This high honor is issued to those students who have maintained a 3.0 (B) cumulative GPA during their freshman, sophomore, junior, and first semester of senior years at Agawam High School.

Academic Decathlon

The Academic Decathlon Team consists of junior and senior A, B, and C average students recruited by the advisor, who prepare for the ten-event academic contest sponsored by World Book Encyclopedia. The final team will consist of 3 A, 3 B, and 3 C students and alternates who will participate in the Western Massachusetts contest. If successful, the team may advance to the state and national finals.

American Field Service - Foreign Exchange Program

This club is open to all students interested in meeting and getting to know students from foreign nations. Various activities are sponsored throughout the year. The program offers opportunities for all students to:
1. Host an international student for a weekend, a semester or a year;
2. Study for a summer in a foreign nation; or
3. Study for a full year in a foreign nation.

Art Club Advisors: Mrs. Florek, Ms. Waters

The Art Club is original each year for those students who appreciate art and would like to develop a better understanding of it, while furthering their ability with specialized materials.

Students meet twice a month to work on independent assignments or group endeavors such as painting sets for school musicals and plays. Art Club works closely with National Art Honors I and II in a variety of endeavors.

As Schools Match Wits Advisors: Ms. Moriarty, Mr. Bodurtha

Highly motivated students interested in quick recall, trivia knowledge, and vital information in all academic areas are encouraged to try out for the “As Schools Match Wits” team. This team offers the challenge of competition to all interested newcomers.

Board Game Club Advisors: Ms. Davis, Ms. J. Moriarty

The Board Game Club at Agawam High School is a social club that is designed to provide an entertaining and exciting atmosphere for students after school. Members meet each Tuesday to socialize and laugh over games such as Monopoly, Cranium, and Catch Phrase.

Cheerleading Squad Coach: Ms. Lemieux , Asst: Ms. Lorraine

Spring tryouts for the cheerleading squad are open to all students, male and female. A new squad is selected each year. If you are interested in promoting school spirit, attending athletic events, and the opportunity to visibly support your school, consider trying out for cheerleading.

Chess Club Advisor: Mr. Bodurtha

Students learn the basics of chess, such as opening moves, forks, skewers, and pins. Students compete against each other in a formal competition for the titles of Master and Grandmaster. All are welcome.

Competitions with neighboring school chess clubs are usually planned during the year. At the beginning of each meeting, students must solve a computer chess problem before they move on to play each other.

Computer Club

This club is open to all students interested in exchanging computer knowledge. Activities include sharing software, working on networking projects and multimedia concepts such as CD-ROM units and soundboards.

Computer Programming Team Advisor: Mr. Jackowski

The Computer Programming Team is made up of students who have taken computer programming courses and would like to compete against other area schools in a competition using Pascal or Basic. Local competitions are held in March at various colleges in New England and New York. The winners of each competition are then invited to the northeast championships held in May.

Culinary Arts Club

The Culinary Arts Club is open to all students. During the year students plan activities and end the year with a culinary college fair for those interested in a career in Culinary Arts. Members meet once a week and decide on activities that are of particular interest to them. These events may include: field trips, food preparation and meetings with area chefs.

Diversity Leadership Team Advisor: Ms. Taglieri, Mrs. Ashton

The Student Diversity Leadership Team (formally known as the GSA) is one of the after school clubs at Agawam High School. The purpose of this team is to combat all forms of discrimination and teach practical resolutions skills. While promoting diversity and reducing all forms of violence in the school are a focus of this team, human rights awareness and assistance will also be brought into the after school activities and discussed in meetings. Last year the students worked toward these goals by attending a program for mentors in violence prevention and a human rights forum outside of school. During school the students took part in Disability Awareness Day and the "Day of Silence". It is our goal to gain the support that we need to conduct these activities again and hopefully broaden our mission statement in response to new requests for discussion and action.

French Honor Society

The Societe Honoraire de Francais, a national honor society under the auspices of the American Association of Teacher of French, recognizes high achievement in French by students in secondary schools and promotes a continuity of interest in French studies. Members are chosen from those students who are in their fourth year of French with honor grades in all subjects at the high school level.

Future Teachers of America
Benjamin J. Phelps Club Advisors: Mr. Orefice, Mr. Figy

The Benjamin J. Phelps Club of the Future Teachers of America, affiliated with the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the National Education Association, was organized in Agawam in 1953. The purpose of the club is to develop student interest in the teaching profession. It is also to acquaint students with the role of education in the development of one democratic way of life. It is also an avenue to provide members with current information regarding opportunities in the field of education.

The club sponsors regular after school meetings, 2 blood drives each year, and a student/faculty basketball game. Scholarships for senior members are awarded at the Senior Awards Night.

