Leadership and Organizations
Every Student Connected is an initiative within Comal ISD's strategic priority - Embrace Choice. Students who are connected to opportunities for enrichment (clubs, extra-curricular activities, intramurals, leadership organizations, etc) make connections that increase academic performance, attendance, scholarships, higher ed acceptance, career opportunities, and military readiness.
Our goal is to have 100% of Comal ISD K-12 Grade Students Connected to at least one enrichment opportunity every year they are in Comal ISD.
Each campus offers unique Leadership Opportunities. Here are some of our district programs offered at all campuses to support student growth in leadership, self management, and life skills:
- In the classroom -Youth Leadership, Student Council, AVID
- On campus - The Emerging Leaders, Chick Fil-A Leader Academy, UIL Academics
- In the community - The Student Leadership Summit
- 4 summits are offered throughout the school year for high school students
- Comal Fit and Comal Intramural Sports Events
Opportunities are frequently updated and may not be available at every campus.
| Opportunity | Description | Sponsor(s) |
| Architectural & Interior Design | William (Travis) McCulley | |
| Art | Art club will provide members with an opportunity to express their individuality through the creation of artworks and give back to our community, and school, using art in unique and creative ways. | Lizette Floyd |
| ASL | American Sign Language Club is for students who want to learn more about Deaf culture and sign language, socialize and collaborate with other ASL students. | Claudia Barthuly |
| AVID | This is a curricular course that occurs during the school day. AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination, helps students with writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading by incorporating a variety of strategies, goal-setting, teamwork, and preparation for college and future careers. Students in high school will be able to attend college fairs, participate in college field trips, write college application essays, and work to apply for scholarships. | Heather Boss-Durante |
| Band | The Ranger Band is one of the largest organizations on campus with highly competitive marching, jazz, color guard and concert ensembles. The Ranger Band has an excellent community of student leaders and an incredibly positive atmosphere for students to experience a myriad of musical and visual outlets. Reach out to the Band Staff at svrangerband.org to learn more about joining the Ranger Band! | Michael Childress |
| Baseball (V & JV) | The primary goal of the Smithson Valley High School Baseball Program is to develop student-athletes of character and integrity who will serve as positive members of the school, community, and society. As a program, our goal is to create an environment where student athletes can grow as leaders, competitors, and teammates. | Chad Koehl |
| Basketball Boys (V & JV) | This course focuses on the basic fundamentals of basketball – shooting, dribbling, rebounding, and defense as well as competitive team play, team offense and defense and strategy. Another part of this course will be weight lifting and conditioning | Ike Thornton |
| Basketball Girls (V & JV) | Smithson Valley girls' basketball is an athletic course designed to enable our students to study the fundamentals and theories of basketball and to put the elements of the game to use during UIL high school competition. We install individual and team characteristics that we hope can guide students to future success in all endeavors. | Matt Sutherland |
| Book Club | Students explore their love of reading as they work to improve their reading skills. | Amanda Trussell |
| Bowling Club | Want to be a part of a new tradition, joining the SV Bowling team. Why bowl? You will learn a lifetime sport, make new friends, be part of a team while having lots of fun. You can earn college scholarships. | Dora Rodriguez |
| BSU Club | Wednesdays at 8:25 in D102 The Black Student Union is an organization where you can immerse yourself with various black and African cultures, experiences, make friends, learn new things, and more! It seeks to build cultural and community bridges in the academic environment. BSU is open to all students, regardless of race, creed, color, religious affiliation, or sexual orientation. BSU will hold meetings that vary from arts & crafts, educational activities, social activities, guest speakers, and field trips!!! VIP campus/community events during the academic year: Kwanzaa; the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration; and Black History Month. |
Shanika Randle |
| Cheerleading (V & JV) | Cheerleading consists of instruction in basic movement and voice activities involved in promoting spirit. Other activities include preparation for pep rallies, parades, UIL Spirit competition, and other spirit activities. | Darla Docekal |
| Chess Club | Do you love to play chess? Are you interested in hanging out and competing with other students and students around the district in tournaments? Then Chess Club is for you. Join us every Thursday and Friday morning for some fun and competition. See Mr. Hubbard in room B112. | Tristan Cattan |
