Activities & Clubs

Academic and Scholastic

Cheltenham Junior Classical League (Latin Club)

Description: The National Junior Classical League (NJCL) is an organization of junior and senior high school students sponsored by the American Classical League. Composed of local and state/provincial chapters across the United States, Canada, and Australia, it is the largest Classical organization in the world today with over 50,000 members. Its purpose is to encourage an interest in and an appreciation of the language, literature and culture of ancient Greece and Rome and to impart an understanding of the debt of our own culture to that of Classical antiquity.

Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor for addition information.
Sponsor: Tom DiGiulio

Computer Science Honor Society

Description: Students will participate in community service within our school district at other schools, libraries, and nonprofits. Students will connect through meetings and Canvas regarding opportunities available for further computer science exploration, including but not limited to curriculum-related computer science topics and university outreach opportunities. The benefits would include greater access to curriculum resources beyond the classroom and increased presence and opportunity for younger students in our community.

Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment: interest in computer science, willingness to support computer science in our community through service
Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor for details.

Sponsor: Sarah Putterman

Cybersecurity

Debate Club

DECA

Description: This club will prepare students to compete with others in the US and across the region in business related topics.

Eligibility Requirements: This is a student professional organization, open to all students in the business program.

Time Commitment:

Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor for more details.

Sponsor: Candy Manning

Future Problem Solving

Future Problem Solving (FPS)

Description: FPS is an academic competition in which teams of students analyze real-world problems and prepare detailed action plans which contain realistic suggestions to solve some aspect of a problem. Topics we have studied include Debt in Developing Nations; Redistribution of Wealth; Access to Health Care; and Caring for the Elderly. Cheltenham High School has a track record of success at the state level and at the International Level as well. Teams that earn a place as finalists for the state competition continue to meet through mid-April.

Eligibility Requirements:

Time Commitment: Our season begins in October and continues through the end of March. State champion teams would continue to meet and study through the end of May, in preparation for attending the International Conference, which is always held at the end of the month.

Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor for additional details.

Sponsor: Sarah Putterman

Latinos Unidos

Description: There are approximately 54 million Latinos currently living in the United States. Those 54 million are made up of different cultures and customs, which are each individually beautiful. How many of us can truly say we are aware of these cultures and fully understand them? Latinos Unidos, strives to make sure that the understanding is achieved for both Latino’s as well as non-Latino’s'. It is our job as Latino's to help each other out and make sure that we can unite and work together to make ourselves known.

Eligibility Requirements: We welcome all interested in learning about our beautiful culture.

Time Commitment: none

Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor for more details.

Sponsor: Keila Vargas

National Honor Society

Description: NHS seeks to promote scholarship and excellence among the students of CHS. NHS members participate in community service projects collectively and individually. The NHS also provides a tutoring program for CHS students in need of extra help with academics. The NHS officers organize several activities for the NHS members over the course of the year in order to promote community service, intellectual stimulation and social interaction.

Eligibility Requirements: In the fall of each year, sophomores and juniors who have GPAs of at least 3.4 are invited to apply for membership in the NHS. Applicants are evaluated based on their demonstration of Scholarship, Leadership, Character and Service.

Time Commitment: Contact the sponsor for more details.

Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor for more details.

Sponsor: TBD

Political Education & Action Club

Reading Olympics

Descriptions: Throughout the school year, participating students collaborate with their teammates to read a total of 45 titles from the current Reading Olympics senior list. Individual students are not required to read all 45 books, but are expected to read a minimum of five books for the team. During the evening of the competition, each team (consisting of 8 to 12 students participates in three rounds of questions with teams from other school districts. Teams are never eliminated. Everyone wins.

Eligibility Requirements: none

Time Commitment: Meetings are held once a month after school in the library. The competition is held at a school in Montgomery County sometime in late March or early April; transportation is provided.

Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor.

Sponsor: Thomas Cook

Spanish Honor Society

Description: The purpose of this organization is to recognize high achievement in Spanish among its members, to promote community service, and to create a defined purpose for our society’s activities. One of our main goals is raising money to provide educational opportunities to the children of San Ramón, Nicaragua. Within our own school community, we provide one on one tutoring for Spanish students of all levels throughout the year. Our monthly group activities promote a continuity of interest in Hispanic studies and events while providing students with the opportunity to use their language skills with guests and each other.

