Clubs and Activities at WPHS
- High School
- Overview
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White Plains High SchoolAdministrator for HS Student ActivitiesDr. N. Freeman-Mack natashafreemanmack@wpcsd.k12.ny.usSecretary/Central TreasurerMs. A. AdamiakWhite Plains High School offers a plethora of clubs and groups available to students spanning many interests. All clubs and groups are created by students for students. Clubs and groups are open to all WPHS students to join and we encourage active participation. Students are also welcome to form new groups, to learn how to begin please download the form. Group Formation
CLUBS & GROUPS
ACADEMIC CHALLENGE TEAM
Club Advisor - Mr. Larson
The ACADEMIC CHALLENGE TEAM competes in dual matches featuring JEOPARDY! like questions in all subject areas. The team competes in three W.A.C.K.O.
(WESTCHESTER ACADEMIC CHALLENGE OF KNOWLEDGE ORGAN IZATION) tournaments (NOV-JUNE) and the OMAR Q BECKINS tournament (MAR).
Tournaments are on Saturdays and winners qualify for the NATIONAL TOURNAMENT in June. Tryouts are in the Fall.
ADVOCATES FOR THE EARTH CLUB
Club Advisor - Mr. Davis
Students plan and work on environmental activities both in school and in the community.
Such activities include the annual Earth Day celebration, storm drain painting, field trips, and guests speakers.
ASIAN CLUB
Club Advisor - Ms. Lee-Huh
The Asian Club meets weekly to discuss ways to educate and engage others in culture, celebrations, and concerns relating to
Asia and Asian Americans. Asian Club students participate in school-wide events, run Asian themed programs
and activities for others, participate in community service projects, and
get involved in Asian themed events in the community. All students welcome!
BLACK AWARENESS CLUB
Club Advisor - Ms. Adams
The mission of the Black Awareness Club is to provide an environment which encourages discussions and
activities of interest to the African American population at White Plains High School.
The emphasis is on the development of philosophies and values, which may
benefit the community and the club members.
FRENCH CLUB
Club Advisor - Ms. Sands
The French Club promotes the French culture by organizing and planning various activities to museums,
theatre and participates in community service projects.
The French Club also offers scholarships to graduating Seniors.
GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE
Club Advisor – Ms. Piedra & Mr. Larson
The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) club's goal is to create a safe, welcoming and
accepting environment for all students at White Plains High School,
regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We work toward raising awareness regarding
issues that impact our club, as well as fostering a more accepting atmosphere for all students throughout WPHS.
LATINO ADVANCEMENT COALITION
Club Advisor-Ms. De Castro
This club is designed to promote unity and foster awareness of various Latino cultures throughout the school.
Activities include assemblies, forums, special events, publications, and dances.
ITALIAN CLUB
Club Advisors - Mr. Scarpa and Mr. Spedaliere
Our club invites all students at WPHS to become members.
You do not need to study Italian or be Italian-American to join.
In addition to providing the membership with an exciting culturally-enriching calendar of activities geared to
enhance the appreciation and image of Italian culture here at WPHS, the
Italian Club engages in a variety of social activities that promote the values of
the culture to the community-at-large. Come join us for the fun of it, and in time you'll be enriched in more ways than one!
JAZZ BAND
Club Advisor- Mr. May
The WPHS Jazz Band gives musicians an opportunity to learn Jazz, Latin, and Funk music in a Big Band setting.
The band holds evening rehearsals once each week and performs at school concerts,
community and school district events, and regional jazz festivals.
In addition to the Big Band, the club includes a highly selective
Jazz Combo that performs frequently and meets for an additional rehearsal each week.
MARIACHI JUVENIL LOS TIGRES
Club Advisor - Mr. May
White Plains High School's very own student mariachi celebrates Latin American
cultures by performing traditional music of Mexico and beyond.
The mariachi rehearses twice per week and frequently performs at school
and community events. The group includes trumpet, violin, vihuela, guitar, guitarron, and singers.