| Chick Fil A Leader Academy | The program leaders equip students with the leadership skills they need to positively impact their local communities, and in turn, the world. | Chris Helkey |
| Choir | FIND YOUR VOICE! You have a voice. Join us in choir. First period HIGH Frequency treble choir and 3rd Period - FULL FREQUENCY Mixed Choir. You have a place with the VOICE OF THE VALLEY. We perform a wide variety of music from the "Old Dead Guys" to Contemporary music and Broadway. If you have been a part of this group before, we welcome you to come back. If you are new to vocal music, come join us and let's sing... | Kelly Marcades |
| Color Guard | This is a curricular course on dance performance with multiple accessories such as flags, rifles, etc. This group performs with the marching band and in winter guard. | Robert Andrade |
| Cross Country Boys/Girls (V & JV) | Come be a part of a winning program! SVHS Cross Country has a long history of success. We take athletes of all experience and ability levels. You will have the opportunity to challenge yourself on a daily basis and contribute alongside supportive teammates who are all striving to do their part to continue the winning tradition. We travel all over Texas for meets. We are a tight knit team with regular team dinners and get togethers outside of practices. | Trenton Hall |
| Culinary Arts Club | SVHS Culinary Arts Club is an opportunity for students who have taken an FCS foods class to be involved in "foodie" activities with an emphasis on community service, cooking and nutrition. | Celeste Windham |
| Cyber Patriots | Tuesdays after school in C113 | Bryan Williams |
| Dance & Ballroom (JV) | ||
| Dance Team (JV & V) | This is a curricular course that allows students to learn dance technique while also increasing their physical fitness. Opportunities to showcase their dance outside of class in performances is offered. | Melanie Phillips |
| Debate | What is SVHS Debate? It is a class that prepares students for competitively based argumentation events. 1. Events are individual and in pairs. 2. It is a UIL recognized event with both state and national level competitions. 3. It is an event where you can receive a letter jacket for competing. 4. SVHS has a long track record of success. For each of the last 8 years we have had students represent the program at the state tournament in Lincoln Douglas Debate, Cross Examination Debate and Congressional Debate. Additionally, for as long as our program has existed we have been the #1 Speech & Debate program in Comal ISD. |
Jonathan McKinley |
| DECA | Prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools around the globe. | Ashlee Ward |
| Drama | This is an extracurricular opportunity for those interested in theatre, the craft, the audience and the friendship of those with this common interest. | Casey O'Bryant |
| Emerging Leaders Seminars | The Emerging Leaders program provides opportunities for students to attain life skills through creative environments and focused learning experiences that help identify and foster growth of individual inner leadership capabilities and open eyes to civic responsibility. Four sessions assist students in reaching untapped talents beyond the traditional high school classroom learning environment. These four sessions are focused on personal assessment, presentation skills, financial literacy, etiquette, college, career, and military choices. | Melissa McIlwain |
| eSports | Students in grades 9-12 can try out for their campus eSports team, playing games like League of Legends, Overwatch, Fortnite and Rocket League. More than just playing video games, teams focus on problem solving and strategy skills management, collaboration, communication, mental and physical health, philanthropy and real-world skills by competing against other eSports teams from around the state. | Tristan Cattan |
| FACS | Family and Consumer Sciences is designed for students who are interested in community service experiences and leading peers to make a strong and positive impact on our campus and community. Students will plan and implement community service activities through community service projects each month. Through these service opportunities students will develop and enhance their organizational and leadership skills and characteristics. Opportunities will also be provided for students to mentor elementary and middle school students on their respective campuses. Students will explore careers, agencies, and organizations focusing on family services and community. | Aubrie Herring |
| FCA | The SVHS chapter of FCA is part of the national Fellowship of Christian Athletes which extends the invitation to all students working to deepen their faith in Jesus. We meet twice a month Friday mornings in the foyer of the SVHS auditorium and facilitate student small group Bible studies. Other campus activities include See You At the Pole, Fields of Faith, and Nights of Worship. Our morning meetings include worship, speakers, small group discussions, games, prayer and donuts. Join us and meet other students that want to be bearers of light for Jesus. | Amanda Singer |