History Honor Society Advisor: Mr. Jennings
(Opus Bono Historiae: Creighton Abrams Chapter)

This is an honor society for the recognition of excellence in social studies at Agawam High School. This society is open to juniors and seniors who meet the membership entrance criteria. Opus Bono Historiae meaning "work for the good of history" represents the intent of the society to better the study of history through the work of the organization. Juniors must have fulfilled two years of Agawam High School’s requirements for social studies, with a minimum 3.5 grade point average in those classes. For juniors to maintain membership they must continue to pursue academic social studies courses in their senior year while maintaining the 3.5 grade point average. Seniors must have fulfilled three years of Agawam High school’s requirements for social studies, with a minimum 3.5 grade point average in those classes and be currently enrolled in at least one academic social studies course for their senior year. Students must also exhibit qualities of leadership, service, and citizenship in either their school or in a community/group organization. The signatures of two adult sponsors on the student application will serve as testimony to the student having met the leadership, service, and citizenship criteria.

Intergenerational Book Club Advisors: Ms. Kundl, Mr. Bodurtha

The Intergenerational Book Club meets once every 6 weeks or so to discuss a book or popular/contemporary novel, that might not appear on a classroom reading list. These books are chosen by students with staff input. This group welcomes all who love to read and who would like the opportunity to share their reactions after reading.

Intergenerational Poetry Group Advisor: Mrs. Hines

This group is designed to bring about communication among people of all ages. Participants will include members of the student body, staff, and the community at large. Members will meet on the last Tuesday of the month in Room 38 at 1:50 p.m. to 2:40 p.m., reading aloud poems that they have written and revised between meetings.

Knitting Club Advisor: Ms. Kundl

Knitting Club is a group that knits together or learns to knit (or any other yarn craft of that type). One does not need to know how to knit. All levels of experience are welcome. Meetings are generally on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. In the past, the club has made two afghans for the homeless shelter in Springfield. This years project may include hats for chemo patients.

Mathematics Team Advisor: Mrs. Tuthill

The Math Team competes in 5 competitions with other Western Mass. area high schools. The meets are monthly from October to February. Six students compete individually in 3 different content areas. There is also a team round during the second and fourth meets.

Model Congress

Each year Agawam High School sends a delegation to local colleges to participate in mock legislative sessions similar to Congress in Washington, D.C. In Model Congress students learn the mechanics of the law-making process by actually preparing legislation. They are required to present their preparation and defend their proposals in this strong academic extracurricular program.

National Honor Society Advisors: Mrs. Mouneimneh, Mrs. Sasso, Mrs. Stevens

Students are invited to join NHS based on their academics, extracurricular activities, and community service. As NHS members, they continue to participate in community service activities and maintain high standards in the areas of scholarship, leadership, character, and service.

Induction as a member of the National Honor Society will take place after the first semester each year. Juniors and seniors who have met the criteria for membership will be inducted only at this time. See Code of Conduct Handbook for more information on selection and criteria.

Peer Leadership Program Advisor: Mr. Tatro, Ms. A. Miller

All Agawam High School students are eligible to join the program through the end of their junior year. Peer leaders receive special training in alcohol, tobacco, and drug prevention education and leadership and presentation skills. Peer leaders participate in a wide variety of activities in the high school, junior high, middle and elementary schools.

Pro Merito

The objective of this graduation honor is to recognize those seniors who attain an overall grade point average of 3.2000 or better with no grade below C- for a final course grade. This includes weighted cumulative averages for honors and AP courses. To be granted this honor, students must carry a minimum of 7 credits each semester with three (3) of these in the academic areas of English, Social Studies, Science, Math, Foreign Language and Business/Instructional Technology and Career Education. Students must have no more that 6 tardies/dismissals, and no office disciplinary action. Pro Merito status will not be given to any student who was dismissed from National Honor Society for failure to meet the leadership, character, or service standards of NHS. Teacher evaluations may be utilized. Pro Merito status will be granted for graduation only and will carry no special privileges throughout the school year. The principal has the final approval on honors status.

Prom Committee Advisor: Mr. Trahan

Students who help to plan one of the largest events of the school year, the Junior-Senior Prom. Members are responsible for selecting the prom theme, purchasing the favors, choosing the menu, deciding the decorative colors, and finding the right disc jockey to set the appropriate mood for the prom theme.

The group meets twice a month throughout the school year, and meetings are announced in advance. All students are welcome to participate, especially juniors and seniors. During these meetings, students decide on the theme, colors, and favors for the event, participate in fundraising activities, and then execute the plans for constructing the many props and favors to be used. In addition, the committee helps with the sale of tickets that takes place the first two full week of April.

Any questions regarding the prom or our policies regarding out-of-school guests, should be directed to the advisor, Scott Trahan, at the Agawam High School.

Quill and Scroll Advisor: Mrs. Hines

Quill and Scroll is the international honor society for high school journalists. Quill and Scroll has an induction ceremony in the Spring. Students pay $13.00 dues to receive pins and a yearly subscription from the University of Iowa. They also receive a blue and gold cord on (Honors) Awards Night. They must be in the upper third of their senior class and must work on one of the following:

a.) Mirror
b.) Sachem
c.) Uniqorn

Renaissance Advisors: Mrs. Weyant, Mrs. Mouneimneh

Renaissance is an incentive program that encourages students to strive for academic success by offering incentives such as bonus points on tests, homework exemptions, and midyear and final exam exemptions . See Code of Conduct Handbook for more information.