Eligibility Requirements:

Time Commitment: Monthly Meetings

Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor for details.

Sponsor: Dana Brown

Women In Science & Engineering (WISE)

Description: It will create a strong community of women in STEAM in our school and increase the presence and awareness of women empowerment in STEAM. It will also encourage the women in our school to participate and engage more in STEAM.

Eligibility Requirements: open to all who are interested

Time Commitment: contact the sponsor.

Procedure for Joining: contact the sponsor.

Sponsor: Tanya Soboloff

Art & Music

Color Guard

Description: Color guard is known as “the sport of the arts.” The guard is associated with the marching band to bring the music to life through visual performance. With the use of different size flags, sabers, rifles and a few other pieces of equipment, as well as a mix of ballet, jazz, modern and contemporary modern dance. Each year the show has a different theme and the guard represents that theme through costume and equipment.

Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Contact sponsor for audition information.
Sponsor: Patrick Yates

Fall Play

Description: Cheltenham High School's Fall Play is performed each November, We put on a full-scale production before Thanksgiving. Anyone who is interested in acting may audition for the play, and anyone interested in technical theater (lights, sound, sets, props, costumes, etc.) may volunteer to work behind the scenes.

Eligibility Requirements: Interested students are required to fill out an audition form (with parent signature) and audition to be cast in the show. Students who are interested in helping with the technical elements of the production need to fill out a form that is signed off by their parents.
Time Commitment: 3 days each week
Procedure for Joining: Contact sponsor for audition information.

Sponsor: Molly Lazer

Film Fest

Description: Film Fest is a public event where CHS student filmmakers from ALL GRADES and ALL CLASSES are invited to submit a short ALL ORIGINAL video to be shown and reviewed by the audience. The winners of the event are chosen by the attendees of the Film Fest and prizes are awarded based on attendance and submission.

Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Contact Mr. Carracappa for details and questions.

Sponsor: Craig Carracappa

Jazz Big Band

Description: An advanced, audition-based ensemble that studies and performs a wide range of jazz music. The CHS Jazz Big Band has been recognized with numerous Outstanding and Superior festival ratings in the last few years, and participates regularly in the Cavalcade of Bands Jazz Festival circuit. In addition to the traditional high school big band format, the members of the jazz band also perform in small combos where they develop improvisational skills and learn a variety of jazz standards.

Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Contact sponsor for audition information.

Sponsor: Matthew Berntsen

Media Club

Musical Theatre

Description: Cheltenham Music Theatre produces a high-quality Broadway musical production every spring. The musical productions are points of pride for the Cheltenham community. We do excellent shows and have a great time!

Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment: Auditions and crew applications are open to all CHS students.
Procedure for Joining: Contact sponsor for audition information.
Sponsor: TBA

National Art Honor Society

Description: The National Art Honor Society would provide a creative, inclusive, structured space for the artistic CHS students. This allows the artist to express their talent and passion in the art world.

Eligibility Requirements: There are bylaws to be followed.
Time Commitment: Contact the sponsor for more details.
Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor for details.

Sponsor: TBA

Panther Pep Band, Rumble Drumline & Color Guard

Description: CHS is proud to offer a variety of exciting, award-winning instrumental music opportunities to its students. They will perform at every football game, local parades and at competitions against other marching bands. Through participation in music, students develop creative and critical thinking skills, expand cultural horizons, build interpersonal skills and create lifelong friendships. The Music Department currently offers ten unique instrumental music ensembles, which hold themselves to the highest standards of musical excellence and have been recognized with numerous awards.

Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Contact sponsor for audition information.

Sponsor: Matthew Berntsen

Poetry Club

Description: The Poetry Slam is an annual event marking the beginning of National Poetry Month celebrated here at CHS. After several auditions, twelve students are selected to perform with three alternates. Contestants are met with to review, revise and write their poetry. Slam rehearsals are also scheduled to prepare for performance tips. The evening of the Poetry Slam is hosted by an emcee and consists of three rounds. All twelve contestants are heard by three judges and the audience. By the end of the third round, a first, second, and third place winner will be announced. All students and guests are invited. All proceeds benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand. The CHS poet laureate is the organizer of the event along with two sponsors. The Poetry Slam creates an opportunity for students in a public forum to positively voice and express their concerns whether political, emotional, or physical. Poetry affects everyone. Even those who do not perform are entertained by the talents of the diverse contestants. Cheltenham HS provides students an opportunity for creative expression, as well as, enhancing reading, writing and public speaking skills.