| FCCLA | FCCLA offers programs, contests, scholarships, and opportunities for members to develop real world skills, become college- and career-ready, and make a difference in families, careers, and communities. | Ashlee Ward |
| FCCLA - Fashion Club | Fashion is so much more than a tag! Fashion connects us all together. FCCLA Fashion Club is a student-led organization where members can participate in photo shoots, fashion shows, learn about the industry, serve our community, and compete in competitions. This year, we launched our online magazine, Haute. You do not have to be in a fashion class to join. Check us out @fccla.fashionclub | Shauna Douglass |
| FCS Club | Aubrie Herring | |
| FFA | FFA is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. FFA develops members’ potential and helps them discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success. Members are future chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many career fields. In grades 9-12 students must be enrolled in an Agricultural Science class to be eligible for FFA membership. Jr. Members can join in grades 3-8. | Shannon Houy |
| Football (V & JV) | The UIL Boys Athletic program is an extension of the physical education program. The program is organized to provide students an opportunity to express themselves in inter school competition. During the off-season students participate in weight lifting, running, agility, and techniques. | Larry Hill |
| Foreign Exchange Club | Ayanna Bush | |
| Foreign Exchange Student Club | The SVHS Foreign Exchange Club is designed to promote a cultural exchange between global and U.S. students. | Ayanna Bush |
| German Club | German Club meets once per month, date and time TBD. We delve deeper into culture, for example, celebrating holidays with special foods and fun activities. In November, we always visit Wurstfest on student day. | Christine Schneider |
| Golf Boys & Girls | Golf is an extension of the Physical Education program and is designed so that an individual can become proficient in the skills and strategy of golf. This course is organized to provide students an opportunity to express themselves in UIL competition. | Jason Pape |
| Graphic Design | Within this context, in addition to developing knowledge and skills needed for success in the Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications Career Cluster, students will be expected to develop an understanding of the industry with a focus on fundamental elements and principles of visual art and design. | Chris Nisley |
| HOSA | Future Health Professionals! Come join us to participate in school wide health related activities, field trips and local and national competitions. You will meet other like-minded students, learn more about healthcare & medicine, have opportunities to volunteer & give back and have lots of fun doing it all! | Dr. Jennifer Carrillo |
| Humans of SV (Humanitarian Club) | This is the place to be every Thursday if you like silliness, service, songs, and snacks! Earn community service hours while having fun and recycling the classrooms on SV campus. If you have a green thumb, you can also serve the community through independent projects and community gardening. It's fast, it's crazy, and we all have a blast. Become a Human and join us! | Holly Leach |
| Intramural Sport-Fencing | Comal ISD Fencing is a competitive fencing opportunity for CISD high school students in the Comal Intramural Sports Program. Fencing athletes compete in organized tournaments across the area as part of USA Fencing. | |
| Intramural Sport-Table Tennis | Comal ISD Table Tennis is a competitive fencing opportunity for CISD high school students in the Comal Intramural Sports Program. Table Tennis athletes compete in organized tournaments across the area as part of USA Table Tennis. | Sean Moore |
| Intramural Sports-Bass Fishing | Comal ISD Bass Fishing is a competitive bass fishing opportunity for CISD high school students in the Comal Intramural Sports Program. Student anglers compete in organized tournaments for collegiate scholarships in the Texas High School Bass Association Tournament circuit while establishing strict guidelines and excelling in the classroom. | Jason Pape |
| JROTC | This course helps students to understand the mission, goals, and opportunities available as members of the JROTC program. It introduces students to the basic principles of leadership, which combined with the many opportunities for practical experience in the JROTC program prepare them for leadership roles in school, and upon graduation, in life. Students will also develop an understanding of our nation, our values, traditions, heritage, and respect for our laws. This course enables students to become better informed, responsible citizens. | Scott Outlaw |
| K-Pop Dance | ||
