Activities and Organizations
The district's mission is to create a learning environment "that promotes character, fosters responsibility, and challenges students to achieve their potential." With the framework of a national culture enamored with test score results, we constantly search for ways to stay true to that mission with the broader and more important goal of ensuring student success in the complex world of the 21st Century. We believe that our extracurricular and athletic programs are laboratories of life. They provide opportunities for our students to practice and develop the elements of character - respect, responsibility, perseverance, courage, compassion, and honesty. Without these components in a personal inventory, high test scores would be for naught.
Susquehannock has a rich program of co-curricular activities including:
Aevidum
Aevidum's goal is to create positive mental health environments where all students feel accepted, appreciated, acknowledged, and cared for in schools and communities across the nation. The word Aevidum, which means "I've got your back," was created by students in Lancaster County. At the core of Aevidum is an educational philosophy that empowers students to take responsibility to make a difference. Aevidum students are encouraged to use their gifts and talents and to recognize the gifts and talents of their peers to create cultures of care in advocacy in their schools and communities.
Advisors: Mr. Shervington and Mr. Lawrence
Alliance
Alliance is Susquehannock High School’s meeting space for all LGBT+ students and allies. This club provides much needed face to face social time and support for young members of the LGBT+ community and aims to promote education and acceptance to the student body. Alliance welcomes every student who identifies as LGBT+, their friends, and other allies. Advisor: Mrs. Littleton
Anime
Anime Club is a place for students interested in anime and manga to occasionally meet, watch anime, read manga, and discuss various series, shows, or books they’ve enjoyed in the genre. In the past, club members have voted on school appropriate episodes or series that members have recommended to view and hosted watch parties so that other members can learn about new series which may catch their interest. Students who enjoy drawing, reading manga, or watching anime may find this club interesting.
Advisor: Mr. Shervington
Aspiring Medical Professionals Club
The Aspiring Medical Professionals Club is a club for students interested in the medical field. Their goal is for students to be exposed to and learn about different medical professions. The Aspiring Medical Professionals Club will have meetings with guest speakers that will talk about their educational and medical career paths. Students in the club may also have opportunities to engage in special opportunities such as viewing procedures or shadowing opportunities when available.
Advisor: Mrs. McGlynn
Automotive Club
Our Mission is to provide enriching, engaging activities and discussions for all students interested in automotive culture. We will identify and explore opportunities for student enrichment in the following areas: Vehicle maintenance, repair knowledge and skills, safety on the road, custom modifications, engine types and more! Our Club will also lay the groundwork for current and future auto enthusiasts looking for direction on setting short term achievable goals of responsible car ownership and its privileges.
Advisor: Mr. Martin
Aviation Club
Students interested in becoming pilots are encouraged to join Aviation Club. Students in the club will meet once a month and discuss opportunities, interests and information to become a pilot.
Advisor: Ms. Schoemaker
Band/Color Guard
Marching Band
Combines the musicality of the Concert Band, the precision of marching, the beauty of choreography and dance, the pageantry of the football season, and the fire of percussion to create a truly unique and special activity. Modern marching band shows are intense, athletic and skillful. At Susquehannock, marching band is a SPORT! Weekly rehearsals begin at the beginning of May to familiarize students with the music. Band camp begins the first week of August and the marching season runs through November.
Advisor: Mr. Poole
Concert Band
For woodwind, brass and percussion students who cannot fulfill the Marching Band requirements of the “Full Year Band”. Emphasis is placed on the development of technical skills necessary for performance. After school rehearsals and performances are required.
Advisor: Mr. Poole
Color Guard
A visual performing ensemble that consists of students from all grades who have an interest in performing dance, choreography and synchronized and expressive movement and do not play a band instrument. An essential element to the marching band program. Has the same rehearsal and performance requirements that the marching band has, but takes place only during the first quarter of the school year. Advisor: Mr. Poole
Winter Color Guard
The Susquehannock Winter Color Guard is an extracurricular activity connected to the marching band program. Winter guard is performed indoors, usually in a gym or indoor arena, during the winter season. Also, there is no band involved. Winter guard performs to a recording of various musical genres. A winter guard unit performs using dance, acrobatic features, and most of all, with various pieces of equipment. While guard equipment can vary from anything to everything, flags, rifles, and sabers are the main pieces of equipment. Guard members toss, spin, and do much more with their equipment, which can change throughout their show. The competing season runs from December to April. Winter color guard is open to anyone; you do not need to have experience to join and all are welcome.
