By joining one of the clubs that Westerville South offers, you will better your school and community.

According to the article, “Top 8 Benefits of High School Clubs” from The University Network clubs look great on college applications. Colleges are attracted to students who get involved outside of the classroom.

The article explains that research suggests a correlation between students who participate in clubs and academic success. The article says by going to club meetings, you are participating in something that is constructive, which will likely generate better educational outcomes.

Research concludes that friendships can lead to better mental health. Several club advisors here at Westerville South said that one of the main focuses of their club(s) is to interact with others and build friendships. Collaborating with your peers and finding people who share the same interests as you can influence your mental health.

Clubs also allow you to gain teamwork and leadership experience. These skills can be used beyond high school and can help you reach your goals in the future.

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

The purpose of Battle of the Books is to have fun and compete against other Central Ohio high schools based on questions asked about pre-selected books that the team members read. You should join this club to share your love of books and reading and compete alongside your peers! This club meets every Monday after school beginning in October until 3:00 p.m. in the library. With any questions contact Librarian, Brandi Young via email at [email protected] 

The above information was provided by Librarian, Brandi Young.

BOOK CLUB

The purpose of Book Club is to read amazing books, discuss them, and share your love of books and reading with others. You should join this club to get to know like-minded people who love books and reading just as much as you do! This club meets once a month during lunch periods. Listen to The Wildcat Today for more information on specific dates. With any questions contact Librarian, Brandi Young via email at [email protected] 

The above information was provided by Librarian, Brandi Young.

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB

The purpose of this club is to become a stronger writer by free writing, working on our own pieces, and critiquing our work. You should join this club to make time to write and hone your craft of writing. This club meets twice a month after school on Thursdays until 3:00 p.m. in the library. Meetings will begin in October. With any questions contact Librarian, Brandi Young via email at [email protected] 

The above information was provided by Librarian, Brandi Young.

FIGHTING FOR FEMINISM

The purpose of this club is to work together to promote the well-being of those who identify as female. You do not have to identify as female to attend. Come prepared to be empowered! You should join this club to find like-minded individuals who want to fight for their rights and also have a safe space in which to gather and talk. This is a place to work on yourself, your strength, and your leadership skills. The first meeting will take place in October and the frequency and times of meetings will be determined by club members. Stay tuned to The Wildcat Today for more information. With any questions contact Librarian, Brandi Young via email at [email protected] 

The above information was provided by Librarian, Brandi Young.

PROJECTLIT

The purpose of this club is to bring our community together by reading and discussing diverse and culturally relevant books. You should join this club to empower yourself as a reader and leader within our school and community. The first meeting will take place in October and the frequency and times of meetings will be determined by club members. Stay tuned to The Wildcat Today for more information. With any questions contact Librarian, Brandi Young via email at [email protected] 

The above information was provided by Librarian, Brandi Young.

KEY CLUB

The primary focus of this club is volunteering in the school and greater Westerville community. You should join this club to help make a positive difference in our community and to get to know like-minded individuals who also want to better their communities. This also looks great on college applications! This club typically meets the first Tuesday of every month in Mrs. Stocker’s room, Room 2109. The first meeting is on Sept. 6th. With any questions, contact history teacher, Kelley Stocker via email at [email protected] 

The above information was provided by history teacher, Kelley Stocker.

OUR VOICES MATTER

This club focuses on building, raising, and empowering student voices through any social issue within the school, district, or community.  This club spends time discussing current events that may create/cause emotions that students need a space to bring to light. It also focuses on planning ways to identify concerns within the school/district when looking at equity, diversity, and inclusion and identifying strategies to confront and propose a change for these issues. Students should join to embrace the change within the community and environment of the school. This club allows students to have their voices heard, and empowered, no matter which side they stand on within an issue. This club meets twice per month, every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, right after school in Room 1129, usually for about an hour. With any other questions, visit science teacher, Tyler Rutledge in Room 1129 or email him at [email protected] 

The above information was provided by science teacher, Tyler Rutledge.