Eligibility Requirements: Enrolled student of CHS who is interested in examining and writing original poetry for enjoyment or performance.
Time Commitment: Contact the sponsor.
Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor for audition information.

Sponsor: TBD

Sons of Pitch

Description: Sons of Pitch is CHS's student-run, male a cappella group. The ensemble, with approximately 16 members in grades 9-12, performs mainly contemporary pop and rock music. Student leaders run rehearsals, choose music, and organize the group.

Eligibility Requirements: Enrollment in a choir class is required for Sons of Pitch members.
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Auditions take place in August.

Sponsor: TBA

Touring Ensemble

Description: Touring Ensemble is Cheltenham High School’s show choir. The Ensemble debuts its revue-style show every fall, then performs the show for various local community groups throughout the school year.

Eligibility Requirements: Enrollment in a choir class is required for Ensemble members.
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Auditions take place in early June.

Sponsor: TBA

Up The Octave

Description: Up the Octave is CHS's student-run, female a cappella group. The ensemble, with approximately 16 members in grades 9-12, performs mainly contemporary pop and rock music. Student leaders run rehearsals, choose music, and organize the group.

Eligibility Requirements: Enrollment in a choir class is required for Up the Octave members.
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Auditions take place in August.

Sponsor: TBA

Winter Guard

Description: Winter Guard is known as “the sport of the arts”. Winter guard is similar to the outdoor color guard without the marching band. The guard performs indoors throughout the winter season on a special floor mat that is placed on the gymnasium floor. The traditional music of the band is replaced by a recorded song that represents the theme of the show. Through the use of flags, sabers, rifles and other equipment along with many different types of dance the guard brings the music to life visually. The winter guard competes in local competitive arenas throughout their season.

Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor for audition information.

Sponsor: Patrick Yates

Culture Awareness & Service

Asian Student Association (ASA)

* Approved for Virtual Setting

Description: For students interested in sharing and learning about Asian culture and students at CHS. Various events and activities are planned together for the club through the school year. ASA seeks to foster a deeper appreciation of our cultural heritage through meetings, games, and projects throughout the school year. We are open to non-Asians and encourage attendance and participation to all our events and activities.

Eligibility Requirements: ASA is open to anyone who has an interest in Asian culture and in learning about cultural backgrounds of others.
Time Commitment: Contact the sponsor for more details.
Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor for more details.

Sponsor: Brian Hollis

Black Scholars Program (BSP)

Description: In 2009, an initiative was started at Cheltenham High School to encourage students of color, particularly students of African descent in their endeavors toward academic excellence. Named the Black Scholars Program (BSP), the intentions of the club are to celebrate high achieving Black students, while offering support to them and providing programming to increase equity in higher level courses. BSP seeks to help close the achievement gap for Black students, by providing tutoring, shadow days, college prep activities, and culturally relevant educational activities for students to participate in.

Eligibility Requirements: Students who meet the membership eligibility requirements of enrollment in a minimum of one AP or Honors course and an overall GPA of 3.0 are invited to join during our induction ceremony held each fall.
Time Commitment: Contact the sponsor for details.
Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor for more details.

Sponsor: TBA

Black Student Union (BSU)

Description: The Black Student Union is an organization that is committed to providing a voice for students of color in Cheltenham High School. We enrich our student lives by providing them with black history facts, engaging them in culturally relevant activities, and providing them with opportunities for community service projects. Students will be helped to develop personal skills and career awareness in order to make better life-long decisions and contributions to society.

Eligibility Requirements: CHS Student
Time Commitment: Contact the sponsor for details.
Procedure for Joining: Please contact the sponsor for details.

Sponsor: Arielle Brown

Cheltenham Jewish Student Union

Description: This club provides opportunities for students to learn about Judaism and to discuss topics related to Jewish identity. The club will provide opportunities for students to learn about antisemitism and will raise awareness about issues that impact minority populations.
Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsors for details.