JUNIOR ENGINEERING TECHNICAL SOCIETY
Club Advisor - Mr. Dougherty
JETS provides a unique opportunity to facilitate a student's understanding
of the principles of physics. Students will be involved in hands on learning
experiences that validate scientific principles used in their science courses.
The JETS provides encouragement and motivation for students to excel in
mathematics and science; experiences that will help students to better understand
our technological society and the nature of career opportunities within society.
TIGERS NIGHT OF TALENT
Club Advisors - Mr. Allen and Mr. Polanco
The Tigers Night of Talent is a performance that features
fashion and talent while fundraising for various community service clubs.
The Tigers Night of Talent puts on display of the incredible diversity that makes
up the White Plains community. Cultural performances included: Asian dancers,
Reggae dancers, and Latin dancers, as well as Hip Hop, contemporary and jazz.
Live performers range from rock to rap and pop to opera.
If you have talent, the Tigers Night of Talent is the place to be.
KEY CLUB
Club Advisor - Mrs. Woodward
A community service organization which provides opportunities forstudents to develop initiative and leadership, and experience inworking together while serving the school and the community.MIDNIGHT RUN CLUB
Club Advisor - Mrs. Floridia
This club meets to prepare for our school food pantry, food and clothing drives,
work with the AFYA foundation, and activitiesin White Plains. This club provides awareness
to students about delivering vital medical supplies and PPE around the country and across the globe,
homelessness and hunger in their area, and how they can be of help in their local community by
providing outreach through this club. Some monthly activities in this club include
volunteering time at local food pantries and soup kitchens,
collecting food for our school food pantry, raising money for local homeless shelters, organizing
food and clothing's drives, and working with local organizations
such as Grace Church in White Plains to cook and serve dinner to those in need.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Club Advisors- Ms. Coppola and Ms. Ross
The White Plains High School's chapter of the National Honor Society
has an ongoing mission to create an enthusiasm for scholar ship, to stimulate a desire to render service,
to promote worthy leadership, and to encourage the development of character.
Members are expected to uphold the civic, ethical, scholastic, and extra-curricular standards set by
school and community in their behaviors both on and off school grounds. NHS members
are recognized as school leaders and exemplars. National Honor Society
inducts students in their Junior and Senior year.
NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY
Club Advisor - Ms. Jordan
Membership in the Nation Art Honor Society is based upon art scholarship, service, and character.
Eligibility is limited to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum
art scholarship average of B. Members are chosen by
nomination and review of portfolios by Art faculty and NAHS members. Club activities include: member
are exhibits, induction ceremony,art, workshops, gallery and museum trips, portfolio preparation and art careers research.
THE ORACLE
Club Advisors - Mrs. Sahakian & Mrs. Penasso
The Oracle is the WPHS yearbook. The student run organization is responsible for
the planning and production of the yearbook. The yearbook is published once a year and is distributed in June.
THE ORANGE
Club Advisors - Ms. Simmons & Ms. Loscalzo
The Orange is a student run newspaper that publishes monthly and reports on
various issues affecting WPHS students, faculty, and community members.
Staff members meet weekly, and new members interested in
writing or taking pictures for the paper are invited to join at any time.
THE ROAR
Club Advisors - Ms. DeMella and Mr. Chiariello
The Roar is WPHS' student-run literary and art magazine. All students at WPHS are
welcome to submit creative writing and art in various media for the magazine;
members participate in judging and selecting submissions for publications and
producing the layout of the magazine as well. All are welcome!
SCIENCE FICTION CLUB
Club Advisor - Ms. Degraphenreed
The mission of the Science Fiction Club is to create a comfortable, fun environment in
which students can learn about and discuss literature, film, and other cultural aspects
of the science fiction genre. This club will help expose WPHS students to a variety of sci-ft
media from a global perspective and allow them to go beyond the mainstream knowledge.
Students will gain hands-on interactive experience through film, field trips,
museums, exhibitions and analytical discuss.
