellinger@sd129.org OR epettyjohn@sd129.org |
| Bass Fishing Team | W. Loftus (Weisner) |
For students who want to develop fishing skills in a competitive setting Schoology Access Code: VWBR-43RK-B9D98 Contact: william.loftus@sd129.org |
| BPA** | C. Bourjaily (CTE) |
For students who are interested in computers, business skills or career prep Schoology Access Code: 64ZH9-B5PHP Contact: chris.bourjaily@sd129.org |
|
Chess Team
|
S. Carroll (Soc Studies) |
To learn / perfect the game of chess & increase strategic thinking Schoology Access Code: PG2K3-GN35J Contact: samcarroll@sd129.org |
| DECA** | J. Whiteaker (CTE) |
For career exploration in marketing, management and entrepreneurship Schoology Access Code: 5V24X-4MPFB Contact: jennifer.whiteaker@sd129.org |
| E-Sports | J. Favela (Div) |
Participate in a multiplayer video games played competitively for spectators. We turn gaming into a sport! Schoology Access Code: VS2R-DTZG-5R5KR Contact: jfavela@sd129.org |
| FCCLA | K. Armstrong / L. Nudera (CTE) |
To explore careers in Family and Consumer Sciences Schoology Access Code: WQT5R-TF2P6 Contact: karmstrong@sd129.org OR lnudera@sd129.org |
| HOSA** | A. Sonnefeldt (HSCA) |
To promote career opportunities in the health care industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people CAN ONLY JOIN IF IN CLASS Contact: asonnefeldt@sd129.org |
| Mathletes | M. Love / N. Gross / K. Prince (Math) |
To gain a deeper appreciation of math through contest / group activities Schoology Access Code: RMCQW-582CN Contact: mlove@sd129.org, ngross@sd129.org, OR kprince@sd129.org |
| Scholastic Bowl Team | J. Payne (Science) |
To compete in a Jeopardy-like team against other schools Contact: joshua.payne@sd129.org |
| Skills USA | K. Phillips (CTE) |
A national organization serving students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. Schoology Access Code: ND3KX-P82QR Contact: kphillips@sd129.org |
| Speech Team | TBA |
To develop skills in defending one’s opinion in a competitive setting Schoology Access Code: TBA |
| StellarXplorers* | S. Freitag (CTE) / E. Pettyjohn (AFJROTC) |
To function as a team in a competitive environment, solve complex engineering problems, and develop critical thinking skills. Subject matter focuses on creative solutions to optimize satellite design and launch planning. Contact: sfreitag@sd129.org OR epettyjohn@sd129.org |
Performance Based Clubs
| Club | Staff | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Band** | P. Sampson / R. Schueller / J. Sierakowski (Fine Arts) |
To provide entertainment and develop skills in music; taken as an elective CAN ONLY JOIN IF IN CLASS Contact: rschueller@sd129.org, psampson@sd129.org, OR jsierakowski@sd129.org |
| Choir** | B. Smith / G. Currie (Fine Arts) |
To develop skills and appreciation for singing; taken as an elective CAN ONLY JOIN IF IN CLASS Contact: briansmith@sd129.org OR grace.currie@sd129.org |
| Comedy Club | S. Stern (Science) |
A student group who writes, casts and performs an annual sketch comedy show. Schoology Access Code: 55K3S-Q66GD Contact: sstern@sd129.org |
| Drama Club | K. Ruffalo (Eng) |
To provide opportunities for backstage, onstage and theater activities Schoology Access Code: D6G77-FC4BV
|
| Madrigals* | B. Smith (Fine Arts) |
To develop skills and appreciation for music through madrigal music CAN ONLY JOIN IF IN CLASS Contact: briansmith@sd129.org |
| Step Team* | T. Towles / T. Walls (Div) |
To be part of a competitive spirit squad which uses rhythmic sounds in a drill team fashion Schoology Access Code: WNJX5-XH7CN Contact: ttowles@sd129.org OR twalls@sd129.org |
After School Clubs
| Club | Staff | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Above The Influence | M. Mikos (P.E.) |
Encourages students to remain “above the influence” of Drugs, Alcohol, Distracted Driving and other Negative Influences that teens face in today’s society Schoology Access Code: QKTK-D6HV-GDBJW Contact: madison.mikos@sd129.org |
| Alianza Hispana | O. Delahoya (World Lang) |
To promote cultural pride and influences that shape the Hispanic community Schoology Access Code: NN22W-F2S5G Contact: odelahoya@sd129.org |
| American Sign Language (ASL) Club | K. Szkola (Div) |
To increase awareness and knowledge of communicating with individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing Schoology Access Code: SKNBD-NM3HR Contact: kszkola@sd129.org |
| Anime Club | S. Schultz (Art) |
To provide opportunities to explore the world of anime Schoology Access Code: JXPHN-Q3Q46 Contact: sschultz@sd129.org |
|
BE (Biblical Escape) |
C. Sendzimer (World Lang) |