| Key Club | The SV Key Club has an established partnership with the Hill Country Kiwanis Organization to complete monthly service projects for the community in which we live. The Kiwanis also award a scholarship to a deserving senior Key Club member upon graduation and completion of their service application. | Carol Speelman & Debbie Shewbridge |
| Leos Club | Jonathon McKinley | |
| Motivation Club | ||
| Newspaper | Newspaper is designed to teach students the various forms of journalism, application and analysis of media, as well as writing skills. Students will engage in multiple forms of media, with a strong focus in newspaper writing. This course is supplemental to the school newspaper, The Valley Ventana, valleyventana.org, and students are expected to contribute articles to the production of the paper. |
Margaret Edmonson |
| NHS | As a member of the National Honor Society, you demonstrate these four pillars: scholarship, service, leadership, and character. This organization provides you with the opportunity to further develop skills that are important as a young adult that you can use to serve your community. | Tracy Medina |
| Oral Interpretation | As a National Speech Honor Society League Member, students will learn Competitive “Real World” Professional Communication Verbal and Non-Verbal Speaking Strategies using Student’s Choice of Memorized Events: 1) Humorous Interpretation 2) Dramatic Interpretation 3) Original Oratory 4) Point of Interpretation (new) and 5) Duo Interpretation. Students will develop their own personal “Brand” in Image, Communication and Future Employment Skills such as “time management, soft skills and networking”. Students select literature to develop “their personal” vocal and physical demeanor to convey meaning using skills such as research, critical thinking, organization, collaboration, professional public speaking and writing. “Speech” is Oral Interpretation also known as Forensics. | Gloria Wolfshohl |
| Off Campus Connected | Students who are involved with work, club sports, community groups, church groups, and other outside organizations that contribute to the community. | Angel Mitchell, Becca Thornton, Sara Schroeder, Jasmine Wills, Ayanna Bush, Anna-Marie Trotter |
| Olympic Weightlifting (V & JV) | ||
| Orchestra | This is a curricular course that studies stringed orchestra instruments. Opportunities for continued learning and performance are offered outside the class time. | Klaus Weinelt |
| Outdoor/Adventure Education | ||
| PhysEd Fit-Comal PhysEd Games | Isaac Thornton | |
| Piano | Students at SVHS earn fine arts credits taking piano lessons in a group setting. Beginners with no experience start in Piano I, learning music reading, proper piano technique and basic music theory with classical and popular music. Freshmen with prior orchestra, band or choir (or private lessons) should begin as Piano I Accelerated students if they wish to take Piano all four years of high school. Students progress through PII, PIII and PIV at the regular or accelerated levels, eventually playing complex classical literature, utilizing higher level theory and studying the periods of music history. Advanced students can compete in the UIL solo contest in the spring. All students play class and evening recitals throughout the year and supplement traditional piano literature with popular, seasonal, ragtime and more. Our classes are enjoyable and meaningful; students gain confidence performing in public through low-pressure experiences. The Piano Lab is where many students find their community and the class becomes a welcome outlet for expression from the rigors of the academic day. | Amanda Singer |
| Ranger Athletic Trainers | Students are prepared in the science of injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation primarily as it relates to sports. Students will be provided with in- depth knowledge based on the concepts, skills and techniques commonly used in Athletic Training. This course includes classroom and practical sessions. | Bian Zettler & Rodney Murray |
| Rangers & Rogues (table top board game club) | The Rangers and Rogues Tabletop Club focuses on providing an environment for students to engage in meaningful experiences with tabletop games ranging from Dungeons & Dragons and Magic the Gathering to Risk, Uno, and Monopoly. The club aims to help students grow through healthy competition and cooperation via the medium of group based games. | Christopher Ellerbe |
| Rengers Unite | Offers programs, contests, scholarships, and opportunities for members to develop real world skills, become college-and-career-ready, and make a difference in families, careers, and communities. | Ashlee Ward |
| Ready, Set, Teach | Have you considered a career in education? Would you like hands-on experience working in the classroom with elementary or middle school students before you go to college? Instructional Practices in Education and Training (Ready, Set, Teach!) is a 2 credit field-based internship that provides students background knowledge of effective teaching practices. Students will mentor with an experienced elementary or middle teacher off-campus 4 days a week. Students learn to plan and direct individualized instruction and group activities, prepare lesson plans, assist with record keeping, and complete other responsibilities of classroom teachers, trainers, paraprofessionals, or other educational personnel. The students must provide their own transportation. | Cassie Pahl |