THEATRE

The purpose of this club is to build confidence, self-esteem, and friendships. It focuses on mainstage shows, student-led projects, team building, leadership, scholarship, and a national honors society. You should join Theatre if you are interested in the arts such as Painting, Building, Technology, Performing, Singing, Dancing, Organizing, management, writing, and directing, there is something for everyone! South’s Theatre holds an annual SCHO SHOW, which is a great time to get involved. Theatre meets as a club on the second Wednesday of every month (with some exceptions) in the auditorium. If you would like to get involved, just show up! Follow the Instagram @wshstheatre.513 and join the Schoology course (code: DKQC-VPP7-N326J). With any questions, contact Theater Director, Matthew Wolfe via email [email protected]  

The above information was provided by Theatre Director, Matthew Wolfe.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The purpose of this club is to create, lead, and execute a show celebrating Black Excellence in our school and community. You should join BHM if you enjoy creating content and celebrating Black Excellence. Students work together throughout the year to plan, audition, rehearse and perform their show. There will be an informational meeting on October 26th to prepare for Auditions and announce the theme and go over all the dates, etc. To get involved in BHM, show up to the informational meeting. With any further questions contact Theatre Director, Matthew Wolfe via email [email protected]  

The above information was provided by Theatre Director, Matthew Wolfe.

FILM CLUB

The primary focus of Film Club is to learn about filmmaking and filmmaking concepts, master the art of visual storytelling, and create films (both animated and live-action). Once the club has kicked off, they hope to do promotions and advertisements for clubs and the announcements or partner with The Scribe in their new broadcasting segment. You should join this club if you have any interest in film, television series, or documentaries. Be prepared to write your own scripts, engage in the filmmaking process, and be open to working through the creative process with a team. This club will meet every Thursday (with the exception of some Thursdays throughout the school year) in Room 1308 from 2:15-3:30 p.m. On days where there’s a 30-minute early release, they will meet from 1:35-2:45 p.m. You can get involved by showing up, scanning the QR code on any of the flyers around the school, or joining the Remind by texting 81010 with the code @gocatsfilm.

The above information was provided by English teacher, Emily Swank-Kavanaugh.

STUDENT COUNCIL

The primary focus of this club is to better the South community, both at school and throughout the Westerville community. The club organizes homecoming, caring and sharing, and veteran community outreach. You should join the Student Council to learn useful skills such as budgeting and how to plan and carry out large events all while working with a diverse group of people. First semester, this club meets almost every week on Thursday from 2:15-3:00. Other extracurriculars can be accommodated if necessary. Freshmen can join Student Council up until mid-September. There’s an open enrollment period in April-May for those interested in joining for the next year who will be sophomores-seniors. Students can contact either science teacher, Lauren Sefton in Room 1127 or English teacher, Megan Messner in Room 1314 with any questions.

The above information was provided by science teacher, Lauren Sefton.

GENDER AND SEXUALITY ALLIANCE

The primary focus of this club is for students to support each other and learn about homophobia, transphobia, and other oppressions. The GSA is a place where LGBTQIA+ students, allies, and members of the school community can work together to make school a safer and more accepting place for LGBTQIA+ students. This club aims to educate the school community about issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation. The goal is to end discrimination, harassment, and violence in schools. This club meets on the first Wednesday of every month in room 1321. With any questions contact any of the advisors, Sarah Detrick ([email protected]), Christin Hammons ([email protected]), Noelle Spristersbach ([email protected]), or the club President, Tyler Johnson ([email protected]). 

The above information was provided by English teacher, Sarah Detrick.