A student-led club that brings fellowship and fun, offering an escape of the busyness of high school by reading the Bible and talking about God Schoology Access Code: F79P-P2HQ-25TWC Contact: csendzimer@sd129.org |
| Black Student Union | T. Walls (Div) |
To promote cultural pride and explore influences that shape the African-American community Schoology Access Code: FXMZV-M82KX Contact: twalls@sd129.org |
| Book Club | A. Sendzimer (Div) / N. Romanov (World Lang) |
To read and discuss books to promote the love of reading and critical thinking Schoology Access Code: 2R5BX-D7GGH Contact: anthony.sendzimer@sd129.org |
| Breakthrough | C. Tammen (Soc Studies) / B. Farren (Eng) |
A student-led Christian/Catholic club that brings in guest speakers and worship leaders, attends concerts and conferences, and participates in community service and outreach events Contact: bfarren@sd129.org OR ctammen@sd129.org |
| Broadcasting Club | T. Mielcarz (Aud) |
To teach broadcasting skills and practice them at school events. Schoology Access Code: RHNZX-T7M4R Contact: tmielcarz@sd129.org |
|
Clay Club |
E. Bogucki (Fine Arts) |
To develop or expand on skills creating pottery and other clay artwork. Schoology Access Code: 9ZSRK-RQ8MJ Contact: ebogucki@sd129.org |
| Creative Media Club | C. Canizal (Out of District) |
To engage students who exhibit interest and talent in photography, filming and handling PA equipment. Students will have the opportunity to develop their skills through training programs such as video editing, short film projects, photography, exhibitions, field trips and competitions. Contact: christiancanizal@gmail.com |
| Creative Writing Club | C. Hill (Eng) |
An opportunity to share your poetry or short stories and learn about upcoming writing competitions and events Schoology Access Code: WPBGK-8BKTJ Contact: chill@sd129.org |
| Educators Rising | J. Coy (P.E.) |
To provide an atmosphere for those students who want to be educators Schoology Access Code: Z32QJ-7BSHS Contact: jcoy@sd129.org |
| Empowered Women of the Future | T. Shepard (Eng) |
To empower the young women at West High to discover their voices and make them known in our school, community, state and country to promote social justice Schoology Access Code: MV2T-8QWX-DJKXM Contact: tshepard@sd129.org |
| Engineering Club | S. Freitag / D. Hammarberg (CTE) |
To influence more knowledge and creativity for students interested in engineering as a career Contact: sfreitag@sd129.org OR dhammarberg@sd129.org |
| Film Club | M. Persons (Eng) |
An opportunity to study and enjoys movies of various genres Contact: mpersons@sd129.org |
| French Club | A. Schultz (World Lang) |
To learn about the French culture and language Schoology Access Code: 5C56G-HGXGT Contact: aschultz@sd129.org |
| French Honor Society* | A. Schultz (World Lang) |
To promote scholarship and to recognize high honor achievement in the French language Contact: aschultz@sd129.org |
| Games Club | R. Payne (Soc Studies) |
To provide opportunities for gaming - both board and interactive Schoology Access Code: HXJ83-75BWZ Contact: rpayne@sd129.org |
| Girls Run The World | S. Calice (APD) |
For young women who desire to become change agents within their neighborhoods in an effort to mentor the next generation of young women |
| Global Minds | A. Cyrus / K. Orchard (Guidance) |
A for-youth by-youth organization inspiring students to form social bonds, intercultural friendships, and consider global issues in order to combat the issues of cultural intolerance and discrimination Schoology Access Code: FN85M-P44K6 Contact: acyrus@sd129.org OR korchard@sd129.org |
| Gospel Choir | B. Tyler (Jefferson MS) |
To foster the love of gospel music and prepare for performances Schoology Access Code: 6WW8-G9BV-Q63JR Contact: brianna.tyler@sd129.org |
| Homework Club | K. Gilchrist / M. Rothery (Div) |
Need help on your homework? If so, drop in any time after school to get assistance. Schoology Access Code: 8HX7-89V3-M5H3X Contact: kgilchrist@sd129.org OR megan.rothery@sd129.org |
| Indivisible West Aurora | C. Sparks (Lib) |
To improve and unite our liberally-minded students in this youth advocacy group, with a mission to improve the larger community; a sister organization to Indivisible Aurora, a liberal advocacy group Schoology Access Code: 622P-7ZZM-VDMSH Contact: csparks@sd129.org |
| Investment Club | C. Bourjaily / D. Hafer (CTE) |
To provide students their first experiences with the stock market, investments, financial responsibility, and to gain insight and experience into the world of finance. Students will learn about investing money, playing the stock market, and pursuing careers in finance by using stock simulators and competing in competitions with other high school students around the world. Schoology Access Code: 6X3H-FK6S-TQ3D8 Contact: chris.bourjaily@sd129.org OR dhafer@sd129.org |