Advisor: Mr. Poole
District Band
There are opportunities for our band students to audition for the District ensembles. These include District Band, Regional Band, District Jazz Band and All-State Bands.
Advisor: Mr. Poole
Jazz Band
This ensemble is an extra-curricular activity. To be a member of this ensemble, however, you must be enrolled in one of the music offerings at Susquehannock. Advisor: Mr. Poole
Big Buddy Program
The Big Buddy program is a mentoring program. Big Buddies from SHS are paired with Little Buddies from Southern Elementary School. Big Buddies play games, read books, help with homework, and talk with their little buddies for 30 minutes each week. This program is open to seniors and juniors who meet the academic requirement of a GPA of 2.0 or the recommendation of a school counselor. Big Buddies must be able to commit to a weekly meeting at the same day/time (minimum of 15 weeks throughout the year).
Advisor: Dr. Miller
Book Club
If you like to read, discuss books, or just meet interesting people then the Book Club is for you. The Book Club meets after school once a month to discuss a chosen text, genre, or sample new books. If this club sounds like something that would interest you, please stop by the library and speak to Mrs. Daniels. We are always accepting new members or any student can just drop in for a meeting to see what it is like.
Advisor: Mrs. Daniels
Chess Club
Chess club gives students an opportunity to play friendly games of chess against their peers in a low-stress environment, as well as learning new strategies to improve their own game. Intended for all those who enjoy playing chess. All are welcome – from Grand Champions to beginners just learning the game, as help is given to those who need it. Bring just yourself and a desire to play!
Advisor: Mrs. Daniels
Class Council
The freshman class council is comprised of four officers: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary (which were voted on at the start of the school year) and all hard working freshmen who are willing to dedicate their time. Class council members can sign up in the fall with the council advisor, Ms. Shenot. The council is responsible for Homecoming activities and participating in Adopt-A-Family for community service. The entire Freshman Class is expected to participate in a fundraiser in order to establish their account for their Junior and Senior years. Donations will be accepted at any time throughout the year.
There are class councils for each year:
Freshman Class Council Advisor: Ms. Shenot
Sophomore Class Council Advisor: Mr. Lawrence
Junior Class Council Advisor: Ms. Porter
Senior Class Council Advisor: Mr. Posner
Concert Choir
The SHS Concert Choir is a one-credit curricular class that consists of students in grades 9-12. Students will build skills in music reading, sight-reading, and vocal technique as well as building a knowledge about music theory/history and will experience a wide variety of choral music. Concert Choir is open to anyone in the high school with a desire and dedication for singing. The Concert Choir performs at the annual winter and spring concerts, as well as performing for various sporting events at SHS including the Homecoming football game in addition to other community events. Do not think you can sing well? We come to choir to learn how to sing better! Choir may be just the 'thing' for you to find your place here at SHS! Director: Mr. Althouse
Chanticleer
Chanticleer is a select vocal ensemble for SHS! To be a member of Chanticleer a student must be a member of the Concert Choir and must have a successful audition for the choral director. Chanticleer performs at the annual Winter and Spring Concerts, but also had a number of other performances at local churches and other community events. Rehearsal times: tbd. Director: Mr. Althouse
A Cappella Ensemble
Student led music ensemble that will perform a variety of music and perform as the opportunity arises. Advisor: Mr. Althouse
Creative Writing
Creative Writing Club is a group in which learning and bettering creative writing skills are valued. Each member works on personal writing but also other sample of creative writing are studied. Join Creative Writing Club today and learn how you too can write amazing creative pieces!
Advisor:
Dance Team
The Dance Team's objective is to add to the diversity and inclusion of our school community. Allowing those students that may not have time to participate in other school activities a chance to do so or to just have fun and collaborate while giving them another opportunity to shine and be recognized.
Advisor: Mrs. Grove
Speech and Debate Club (Forensics)
Speech and Debate/Forensics Club promotes student interest, understanding, and development in the art of debate and public speaking. Members will learn different styles of debate which include Lincoln-Douglas and Policy. They will travel and participate at local competitions with the possibility of qualifying for regional, state, and national events. Members can also explore the mock trial format. Speech and Debate/Forensics Club is held on a weekly basis in the fall and spring. Participation helps students interested in pursuing careers in law and government.
