2023-2024 Clubs Program
2023-2024 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 28 through April 25. “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.
Thank you,
Mr. Michael Bertig
Clubs Program Coordinator
“A” CLUBS
(Clubs listed in alphabetical order)
Athena Club
This club is a young women's leadership organization. The club will be based on the National Athena organization and will feature guest speakers and field trips. The club will work in partnership with the local Athena organization on endeavors within the Indiana area. A variety of service projects which promote leadership will be planned for both in-school and out-of-school involvement. Girls from all grade levels are invited to join.
Advisor: Mrs. Juart
Big Brother, Big Sister Club
This is a program for students at the senior high school to mentor students at the junior high school. The club will plan fun activities for members to do together after school. We will also be pen pals to get to know each other better. The goal for this club is to help alleviate some of the stress and/or anxiety that comes with entering the high school. This club provides friends and mentors to junior high students as opposed to supporting fellow high school students.
Advisor: Ms. Sabatini
Billiards and Darts Club (11th and 12th Graders)
In this club, students will learn how to play different versions of billiards on a smaller pool table and learn several different games of darts. Eventually students will also learn to play pool on an octagon table without a cue ball (bumper pool). Limit ten (10) participants.
Advisor: Mr. Myers
Yes... coloring! Haven’t you heard about adult coloring? This club is a quiet, relaxing end of your day. Leave all the stress behind. Coloring has been proven to reduce anxiety and create focus. Like meditation, coloring allows the brain to disconnect from other thoughts. Work alone or with others. We give you a quiet place to chill and can provide the paper and pencils or you bring your own supplies. This club is open to everyone who would like to try it.
Advisor: Ms. Cupp
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
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.
Advisors: Mrs. Lyons and Ms. Williams
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
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Club
This club is designed to expose and teach students of all ages the values of integrity, serving, teamwork, and excellence; on and off the field of competition. These values can be applied for the rest of one’s life. The club meetings will consist of leader engagements from appropriate students and community members to facilitate and enhance the values stated above. Primarily, the purpose of this club is to engage with Indiana High School Students and introduce them to the foundation of faith values that will serve them now and in the future.
Advisor: Mr. Puskar
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
This club is designed as a fun way to explore business topics. It offers its members opportunities for field trips, competitions, and community volunteering. Each fall, we join other FBLA chapters from across Indiana county and surrounding counties to compete in a variety of business topics at the Regional Leadership Conference. Winners move on to the FBLA State Leadership Conference, which is a three-day event held at the Hershey Convention Center in Hershey, PA, in the spring. In late June, state winners move on to the FBLA National Leadership Conference, which is held in a different U.S. city each year. In addition to attending competitions, our members volunteer at the Salvation Army Thanksgiving Dinner, sponsor the Tinsel Ball in December, and plan a fun field trip for late spring. The last few years we visited businesses in the Pittsburgh and Altoona areas in addition to attending Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Altoona Curve games while on the trips. Dues will be forfeited if a student is removed from the club for any reason.
Advisors: Mr. Brocious and Mr. Schreyer
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
Greek Club
In this club, you will learn about the Greek language and how we use it in our everyday lives, as well as the alphabet and basic words (greetings, food, animals, numbers, etc).
Advisor: Ms. Dokos
Hiking and Walking Club
Description forthcoming.
Advisor: Dr. Wharton
Key Club Executive Board
This club is by invitation only.
Advisor: Mr. Farina
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
Music Club
Description forthcoming.
Advisors: Mr. Olear and Ms. Williams
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: Ms. Black
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 Seminar
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
Social Group
This club is by invitation only. Please see the advisor for permission to join. However, students who were in this club last year do not need permission to join.
Advisor: Mrs. Pangonis
Spikeball/Pickleball Club (9th and 10th graders)
In this club, students will compete in spikeball, pickleball, and on occasion, other sports. The order of sports will be decided upon according to weather and student interest. Students in this club are expected to put forth effort and be competitive. Students must seek approval from one of the advisors in order to join the club.
Advisors: Mr. Woytowish, Mr. Cadile, and Ms. Horrell
Student Advisory Council Executive Board
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. Manning
Student Government Association
This organization is by invitation only for members who previously completed the application process.
Advisor: Mr. Bertig
Table Tennis (Ping Pong) Club
If you are interested in playing ping pong and want to improve your game, this is the club for you. We will be playing table tennis, learning the game, and competing. Players are strongly encouraged to bring their own paddles if they have them. All players joining will be expected to respect the game, respect the equipment, and respect each other. In order to sign up for the club, you must sign up on the Google Form as well as sign up with Mr. Neil directly. Players may only sign up for "A" Club or "B" Club. If you are a junior or senior and interested in becoming a club captain, please see Mr. Neil. Space is limited. Sign up right away.