| Key Club | K. Ludwig (Div) |
A student-led organization whose goal is to encourage leadership through serving others Schoology Access Code: 57M54-2D6T2 Contact: kludwig@sd129.org |
| Medically Diverse Club | M. Fidler (Soc Studies) |
A club that focuses and raises awareness for the invisible - that aren’t so invisible - medical disorders. Some examples we discuss are Seizure disorder, Diabetes, Alzheimer's, Dementia, Arthritis, etc. Contact: melissa.fidler@sd129.org |
| Mental Health Awareness Club | M. Aponte / N. Hayes (World Lang) |
To promote an understanding and acceptance of mental health issues Schoology Access Code: RFVC-7XH3-K8TR9 Contact: melissa.aponte@sd129.org OR nhayes@sd129.org |
| Muses | J. Pauley (Eng) |
To produce a literary magazine which includes poetry, stories and more Schoology Access Code: DF7H4-WR789 Contact: jpauley@sd129.org |
|
National Art Honor Society* |
J. Goeringer (Fine Arts) |
To honor and promote scholarship, leadership, character and service through the arts Contact: jgoeringer@sd129.org |
| National Honor Society* | K. Szwajkowski (Eng) |
To honor and promote scholarship, leadership, character and service Contact: kszwajkowski@sd129.org |
| PAWS | J. Black / J. Larson (Div) |
To promote awareness of animal welfare efforts and help homeless pets Schoology Access Code: M3X2H-XD42X Contact: jblack@sd129.org OR julielarson@sd129.org |
| Photography Club | C. Hazelton (Fine Arts) |
To develop creativity through photography Schoology Access Code: 7H2X-ZDPD-KS6ZF Contact: caitlin.hazelton@sd129.org |
| Pride Club | K. Phillips (CTE) |
To promote a safe and welcoming school environment for all students Schoology Access Code: MMPBR-P3T9S Contact: kphillips@sd129.org |
| SAVE Promise Club | R. Payne (Soc Studies) |
Students Against Violence Everywhere A place for young people across the country to show their leadership, creativity & passion for protecting their friends, school & communities from violence BEFORE it happens Schoology Access Code: V2HR-F9F9-3DWBB Contact: rpayne@sd129.org |
| Spanish Club | A. Scharm (World Lang) |
To learn about Hispanic cultures and the Spanish language, while providing social activities and community service Schoology Access Code: ZF4V-B4VC-WW254 Contact: ascharm@sd129.org |
| Spanish Honor Society* | C. Aguilar (World Lang) |
To promote scholarship and to recognize high honor achievement in the Spanish language Contact: caguilar@sd129.org |
| Stage Crew | S. Tait (Aud) |
To learn and provide all lighting, sound, scenery & special effects for West High events Schoology Access Code: KF4KX-7XPW5 Contact: stait@sd129.org |
| Student Ambassadors* | E. Kegarise (Activities) |
To provide a venue for service to the school, district and community Contact: ekegarise@sd129.org |
| Student Council | C. Fischer (Div) |
An organization devoted to student voice and involvement at West High Schoology Access Code: 7ZZT-W9RS-3BG2T Contact: cfischer@sd129.org |
| Weightlifting Club | T. Kraus (P.E.) |
The Aurora Weightlifting Club has been training athletes for Olympic Weightlifting since 1998. We have had many national champions, international competitors, & have even sent athletes to college on weightlifting scholarships. Contact: tkraus@sd129.org |
| West Buddies | C. Davidson / E. Hernandez (Div) |
To provide opportunities for building relationships between all students Schoology Access Code: T5CDV-NW6VF Contact: cdavidson@sd129.org OR ellenhernandez@sd129.org |
| World Relief Homework Club | C. Gomez (World Lang) |
To provide extra assistance and guidance for students who are new to the United States Contact: cegomez@sd129.org |
|
Yearbook Club |
M. Kucia (Eng) / K. Skogsberg (Math) |
To learn publication techniques and publish the annual yearbook Schoology Access Code: N8DP8-MQGPN Contact: mkucia@sd129.org OR kskogsberg@sd129.org |
Student Council Structure
Meetings are open to ALL West High students!
Student Council is an opportunity to support school spirit, support Blackhawk teams, develop and mobilize service endeavors, plan and organize activities and dances, and develop leadership skills.
Sound & Spirit
Promote it / Hear it
- Student Section(Rowdies)
- Prize Patrol
- Pep Assemblies
- Spirit Weeks
- Sports Themes
Outreach
Praise it / Feel it
- Community Service Events
- Toiletry Drive
- Recycle Drive
- Food Drive
- Dance Marathon - #FTK
- FMSC & School Visits
Design
Present it / See it
- Posters and Flyers
- Announcements
- Decorating
(Hallway/Lockers) - Social Media
Activities
Plan it / Do it
- Homecoming
- Winter Dance
- Prom
- Special Events
- Tailgates
- Races
- Movie Night
- Car Show