| Robotics (Iron Rangers) | Students in grades 9-12 can join Iron Rangers Robotics. Participants will gain problem-solving skills designing and building robots to perform tasks in games, based on real world issues. We not only need participants with engineering and coding skills, but business, marketing, and graphic design as well. During the fall semester, the Iron Rangers compete in the BEST Robotics Competition, and in the spring semesterm the team participates in First Robotics Competition (FRC). M-W after school until 6:00pm | Brian Williams |
| Rocketry Club | In the Rocketry Club, students will explore aerospace engineering. We will research, build and launch model rockets. | Deborah Parker |
| School Store | The Student Store Team focuses on a series of dynamic activities to gain knowledge and skills that will help them in one or more of marketing areas associated with distribution, financing, marketing information management, pricing, product planning, promotion, purchasing, risk management, selling skills and management training. | Gloria Wolfshahl |
| Science Club | Students conduct fun and engaging scientific investigations through involvement in science club. | Amy Gillespie |
| Skills USA - Construction | A SkillsUSA-Construction Chapter is currently being created. Fall Leadership Training is on October 19th and Competitions are in the spring. This is a state and national co-curricular organization only open to students in the SVHS-CTE Construction Classes. | Joseph Percevicz |
| Soccer Boys (V & JV) | Competitive program for students with soccer experience who desire to push themselves on the field, in the classroom and be a part of the Ranger community. Players will develop their soccer skills, fitness, strength, mental toughness and leadership skills which requires discipline, determination and a desire to improve. | Heather Boss-Durant |
| Soccer Girls (V & JV) | Soccer is designed to allow those students who are physically adapted to the game to extend their skills. This course is a component of the physical education program. | Jason Adkins |
| Softball Girls (V & JV) | The primary goal of the Smithson Valley High School Softball Program is to develop student-athletes of character and integrity who will serve as positive members of the school, community, and society. As a program, our goal is to create an environment where student athletes are able to grow as leaders, competitors, and teammates. | Amanda Wolf-Schramm |
| Spanish Club | Spanish Club is open to any SV student who would like to learn about and participate in various cultural latino events and holidays throughout the school year. We also do a service project of a toliletry drive benefitting the Children's Centre los Niños in Bulverde, TX who service families in need from our community. | Laura Heldmann |
| Sport Medicine | Sports Medicine I is designed to prepare the student in the science of injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation primarily as it relates to sports. Students will be provided with in- depth knowledge based on the concepts, skills and techniques commonly used in Athletic Training. This course includes classroom and practical sessions. This class is highly recommended for anyone considering a career in the medical fields, particularly Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy. Most colleges/universities request this class as a prerequisite for entering their Athletic Training and Sports Medicine programs. This class does not count toward the Physical Education credits required for graduation. | Rodney Murray |
| STAR Athletics | COMAL ISD offers a local competition STAR Sports Program for Bowling in the Fall and Track and Field and basketball in the Spring. This program is supported by student volunteers in the FACS program. Coaches work with students on skills that are needed to develop as a team while encouraging individuals to their best performance through practice and positive support. It is our goal to instill an appreciation for competition as well as develop skills to be used in lifetime recreation and leisure activities. | Caron Wilson |
| Student Council | Student Council is a group of student leaders dedicated to practicing leadership skills while working to raise the morale and spirit of students and teachers on campus. Students have the opportunity to attend leadership workshops and make new friends around the State of Texas. They also may join committees dedicated to drug and alcohol awareness, safety and health, energy and environment, and school and national pride. Student council is in charge of all Homecoming activities, including the dance and the themes for spirit week. Multiple opportunities for community service are provided as well. All students on campus are eligible to join the council. Active members have the opportunity to earn an honor cord for graduation and run for officer positions. There's a place for everyone in StuCo!! | Chris Helkey |