Sponsor: Amy Urh or Aimee Zanan

Gay Straight Alliance

Description: The GSA plays a key role in creating peer-to-peer affirming learning and socializing environments for LGBTQ+ youth. LGBTQ+ students, as well as students of marginalized identities and their allies, are empowered in their own school and local communities, to foster safe spaces and help advocate for change, equality, and recognition. Our GSA ensures that LGBTQ+ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying, stigma, bias, and harassment. Officers are elected annually. The club is affiliated with and follows the GLSEN bylaws.

Eligibility Requirements: The club is open to 9-12 grade students.
Time Commitment: The GSA meets every other week after school.
Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor for more details.
Sponsor: Merav Nesvisky

Key Club

Description: Key Club International is a high school organization sponsored by Kiwanis International. Key Club assists Kiwanis in carrying out its mission to serve the children of the world. Key Club members perform acts of service in their communities, such as cleaning up parks, collecting clothing and organizing food drives. They also learn leadership skills by running meetings, planning projects and holding elected leadership positions at the club, district and international levels.
Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor for more details.
Sponsor: Ana Salazar-DiGiulio

Panther Partners (FKA: Best Buddies)

Description: Panther Partners is a club that is devoted to pairing students with disabilities with students from general education classes to form one-to-one friendships. Students will participate in monthly meetings, develop exciting activities together and build meaningful relationships with each other which will help them thrive in an inclusive world.

Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor for more details.

Sponsors: Phil Cohen or Yvonne Yeomans

Reading Olympics

Description: Throughout the school year, participating students collaborate with their teammates to read a total of 45 titles from the current Reading Olympics senior list. Individual students are not required to read all 45 books, but are expected to read a minimum of five books for the team. Meetings are held once a month after school in the library. The competition is held at a school in Montgomery County sometime in late March or early April; transportation is provided. During the evening of the competition, each team (consisting of 8 to 12 students participates in three rounds of questions with teams from other school districts. Teams are never eliminated. Everyone wins.

Eligibility Requirements: No requirements
Time Commitment: Contact the sponsor for more details.
Procedure for Joining: Please contact the sponsor for more details.

Sponsor: Thomas Cook

Students for International Awareness

Description: Promotes discourse about events in our global community. The group holds, discusses or hosts speakers on these issues in order to spread awareness to the greater school community. Additionally, SIA sponsors Java for Justice, an open mic and coffee/baked goods sale that fundraisers for an international issue of that year. Group leaders participate in academic competitions including, Model UN, World Affairs Competitions and other forums.
Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:

Procedure for Joining: Please contact the sponsor.

Sponsor: Melaine Jackson

Student Government & Leadership

Class of 2025

Class of 2026

Class of 2027

Student Council

Description: Student Council is the organization representing all CHS students. The Student Council includes homeroom representatives elected by each homeroom, as well as an Executive Board consisting of four school-wide elected officers, ten committee chairs, and the four class Presidents. Student Council runs several student activities, including the Back-to-School Dance, organizes charities including Thanksgiving baskets for needy local families, raises funds by selling food at CHS sports events, appropriates money to a variety of student organizations, and plays a key role as the voice of student opinion in various forums.

Eligibility Requirements: Application followed by Election and/or Interview
Time Commitment: Contact the sponsors.
Procedure for Joining: Please contact the sponsors.

Sponsors: Ryan Nase or Michael Fastuca

Physical Endeavors

Ski & Snowboard Club

Description: Six evening trips to Blue Mountain spread throughout the ski season beginning in late December and ending in early March. For a fee, students ride one of three buses to the mountain leaving the high school at 3 p.m., ski for five hours and return to school at 11:15 p.m. As many trips as possible are scheduled for evenings before a non-school day (Fridays or Thursdays before an in-service day). We also have a parent trail should emergency trips be required. Blue Mountain is a full service mountain with restaurants and extensive facilities including 4 medical units around the mountain. The Ski and Snowboard Club has, for the last six years, also offered an additional cost trip to Killington, Vermont, for those advanced and intermediate skiers and riders who want to take a weekend trip in February.

Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Please contact the sponsor.

Sponsor: Mark Woodcock

Ultimate Frisbee

Description: Ultimate Frisbee is a club that competes in Ultimate Frisbee tournaments throughout the region. Ultimate Frisbee is a fun game developed by Frisbee-tossers. The game plays a bit like soccer and each team's objective is to toss the Frisbee across the goal line.