Advisors: Mr. Warren and Mr. Schiffgens
Envirothon
The Envirothon is an interactive, hands-on student competition designed to test their knowledge of Pennsylvania's natural resources. This standards-based environmental science program emphasizes environmental sensitivity with social, ecological, and economic balance. The goal of the Envirothon is to provide our students with the tools they need to become responsible stewards of York County's agricultural and natural ecosystems. Students compete in teams with testing on the following topics: Aquatics, Current Issues (2007 Alternate Energy Sources), Forestry, Soils, and Wildlife.
Advisor: Mr. Stipcak
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
The purpose of FCA is to present to athletes, coaches, teachers, and students and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.
Advisor: Mr. Bowers, Mr. Heikes and Mr. Posner
Film Club
Film Club is a student-led organization providing a creative outlet for students wishing to further develop their video storytelling skills. Students involved will typically work in small groups to create short films to be shared with peers and submitted to local film festivals. Students utilize skills in scriptwriting, storyboarding, shot composition/videography and editing. The club typically meets bi-weekly during period 11 with expectations to work on projects outside of normal school hours.
Advisor: Mr. Hare
Floor Hockey
The floor hockey club focuses on giving students the chance to play a sport that isn't offered at our school. We meet on Friday and occasionally Monday mornings before school. Dates and times will be communicated at least 2 days in advance. Start time is 6:50 am, and we play until the 7:30 bell. Please enter the building through Trainer Kallies door. Once everything is set up, we pick teams, and play! The Floor hockey club provides an opportunity for friendly competition, skill development as well as increased participation in physical activity. Students have the opportunity to work on their Muscular strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, speed, agility, balance and coordination in Floor Hockey Club.
Advisor: Mr. Sorice
French Club
The Susquehannock French Club sponsors one event monthly during the academic year. Membership is open to anyone enrolled in French class. Each monthly activity promotes exposure and understanding of French culture including areas such as film, literature, music, cooking, discussion and sports. Student leadership is provided by elected officers. Non-French speakers are invited to participate in some of the sessions during the year. Advisor: Mr. Nguifeu Kamla
Gardening Club
The gardening club has been created to encourage students to learn about the process of growth in plants and the maintenance and harvesting of their products as well. The intent of the gardening club is to empower students when it comes to growing their own food and encourage them to learn about how food is grown and harvested. The gardening club is welcoming everyone who wants to join and learn more about where and how the food they eat daily is produced.
Advisor: Mrs. Burris and Mrs. Mooney
Grain or Shine Club
The Grain or Shine club is a student-led organization whose mission is to raise awareness and money for various social movements through the sale of baked goods. This organization holds four events throughout the year, and members can take on roles within the planning, food preparation, and/or public communications and delivery committees. Whether students decide to help in the kitchen or assume a more managerial position, the Grain or Shine club ensures that their services will benefit their local community and promote social change in the world at large.
Advisor: Mrs. Rayburn
Hiking Club
Hiking club is for Susquehannock Warriors with untamed wanderlust! Members come together to travel on four hikes throughout the school year, each providing its own unique adventure to bring students closer to nature and to each other. During the time between these hikes, members meet in room 118 on the second Wednesday every month for lessons on navigation, survival tips, wildlife identification, and nature stewardship. Opt outside, get on the trail, and join the SHS hiking club!
Advisors: Mrs. Burris
Hispanic Cultural Club
Hispanic & Latino Cultural Club is a student-led after school club that offers its members exposure to the Spanish-speaking world and its rich, diverse cultures. Club members will be exposed to music, movies, art, clothing, and food! This is a social club that welcomes any student who wants to join... contrary to the name, there is no need to know any Spanish here or be of Hispanic or Latino decent! Club members should expect to learn, create, unwind, and make new friends & memories along the way.
Advisors: Mrs. Rayburn & Mrs. Walker
History Club
The Susquehannock History Club is a club that explores a range of historical topics through enrichment trip opportunities. Some trip examples include visiting museums and battlefields, hearing historians speak, or viewing historical films. The club will work towards exploring a variety of time periods and aspects of history. Overall, the club’s objective is to engage students in the subject area of history that is personal and unique. Advisor: Mr. Warren
In-Car Driving
In-Car Driving is a program designed to make you a safer and more skillful driver. It is a recognized program by the State of Pennsylvania. Most insurance companies will honor this program with up to a 10% discount on insurance premiums. Information sheets are available in the high school's main office.
Instructor: Mr. Sorice
Leo/Community Services Club
The Leo Club is open to all 9-12 grade students who would like to volunteer in the local area. Members are required to attend one meeting per month and complete a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer activity during the school year. Volunteer hours may be completed individually or through club-sponsored activities.