| S.U.R.E | Students United for Respect and Equality club focuses on fostering a unified campus culture of respect and equality. | Jimmy Wilson |
| SV Corn Hole Club | Come enjoy a low-pressure sport and take some time out of your day to hang with friends. Join the Cornhole Remind with the code @svcorn or see Mr. O'Rourke in Room A208 for additional information. | Michael O'Rourke |
| SV United | Club students aim to work with EA students to create a more inclusive and aware campus environment for students of every ability. | Aubrie Herring |
| Swim/Polo Boys & Girls | This course is designed to improve competitive stroke and techniques in competitive swimming, and compete at a varsity level. Previous competitive experience is required and must complete a tryout before placement in class. Attendance daily and all meets is required. | Heidi Duckworth |
| Tennis Boys & Girls | This course is designed to improve stroke production and selection for competitive play. The UIL Athletic program is an extension of the physical education program. The program is organized to provide students an opportunity to express themselves in inter school competition. | Jimmy Lalonde |
| Theatre | Theatre Arts is a great way to get on your feet, have some fun, and meet new people! In the Theatre Program, we strive to create motivated and hard working theatre artists through performance, technical theatre, and other various projects. We offer Theatre Arts I - IV. | Casey O'Bryant |
| Track Boys & Girls (V & JV) | Students receive extensive training in the development of track and field techniques. | Bren Jones |
| True Crime Club | This club gives students the opportunity to research and discuss a variety of true crime cases and has been solved or unsolved. It provides students the opportunity to conduct independent research on the world of Criminal Justice. | Jason Gonzalez |
| UIL Accounting | The contest focuses on the elementary principles and practices of accounting for sole proprietorship, partnerships and corporations, and includes bookkeeping terminology, the work sheet with adjustments, income statement, balance sheet, trial balance, account classification, journalizing, posting, bank reconciliation, payroll and other items related to the basic accounting cycle. | Gloria Wolfshohl |
| UIL Calculator Applications | The contest includes calculations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, roots, powers, exponentiation, logarithms, trigonometric functions and inverse trigonometric functions. In addition to straightforward calculation problems, the contest includes geometric and stated problems similar to those found in algebra, geometry and trigonometry textbooks, previous contests and League materials related to the contest. | Lauren Boswell |
| UIL Computer Science | Computer Applications focuses on word processing speed and accuracy, computer skills in database and spreadsheet, and integration of applications. Skills tested include formatting copy, mail merge, headers/footers, editing, proofreading, spreadsheet, graphs/charts, and integration of all applications. | Trenton Hall |
| UIL Congress | Jonathon McKinley | |
| UIL Copy Editing | Copy Editing teaches students the vital skills of proofreading and editing to create accurate, clear and succinct writing. Emphasis is placed on the ability to find and correct grammatical, spelling, punctuation, AP style and factual errors. | Margaret Edmonson |
| UIL Cross Examination Debate | Cross-Examination Debate trains students to analyze a problem, conduct thorough and relevant research, and utilize principles of argumentation and advocacy in presenting the most effective case for or against a given proposition. Debate provides invaluable training in critical thinking, quick responses, defending worthy ideas and attacking invalid ideas. It teaches students to tolerate other points of view. Debate exists only in democratic societies, and no democratic society can exist without debate. | Jonathan McKinley |
| UIL Current Issues & Events | The contest focuses on a basic knowledge of current state, national and world events and issues. The contest consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and an essay that challenges students to understand not just what is happening in the world today, but why and how it’s happening and what it means to us as citizens of the United States. | Christine Post |
| UIL Editorial Writing | This contest teaches students to read critically, to digest and prioritize information quickly and to write clearly, accurately and succinctly. Emphasis is placed on mechanical and stylistic precision, lead writing, use of direct and indirect quotes, news judgment, and the ability to think deeply, to compare and contrast and to argue or defend a point of view persuasively. | Margaret Edmonson |
| UIL Feature Writing | The Feature Writing Contest teaches students to read critically, to digest and prioritize information quickly and to write clearly, accurately and succinctly. Emphasis is placed on the same writing skills as in other UIL journalism contests, as well as the ability to write descriptively. | Margaret Edmonson |