SOUTH LITERARY AND ART MAGAZINE 

SLAM or Westerville South’s Literary and Art Magazine is a student-run and student-driven magazine that presents the art, prose, or poetry of any student (and sometimes staff members) at Westerville South High School. Throughout the pages of the magazine, you’ll see the very best in creative ingenuity that Westerville South has to offer. Between lines of haunting and beautiful prose that make you ache with words unsaid and the vibrant lines of color and shade of art that fill your mind with new worlds, every person can find something to appreciate. This club meets on the second Thursday of each month in Room 1321. With any further questions contact English teacher, Sarah Detrick, via email at [email protected] 

The above information was provided by English teacher, Sarah Detrick.

FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES3

The purpose of Fellowship of Christian Athletes is to have a welcoming place for students and athletes interested in Christianity to meet and discuss ways to help others and each other. Everyone is welcome to come to FCA meetings; you don’t have to be an athlete or a Christian. Students who come can get their Student Engagement Seal. Students should join this club for opportunities to be a positive help to others. This club meets every Friday at 6:45 a.m. in Room 2112. Contact Matt Rees via email with any questions at [email protected].

The above information was provided by Social Studies Teacher, Matt Rees.

YEARBOOK CLUB

The purpose of this club is to help create a memory book. Anyone is welcome to join. This club teaches skills such as timeliness and dedication. Starting in November there will be meetings once or twice a week in the Athletic Office and meetings will go into summer. With any questions contact Athletic Secretary, Amanda Crist via email at [email protected].

The above information was provided by Athletic Secretary, Amanda Crist.

STEAM CLUB

This club explores science, technology, engineering, art, and math. It covers the fun content of your science classes without a test at the end. You should join if you watch nerdy YouTube videos, make elephant toothpaste for fun, or genuinely enjoy solving puzzles. There are no requirements to join; so if you just want to participate without commitment, you can drop by when the particular activity that week interests you. However, if you go to enough meetings, you can earn a graduation seal for school participation. Meetings are right after school every other Thursday and last about an hour. For more detailed week-to-week information about meeting topics, times, and locations, join the club Remind @STEAMWSHS or connect through Instagram @wshs_steam_club. 

The above information was provided by science teacher, Jonathon Holderman.

IN THE KNOW

This club focuses on letting students display their competition skills as part of a group.  As club advisor and English teacher, Jenny Freshly puts it this club is a “trivial pursuit on steroids.” Join this club if you want to work with a fun group of students to show off your knowledge and competitive side. The In The Know club meets every Wednesday in Room 1318 from 2:10 – 3:00 p.m. Contact Freshly at [email protected] if you’re interested in joining the club or have any questions regarding the club. 

The above information was provided by English teacher, Jenny Freshly.

KNITTING CLUB

This club’s purpose is to teach people how to knit and to help improve knitting skills. Jenny Freshly runs the Knitting club in Room 1318. Join this club if you would like to learn how to knit, hang out with people, just relax, or enjoy freshly baked snacks by Freshly! The knitting club meets every other Friday from 2:10 to 3:00. Contact Freshly at [email protected] if you’re interested in joining the club or if you have questions about the club.  

The above information was provided by English teacher, Jenny Freshly.

ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB

If you care for the environment this club is for you. The environment club focuses on bringing attention to environmental issues: global warming, pollution, etc. The members of the club plant a garden, study sustainable diversity, foster native gardens, and do many more activities.  English teacher Jenny Freshly mentors the club out of Room 1318. The club meets every other Tuesday from 2:10-3:00. Contact Freshly via email at [email protected] if you’re interested in joining the club or have any questions regarding the club. 

The above information was provided by English teacher, Jenny Freshly.

BLACK STUDENT UNION

Black Student Union (BSU) is run by and was created by Seniors Olivia Browne and Edrina Jones. BSU was created for all students to talk about issues that affect people of color and issues around the school and to feel unified in the school.  The primary focus is to allow students to engage with people that look like them while also giving back to the Westerville South community. It is an opportunity for South students to celebrate black excellence in WSHS and work together to strengthen the community.  Anyone is free to join and are welcome to come in and talk about any positive or negative issues in the community. 

The above information was provided by math teacher, Kevin Freeman.