S.E.E.D. (SEEKING EDUCATIONAL EQUITY AND DIVERSITY)
Club Advisor - Ms. Dale
SEED is a forum for the discussion of issues that affect us all. We explore
topics including, but not limited to, gender, race, class, and sexual orientation. All students, teachers, and
administrators of WPHS are welcome. Activities include reading articles, watching videos, listening to
guest speakers, attending our annual "Eliminating Racism" overnight at the Taconic Outdoor Education Center,
fundraising to give to two charities (one local and one international)
and to cover the cost of the overnight, and an end of the year gathering.
SONGWRITERS CLUB
Club Advisor - Mr. Polanco
Our club welcomes all students of White Plains High School to cultivate their song
writer skills and continue to foster our schools musical diversity. Students meet to
study great music and collaborate with other like-minded students to create songs and develop
networking skills. The ultimate goal is to perform in annual cover showcases and original songwriters showcases.
STEP TEAM
Club Advisor – Ms. Cabell
The White Plains High School Step Team (The Royalty Steppers) is a club for students
that like to dance and perform in school, around the community and the tri-state areas.
We perform at functions for the Youth Bureau of White Plains, the Slater Center,
Churches, and Step competitions. We welcome all students in grades 9 thru 12 to join us!
HONORS STRING ENSEMBLE
Club Advisor - Mr. May
The Honors String Ensemble is a highly selective extracurricular string orchestra that performs
professional-level orchestral repertoire. The ensemble rehearses one evening per week
and performs for school district events, at local hospitals and nursing homes, and for NYSSMA a
djudication festivals. The ensemble is open to violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists
who have passed an audition into the WPHS Symphony Orchestra.
THEATRE UNLIMITED
Club Advisor- Ms. Cepler
Theatre Unlimited is WPHS's theatre club. TU is responsible for producing the school
plays and musicals, which includes opportunities for directing, designing, performing
in, and running shows. TU also encompasses stage crew: the group of students who
help build and paint sets pieces; hang and focus lights; and run the light and sound boards
during performances. Additionally, the theatre club experiences theatre out side
of school by seeing shows and engaging in workshops regarding theatre performance.
WONDER WOMEN
Club Advisors – Ms. Lowenhaupt and Ms. Jackson
Wonder Women is a club dedicated to gender equality and forging greater opportunities for
women in all communities. By examining local and international issues affecting women,
Wonder Women seeks to better understand the issues and concerns facing women around
the world. Wonder Women welcomes all students to create a respectful environment for diverse
points of view and a commitment to gender equality at school and in the larger society. Presentations
on diverse topics facing women are presented during lunch time discussions and fundraising for a worthy
cause that promotes gender equality occurs throughout the year. Wonder Women is an inclusive
club that recognizes all genders and their contributions to feminism.
GROUPS
SCIENCE RESEARCH
Advisor - Ms. Fleming
The goal of the SR club is to promote an appreciation for science research.
This will include trips to corporate research facilities, guest lectures and visits to
and from the National Sciences Foundation, and other government agencies.
The club sponsors the Annual SR Symposium, as well as other local and statewide Symposia.
FREEDOM FIGHTERS
Advisor - Mr. Davis
The goal of Freedom Fighters is to show gratitude towards the men and women
who risk their lives for our country. We want to assist these heroes who defended our
flag and our most treasured freedoms. We will do this through charity work and
fundraisers. We would like to better inform our students through monthly
discussions and offer different perspectives on issues happening around the world.
SADD
Advisor- Ms. Sutton
SADD's mission is to empower young people to successfully confront the risks
and pressures that challenge them throughout their daily lives. The WPHS SADD chapter
raises awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and the negative effects alcohol and
drugs can have on an individual's life. We promote healthy alternatives and raise awareness through prevention activities.
LIBRARY GROUP
Advisors- Ms. Ross & Ms. Coppola
Library Group gives students a voice in improving our library program.
We meet Wednesdays at 2:35pm to plan special events, write for the L
ibrary blog, make suggestions for book and media purchases, and discuss ways
to make the library more friendly and welcoming for all. C
ontact or see Ms. Ross or Ms. Coppola in the Library for more details.