| UIL Headline Writing | The contest teaches students to read critically, to digest and prioritize information quickly and to write clearly, accurately and succinctly. Emphasis is placed on the ability to discern key facts and to write with flair and style in order to tell and sell a story. | Margaret Edmonson |
| UIL Informative Speaking | The purpose of informative speaking is to stimulate an active interest in current affairs at the state, national and international levels and to teach the student to present extemporaneously in a clear and impartial manner the facts about a subject as they appear in the best available sources of information. This contest is an exercise in clear thinking and informing the public on the issues and concerns of the American people. The objective is to present information in an interesting way and an attempt should not be made to change the listener’s mind beyond presenting the information. | Jonathon McKinley |
| UIL Latino History Essay Competition | The Latino History Essay Competition provides students an opportunity to explore the contributions of Latinos to Texas history. The theme of the competition is “Historical and Cultural Legacies of Latinos in Texas History.” | Claudia Barthuly - UIL coordinator |
| UIL Lincoln Douglas Debate | Lincoln-Douglas debate provides excellent training for development of skills in argumentation, persuasion, research and audience analysis. Students are encouraged to develop a direct and communicative style of delivery. It is a one-on-one argumentation in which debaters attempt to convince the judge of the acceptability of their side of a proposition. In a given round, one debater will argue the affirmative side of the resolution and the other will argue the negative. | Jonathon McKinley |
| UIL Literary Criticism | The contest requires knowledge of literary history and of critical terms, and ability in literary criticism. Students are required to select the best answers involving judgment in literary criticism and to analyze literary passages from both the reading list and other sources. A tiebreaker is required in which the student must write a short essay dealing with a specific topic about a selected literary passage. | Verna Mann |
| UIL Mathematics | This 40-minute, 60-question contest is designed to test knowledge and understanding in the areas of Algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry, math analysis, analytic geometry, pre-calculus and elementary calculus. | Lauren Boswell |
| UIL News Writing | The News Writing Contest teaches students to read critically, to digest and prioritize information quickly, and to write clearly, accurately and succinctly. Emphasis is placed on mechanical and stylistic precision, lead writing, use of direct and indirect quotes, and news judgment. | Margaret Edmonson |
| UIL Number Sense | This 80-question mental math contest covers all high school mathematics curricula. All answers must be derived without using scratch paper or a calculator. | Lauren Boswell |
| UIL One Act Play | The aims of the One-Act Play Contest are to satisfy the competitive, artistic spirit with friendly rivalry among schools, emphasizing high quality performance in this creative art; to foster appreciation of good acting, good directing and good theatre, to promote interest in that art form most readily usable in leisure time during adult life, to learn to lose or win graciously and to increase the number of schools which have adopted theatre arts as an academic subject in school curricula. | Casey O'Bryant |
| UIL Oral Interpretation | As a Texas Academic League, Students will learn Competitive Real World Professional Communication Verbal and Non-Verbal Speaking Techniques and Strategies using Non-Memorized Interpretative Events: Prose and Poetry. Students will develop their own personal “Brand” in Image, Communication and Future Employment Skills such as “time management, soft skills and networking”. Students will critically analyze a variety of literary works to develop personal vocal and physical characterization techniques to convey a variety of meanings from a student perspective. Methodologies include “creativity, research, critical thinking, organization, collaboration and writing skills” | Gloria Wolfshohl |
| UIL Persuasive Speaking | UIL Persuasive Speaking This contest trains students to analyze a current issue, determine a point of view, and organize and deliver a speech that seeks to persuade listeners. The objective is to reinforce the views of listeners who already believe as the speaker does, but even more so, to bring those of neutral or opposing views around to the speaker’s beliefs or proposed course of action. This contest should especially appeal to those who have a strong argumentative urge and who wish to advocate reforms or outline solutions to current problems. |
Jonathon McKinley |