Advisor:
Link Crew Leaders
Link Crew Leaders are junior and senior students who volunteer to work with freshmen during the first year of transition from middle to high school. Pairs of Link Leaders are mentors to a group of freshmen beginning with a Freshman Orientation on the first day of school. During the school year Link Leaders continue to work with their groups for academic and social follow-up sessions. Any student interested in becoming a Link Leader needs to complete an application and interview during the spring of his/her sophomore or junior year. Applicants should be dependable, good role models and positive leaders. Advisors: Mr. Sorice, Mrs. Grove, and Mr. Lawrence
Literary Magazine
The Literary Magazine Club is a student-run organization for grades 9-12 that publishes submissions of artwork, photography, short stories and poems created by students at SHS. Student submission may be turned in to Mr. Groth or any English/art teacher and are accepted until January. The publication is produced tentatively in April of each school year. The club meets once a week and is very open to new members. Come join us!
Advisor: Mr. Groth
Math Club
The math club is for learning about interesting math topics for both competitions and fun. We learn about topics like algebra, trigonometry, number theory, geometry, sequences, and probability for the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) in November. After that, more advanced concepts including calculus, real analysis, complex analysis, and set theory are explored. While the topics before and after the AMC are not covered in standard math classes and can be very challenging, anyone at any level of math experience is certainly welcome to join the club. Although this is only the second year of the math club's existence, you could be a valuable member of this dedicated group of math enthusiasts!
Advisor: Mr. Lewis
Mini-Thon
Mini-THON is a club that supports the Four Diamonds Foundation to fight pediatric cancer. This is our 4th year having Mini-THON at SHS. We now have a homeroom and all are welcome at our once-a-month meetings after school to organize activities & fundraisers. Activities include gold-out games, restaurant spirit nights, raffles, car washes, selling Tshirts, bracelets, candy, ribbons, & flowers. Every odd year (on a half-day of school in March) we have a huge event similar to PSU's "THON" in which students solicit sponsors and then dance, do karaoke, face paint, hair dye, use the photo booth, play lawn games, board games, and ping-pong. The goal is to donate over $20,000 to help support the families that deal with childhood cancer.
Advisors:
Multicultural Club
This multicultural club works to enhance the understanding of the backgrounds and experiences of members of the SHS student body. This club provides Warrior students with an opportunity to engage in activities and discussions designed to help create a better understanding of issues, practices, celebrations, foods and other facets of the cultures represented at SHS. The Multicultural Club is open to all students regardless of race, creed, color, or culture. This club has a goal to build positivity, encouragement, and friendships, increase and spread awareness, and enhance the quality of school life for all Warrior students. This club is run by the students and with faculty supervision.
Advisor: Mr. Shervington
National Honor Society
Although students are not eligible for NHS until September of their junior year, they begin building their eligibility resume during freshman year. Requirements for NHS include a 3.5000 GPA, and a clean discipline record. The chapter requirements are a minimum of 8 activities over a 2 year span (juniors) or a minimum of 11 activities over a 3 year span (seniors). Two activities each year may be community service activities. See the student handbook or the NHS advisors, Mrs. Landis (School Nurse) and Mrs. Wilt.
Orchestra
High School Orchestra is for those students who participated in middle school orchestra or have at least one year of experience on a bowed string instrument. Attendance at rehearsals and concerts is mandatory. The orchestra performs 5 concerts (fall, winter, all district, chamber, spring) and at graduation. Students are able to audition for PMEA festivals and participate in other orchestra festivals throughout the year. We also perform at other school events where music adds to the event.
Director: Mr. Jones
Select Strings
The SHS Select Strings is an auditioned ensemble. Students who are members of the high school orchestra are eligible to audition. This ensemble meets every day 6, performs an extra piece in each concert and travels outside of the school district to perform. This is a small ensemble and attendance is crucial to the success of the ensemble.
Director: Mr. Jones
SHS String Quartet
The SHS String Quartet is an auditioned ensemble. Students who are members of the high school orchestra are eligible to audition. The quartet has 1 player for violin 1, violin 2, viola and cello. This ensemble also performs outside of the school district and at special school events. This quartet rehearses on days 2 or outside of the school day. Attendance is mandatory.
Director: Mr. Jones
Ping Pong Club
The goal of the SHS Ping Pong Club is to help students play table tennis/ping pong recreationally and competitively and have fun! No experience is required to join - part of the club’s purpose is to introduce students new to racket/paddle sports to the game. The club also provides an outlet for existing tennis and racket sport players to play and develop skills during their off seasons. The club hopes to participate in school and community events to promote the sport and support the school community.