BOOK GROUP
Advisors- Ms. Ross & Ms. Coppola
Book Group meets every Friday at 2:35pm to read a book of their choice together,
chat about favorite authors and genres, and write reviews for the Library blog.
Come discuss new books and old favorites with fellow readers!
Speak to Ms. Ross or Ms. Coppola in the Library for more details.
VIDEO GAME GROUP
Advisors- Ms. Coppola
Video Game Group meets Wednesdays after school at 4:00pm to play multiplayer games.
GRAPHIC NOVEL
Advisor - Ms. Estersohn
The Graphic Novel Club is a place of free expression where students can create stories and bring
characters to life through their art and writing skills. It is also a place where students can socialize
and feel unbound by the pressures of online schooling.
Meetings are Fridays on Zoom from 4-4:30. Remind code is @g20c20 to 81010
WRITER’S DEN
Advisor - Ms. Cepler
The Writer’s Den is a community of students who come together to write and edit. T
his Group provides students with a space to generate and share work, edit each other’s
pieces, and in times of “writer’s block” play writing games and engage in creative writing exercises to
spark inspiration. Ultimately, the goal of this club is to cultivate writing and editing skills so students
can produce stunning work on a competitive level, developing pieces worthy of submission.
All forms and genres of writing are welcome.
KNOTS4CANCER
Advisor - Ms. Johnson
The Knots 4 Cancer group is dedicated to informing members on various types of cancer and
treatment. We also create and donate hand-crafted "tokens of strength" for those engaging in a
battle with cancer as well as their loved ones to hopefully brighten their days as they go through this trying time.
DIGITAL ART
Advisor - Mr. Wintersteen
This group will meet Tuesdays from 3:15 – 4:00 pm via Zoom. It is open to all WPHS students
who want to explore Digital Art techniques on the iPad including: Digital drawing & painting,
character design, Photo editing & collage, animation, iMovie, and 3D modeling. This will be run as “open studio time”
where students can explore techniques shared by Mr. Wintersteen and other students. They can also
work on their own independent projects and get feedback from their peers.
ASTRONOMY
Advisor - Ms. Flanagan
Let's reach for the stars! Come join us on Mondays at 2:40p.m. via Zoom for the Astronomy Group.
In our meetings, we discuss cosmic events and outer space phenomena.
We also recognize and celebrate human achievements in space exploration.
DEBATE TEAM
Advisor - Mr. Davis
Debate club presents a forum where students can engage in civil discourse, develop
critical thinking skills and hear multiple narratives on important topics.
Club meets on zoom after school on Wednesday.
MEDICINE GROUP
Advisor - Mr. Crino
The Medicine Group is for students who have an interest in the medical field. Our group has
monthly guest speakers from a variety of medical backgrounds, including EMT's, Medical Researchers,
Physicians, Surgeons, Medical Students, etc. group members discuss medical concepts and
current events, watch videos, plan trips, learn first aid and more!
STUDENTS FOR REFUGEES
Advisor - Ms. Esswein
Students for Refugees (SFR) focuses on advocating, fundraising and educating people across
Westchester County on refugees, we’re an apolitical club and welcome everyone.
STUDENTS FOR CHANGE
Advisor - Mr. Shariff
Students for Change is designed to be a diverse and welcoming community to all students,
where we discuss the pressing social justice issues affecting our nation and world. Every week
we will focus on a new topic, including: racial injustice, climate change, gender equality,
LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and more. Join us on Zoom, Wednesdays at 1pm! The link can be found
on our Schoology page, which you can join with the code M37H-SX87-F2BHS. We hope to see you there!!
In addition to the clubs and groups listed, the following groups may run depending on student interest:
Fashion Group
Model U.N. Group
Stock Market Group
Garden Group
Health and Fitness Group
Anthropology Group
Philosophy Group
Poetry Group
Cooperative for Education Group
Knitting Group
American Sign Language Group
Humane Society Group
Global Ambassadors Group
ICU Movement Group
Filmmakers Group