*The Ultimate Frisbee Team is not a school-sponsored sport.

Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsor for more details.

Sponsor: Thomas Cook

Unified Bocce

Description: Bocce is an Italian game. The basic principle of the sport is to roll a bocce ball closest to the target ball, which is called a palina. Bocce as a Special Olympics sport provides people with special needs the opportunity to have social contact, develop physically, and to gain self-confidence. Next to soccer and golf, bocce is the third most participated sport in the world.

Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Please contact the sponsors with any questions.
Sponsors: Tabatha Bray-Gilbert or Phil Cohen

Unified Cheer

Description: The Panther Paws was formed this year as a unified cheer team, which invites students of all ability levels to come and cheer for the various sports teams alongside their cheer peers. The cheer peers are students from CHS' cheer team.

Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Please contact the sponsor for details.

Sponsor: Arielle Brown

Unified Track & Field

Description: Our athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment -- on the playing field and in life. They also inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential. We showcase the skills and dignity of our athletes. We also bring together communities to see and take part in the transformative power of sports. The Special Olympics community works to spread compassion and acceptance in a way that can unite the world. Our goal is to awaken everyone -- and every community -- to each person’s common humanity. This vision of inclusion starts at the local level.

Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Please contact the sponsors for details.

Sponsors: Gustave Ekhardt or Tabatha Bray-Gilbert

Student Initiated

Blue & Gold

Dungeons & Dragons

E-Sports Club

Eastern Standard Theatre (EST)

Description: EST is the one and only student-run theatre club at Cheltenham High School. In the fall, EST student leaders organize and run the club. Students from all grades gather and participate in weekly improvisational games held on Tuesday afternoons after school. Auditions for the annual spring play (which is chosen by the leader/director) are held in December. Intense practice starts immediately, thereafter culminating in two evening performances in March. Students produce, direct, create, finance, and promote the entire performance.

Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Please contact the sponsor for details.

Sponsor: Maria Canela

Environmental Club

Description: The CHS Environmental Club addresses issues that impact environmental health and sustainability in the CHS community and around the world. Our goal is to engage CSD students, staff, and community members in behaviors and actions that promote responsible environmental stewardship. We encourage healthy living through education, outreach, and community service. Club activities include raising awareness, farming & gardening, nature-themed trips, and fundraising events.

Eligibility Requirements: Must have concern for the environment.
Time Commitment: Contact the sponsor for details.
Procedure for Joining: Please contact the sponsor for more details.

Sponsor: Karen Shaffran

Organic Farm Club

Robotics Team

Description: The Robotics Team builds a five foot tall robot each year to perform specific tasks as designed by FIRST Robotics. This season includes the Kick-Off where all teams learn the rules of the new game and then they have six weeks to design, build and program the robot. Our team competes in two regional events and two to three off-season competitions throughout the school year. Students fill positions in design, chassis building, electronics, programming, manipulator building, and financial management and marketing.

Eligibility Requirements:

Time Commitment: The team holds meetings once a week afterschool during the fall but has an intense season from the beginning of January through March.
Procedure for Joining: Please contact the sponsors for more details.

Sponsors: Gloria Weber or Peter Hagopian

School Newspaper: "Cheltonian"

Description: The Cheltenham High School Journalism and News Journalism classes, in conjunction with supporting editors, writers, and photographers, produce The Cheltonian. Student writers cover school, local, national, and international news of interest to fellow students. Staff writers complete the research, conduct interviews, write the articles and layout the paper using Adobe InDesign. Student editors complete the job by reviewing, revising, and exporting the files for print.

Eligibility Requirements:
Time Commitment:
Procedure for Joining: Please contact the sponsor for more details.
Sponsor: Abby Manser

Yearbook: "El Delator"

Description: The El Delator staff creates a comprehensive record of the year’s students, teachers, administrators, staff, sports, clubs, activities, and events. Members participate in choosing the cover design, cover material, theme, layout, and interior design. Additional focus is put on marketing and selling the yearbook to the student body. Successful members of the yearbook staff are creative, open-minded; detail oriented, and dedicated people. This is a year-round activity.

Eligibility Requirements: Student must have access to a computer.
Time Commitment: Contact the sponsor for details.
Procedure for Joining: Contact the sponsors for more details.

Sponsors: Candy Manning or Angelique Cupit