Advisor: Mr. Jones & Mr. Poteet
Powerlifting Club
This is a sport for anyone. It doesn't make a difference what your athletic ability may be, or even your current strength levels. The harder you work, the better you will become. Students will learn proper technique and training protocol to aid in the development of the squat, bench, and deadlift. The club’s goal is to create an environment of hard work and self-discipline, while providing students a chance to compete at the local, state, and national levels of the sport.
Advisor: Mr. DeLuca
Psychology Club
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. It includes the study of conscious and unconscious occurrences, including feelings and thoughts. It is crossing the boundaries between the natural and social sciences. The goal of the Psychology Club is to raise money for psychology research, learn more about different psychological experiments around the world, how SHS functions, and anything related to psychology that students are interested in.
Advisor: Mr. Kerr
SHS Theatre
Try out for our Fall Play or Spring Musical or join the crew in building the sets and props, operating the lighting and sound or constructing the costuming for these shows!
Director: Mr. Will Jenkins (leave a note in his mailbox in the high school's main office) or at william.jenkins@sycsd.org.
Spikeball Club
The Spikeball club is a club for those who are looking to enjoy physical activity and learn more about a fun game. If you enjoy fun team games then this is the club for you! The club is designed for anyone ; whether you are an athlete or not, we are open to anyone! We meet every Wednesday during period 11, but if you cannot make it then it is no problem. We hope to see you there!
Advisor: Mrs. McGee
Sports In College Club
Are you interested in playing a sport in college? Then if so, join the Sports in College Club! We will discuss the next steps high school athletes have to take to become a college athlete. We will discuss courses needed, different divisions, how and when to get in touch with coaches, and your social media presence. Meetings will be held twice a month in the cafeteria
Advisors: Mr. Keeney
Student Council / Senate
The purpose of Student Council is to promote and develop school spirit, pride and morals through its leadership activities. Student Council members are required to attend weekly meetings and participate in activities throughout the school year, including Homecoming, Holiday Share, Jail-A-Teacher, October Fun Night, etc. Elections are held in the spring. Advisors: Mr. Warren and Ms. Altemose
Student Dental Association / Pre-Dental Club
A club filled with High School students interested in a career in the dental field. They will have the opportunity to learn more about the different career fields while getting first hand experience on basic dental terminology/anatomy. Students will be exposed to a wide range of dental career opportunities and get a head-start on their future endeavors. The club will also raise awareness about and promote dental and oral health including running community service opportunities for gathering dental supplies for the less fortunate. Meetings will take place once a week during period 11.
Advisor: Mr. Sechrist
Susky Step Team
The Susky Step Team group started because it brings unity and culture between people and gives people an opportunity to show their individual styles. Stepping, also spelled steppin' or blocking, is a complex synchronized dancelike performance that blends African folk traditions with popular culture. Stepping involves clapping, body slapping, vocalizations, and dramatic movements. The dance form has origins in African dance. Many sources agree that stepping is derived from African culture and an African dance that incorporates slapping the arms, legs, and chest, created in West Africa by slaves when slave owners refused to let them communicate by drums.
Advisor: Ms. Stiffler
The Gaming Club
The Gaming Club is a part of VGCA (Video Gaming Clubs of America) and provides students with the opportunity to enjoy games of all types: board, card, video, etc. in a safe and supportive environment. The club meets biweekly during homeroom and also for special events or competitions. The Gaming Club is a great way to meet new people, enjoy games, and improve interpersonal skills. Interested students should visit the library and speak to Mrs. Daniels for more information.
Advisor: Mrs. Daniels
Tri-M Music Honor Society
The Tri-M Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for high school students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. Through more than 5,500 chartered chapters, Tri-M is a program of the National Association for Music Education.
Advisor: Mr. Althouse
Unified Club
Unified Club is a club that is open to grades 9-12. We will be working with the Unified Track Team to help develop an inclusive environment for all individuals within the school setting. We are looking for individuals who would like to be positive role models to their peers. If you are looking to make a difference, then join our club.
Advisors: Ms. Bosley & Mrs. Hedrick
**Some of these activities may not qualify for National Honor Society membership selection requirements. To meet NHS criteria the activity or organization has to either serve the school and/or community, or represent the school in a positive way to the public through competition or performance. The following activities which are pursued purely for personal enjoyment are not considered service or representation: Ski Club • Spanish Club • French Club
For clarification please contact the National Honor Society advisor