| UIL Poetry Interpretation | The purpose of this contest is to encourage the student to understand, experience and share poetry through the art of oral interpretation. The goals of this contest are to encourage the contestant’s exploration of a variety of literary selections, and to enhance the performer’s and audience’s appreciation of literature through the performer’s interpretation of the work. | Gloria Wolfshohl |
| UIL Prose Interpretation | This contest encourages the student to understand, experience and share prose works through the art of oral interpretation. It encourages the contestant’s exploration of a variety of literary selections and enhances the performer’s and audience’s appreciation of literature through the performer’s interpretation of the work. | Gloria Wolfshohl |
| UIL Ready Writing | Students write expository compositions that attempt to explain, prove or explore a topic in a balanced way, allowing the argument and the evidence given to be the deciding factor in the paper. Students are given a choice between two prompts, each an excerpt from literature, publications or speeches. The essay is judged on interest, organization and style. | Verna Mann |
| UIL Science | The Science Contest challenges students to read widely in biology, chemistry and physics, to understand the significance of experiments rather than to recall obscure details and to be alert to new discoveries and information in the areas of science. It is designed to help students gain an understanding of the basic principles as well as knowledge of the history and philosophy of science, and to foster a sense of enthusiasm about science and how it affects our daily lives. | Jessalyn Hatch |
| UIL Social Studies | The Social Studies Contest requires students to expand and apply their knowledge of governmental systems, historical trends, movements and eras and the physical setting of the earth, particularly as it applies to cultural environments. Each year the contest focuses on a selected topic area, and a reading list is provided. | Christine Post |
| UIL Spelling | The Spelling & Vocabulary Contest promotes precise and effective use of words. The three-part contest consists of multiple-choice questions covering proofreading and vocabulary, and words that are written from dictation. The vocabulary-building and spelling components of the contest are important compliments to the high school academic curriculum and are indicative of vocabulary words contained on standardized tests such as SAT, PSAT and ACT. | Claudia Barthuly - UIL coordinator |
| UIL Theatrical Design | Provides an opportunity for students to develop their skills in design and marketing. It teaches students critical thinking and analysis, creative thinking and artistic skills used to communicate an idea or concept. Theatrical Design offers contests in Set Design, Costume Design, Marketing, Makeup and Group Design. | James Black |
| UIL Vocabulary | The Spelling & Vocabulary Contest promotes precise and effective use of words. The three-part contest consists of multiple-choice questions covering proofreading and vocabulary, and words that are written from dictation. The vocabulary-building and spelling components of the contest are important compliments to the high school academic curriculum and are indicative of vocabulary words contained on standardized tests such as SAT, PSAT and ACT. | Claudia Barthuly - UIL coordinator |
| UIL Young Filmmaker Festival | Provides the opportunity for student short film production of original works. Entries in narrative, documentary and animation are evaluated and ranked. Originality, cinematic storytelling and technical execution are the basis of the scoring. The top entries in each category will be screened and ranked first through third at the State Film Festival. | Claudia Barthuly - UIL coordinator |
| Volleyball (V & JV) | The UIL Girl’s Athletic program is an extension of the physical education program. The program is organized to provide students an opportunity to express themselves in inter school competition. | Melissa Miller |
| Wrestling Boys (V & JV) | Interested in grappling or martial arts? The wrestling team is an inclusive group that has athletic period offerings for both genders. Team workouts occur daily during the assigned class times and after-school voluntary workouts occur during the fall and spring. To accommodate athletes in other sports, our team practices during the season are in the mornings before school at 6:45. | Tim Clarkson |
| Writer's Guild | Join us in room B103 for a laid back atmosphere where we talk about writing, publishing, and all sorts of other creative endeavors. Enjoy snacks and corny jokes, share your own writing or writing that you just love - music, poetry, books, posts, you name it. Check out the Writers Guild website for more details: https://nerdypublisher.wixsite.com/svguild | Holly Leach |
| Yearbook | Students will learn design layout, photography and page editing to produce the school yearbook. Major topics include: utilize Yearbook Avenue (online software); learn survey and interview skills; design page layouts; Work with photography; Sell and design advertisement; and take initiative and follow through on tasks | Margaret Edmonson |