Advisors: Mr. Neil and Mr. Wingerter
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
“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
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
Bible Club
This club will allow interested students to join together to learn more about the Bible and God, hold outreaches, and partner with churches, as well as other clubs, to serve our community.
Advisor: Mrs. Walton
Big Brother, Big Sister Club
This is a program for students at the senior high school to mentor students at the junior high school. The club will plan fun activities for members to do together after school. We will also be pen pals to get to know each other better. The goal for this club is to help alleviate some of the stress and/or anxiety that comes with entering the high school. This club provides friends and mentors to junior high students as opposed to supporting fellow high school students.
Advisor: Ms. Sabatini
Billiards and Darts Club (9th and 10th Graders)
In this club, students will learn how to play different versions of billiards on a smaller pool table and learn several different games of darts. Eventually students will also learn to play pool on an octagon table without a cue ball (bumper pool). Limit ten (10) participants.
Advisor: Mr. Myers
Yes... coloring! Haven’t you heard about adult coloring? This club is a quiet, relaxing end of your day. Leave all the stress behind. Coloring has been proven to reduce anxiety and create focus. Like meditation, coloring allows the brain to disconnect from other thoughts. Work alone or with others. We give you a quiet place to chill and can provide the paper and pencils or you bring your own supplies. This club is open to everyone who would like to try it.
Advisor: Ms. Cupp
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
Eco Club (Officers)
This club is by invitation only.
Advisors: Mrs. Betta and Mrs. Janetski
Fabulous Felines Club
Calling all cat lovers! If you enjoy our fabulous feline friends- then this club is for you. This club will focus on the history, health, and daily well being of cats. We will also have the chance to learn about careers in veterinary medicine, adoption, fostering, and volunteering in local environments that work with cats. (Four Footed Friends/ Humane Society) There MAY be some opportunities for our club to visit and work with local animal shelters. It will be a MEOW-valous time!
Advisors: Mrs. Juart and Ms. Nibert
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
Greek Club
In this club, you will learn about the Greek language and how we use it in our everyday lives, as well as the alphabet and basic words (greetings, food, animals, numbers, etc).
Advisor: Ms. Dokos
Hiking and Walking Club
Description forthcoming.
Advisor: Dr. Wharton
Key Club Executive Board
This club is by invitation only.
Advisors: Mr. Farina and Ms. Hoffman
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.
Advisor: Mrs. Smith
Me to We: Dream Team Club
This session of Me to We is for students who want to serve in leadership roles in the Me to We club. You will be a part of the "dream team" that plans and runs the A club meetings, as well as completes all of the "behind the scenes" work that takes place. To join this club, you must also be a member of the Me to We "A" club.
Advisor: Mrs. Steve
Music Club
Description forthcoming.
Advisors: Ms. Williams and Mr. Olear
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: Ms. Black
Science Seminar
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
Sign Language Club
This club is meant to bring awareness to the Deaf/Hard of Hearing culture by teaching students sign language. Whether it's learning the alphabet, common phrases, your name or a popular song, sign language club will offer you the chance to be introduced to sign language or challenge some skills you may already have. Through fun peer interactions and video modeling, let's learn a new language together!
Advisor: Mrs. Bytner
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
Spikeball/Pickleball Club (11th and 12th graders)
In this club, students will compete in spikeball, pickleball, and on occasion, other sports. The order of sports will be decided upon according to weather and student interest. Students in this club are expected to put forth effort and be competitive. Students must seek approval from one of the advisors in order to join the club.
Advisors: Mr. Woytowish and Mr. Cadile
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. Manning
Table Tennis (Ping Pong) Club
If you are interested in playing ping pong and want to improve your game, this is the club for you. We will be playing table tennis, learning the game, and competing. Players are strongly encouraged to bring their own paddles if they have them. All players joining will be expected to respect the game, respect the equipment, and respect each other. In order to sign up for the club, you must sign up on the Google Form as well as sign up with Mr. Neil directly. Players may only sign up for "A" Club or "B" Club. If you are a junior or senior and interested in becoming a club captain, please see Mr. Neil. Space is limited. Sign up right away.
Advisors: Mr. Neil and Mr. Wingerter
Technical Theatre Club
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.
Advisors: Mrs. Lyons and Mr. Olear
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
Volleyball Club
This club is open to anyone in grades 10-12 who have volleyball experience. The club will be focused heavily on team cooperation, sportsmanship, and competitiveness. This club will be fast-paced and WILL NOT be a developmental club. Participants will practice skills such as passing, setting, and hitting.
Young Republicans Club
Description forthcoming.
Advisor: Mr. Brocious