Robotics Club Advisor: Mr. Barry

The Robotics Club is open to all students interested in the designing, construction and promotion of robots and related technological gadgets. The main focus of this club is to promote Technology and introduce student to career and educational opportunities related to Technology and Engineering. Members are not required to, but will have an opportunity to, affiliate with the Technology Student Association (TSA), Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS), and FIRST Robotics.

S.A.D.D. Advisor: Mrs. Bobskill
(Students Against Destructive Decisions)

Students against destructive decisions (S.A.D.D.) is an organization where students help students make positive decisions about challenges in their everyday lives. S.A.D.D. provides students of all grade levels with the best prevention tools possible to deal with the issues of underage drinking, other drug use, impaired driving, and other destructive decisions.

S.A.V.E. Advisor: Ms. Bertone-Gross
(Students Against Violating the Environment)

Students Against Violating the Environment is a group of students who care about the environment and encourage others to do the same. They will inform students and teachers on the importance of environmental issues and make a strong effort to involve the community in their quest for a better environment. In the past we have worked on recycling, clean-ups, adopting animals at Forest Park Zoo, showing movies (An Inconvenient Truth), having speakers, sponsoring "walk to school day", and celebrating Earth Day. Student input is appreciated and encouraged.

Shakespeare Society Advisor: Mrs. Mouneimneh

Students interested in promoting the wit of the Bard throughout the school community by participating in the various activities during Shakespeare Week in April are invited to join.

Ski Club Advisors: Mr. Consolini, Mr. Hollister

Scheduled Trips for 2007 - 2008 include 01/04/08 Catamount Ski Area, 01/11/08 TBA, 01/18/08 TBA, 01/25/08 Jiminy Peak, 02/01/08 Catamount Ski Area, 02/09/08 Killington

Spanish Honor Society - Lope de Vega Chapter

The Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, a national honor society under the auspices of the American Association for Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, recognizes high achievement in Spanish by students of secondary schools and promotes a continuity of interest in the Hispanic studies. Members are chosen from those students who are in their fourth year of Spanish with honor grades at the high school level.

Student Government Advisor: Mr. Murphy

The purpose of the student government is to foster school improvement, promote community involvement, and enhance international understanding. Student leaders are chosen through a school wide election process.

MUSIC ACTIVITIES

A number of music activities are available to students who have the desire and interest to participate. Most of the music courses and many of the activities are scheduled during the regular school day and must be selected from the course of study. Musical activities are rewarding for students in terms of fellowship, healthful recreation, personal gratification that comes from performance before appreciative audiences, and the frequent opportunities to serve our school and community.

Vocal Groups

Most vocal groups are scheduled into the regular school day. These include chorus and show choir. These groups perform a number of concerts for the community during the year as well as participate in exchange concerts with groups from other areas. Their music varies from jazz to popular styles. Each year the vocal music department hosts shows which are open to all students who qualify.

Band Advisor: Mr. Hueglin

The Agawam High School Band is both a scheduled course and an extra-curricular activity. It is one of the largest and most active school activities offered, and although most students who play instruments are encouraged to sign up for the curricular program, it is possible to be a member of the marching band by attending the after-school or evening rehearsals of this group. Concert band activities are carried on almost entirely during the scheduled band periods.

The band plays at home football games, takes part in several parades each year such as Columbus Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Memorial Day; performs several concerts - Pop concert, Band Time, Music Festival - and during recent years has taken part in large scale festivals out of state as well as in local events.

Color Guard

Color Guard tryouts are open to all students. Approximately 20 are chosen who will continue as Color Guard members without further tryouts during subsequent school years. Tryouts consist of marching to recorded music with judging based on general appearance, rhythm, grace, and bearing.

Jazz Band

Students who have an interest and talent in the field of jazz/rock and contemporary music may join the Jazz Ensemble which rehearses at various times, depending on membership.

Majors/Majorette

Tryouts are also held during the first week of school for the position of baton twirler with the band. Judging is based on baton technique and general appearance.

PUBLICATIONS

Mirror Advisor: Ms. Davis

The Mirror is a bimonthly, award-winning student newspaper. It is written, edited and designed by the students. The Mirror primarily reports the news of the school and other community, national or international stories from a student’s perspective.

Students who wish to become staff members or editors of the Mirror should take Journalism I first in order to learn the basics of journalistic writing. This prerequisite is especially important for those who wish to become editors.

Staff members are evaluated by their editors after the publication of each issue using a specific evaluation form. Editors are evaluated by the editor-in-chief. The evaluation is reviewed by the advisors before the grade is finalized. Students are evaluated on their enthusiasm, dedication, and contribution to the paper at least once during the year.

The Mirror staff participates in a number of workshops and contests throughout the year, including the HCC journalism conference and the AIC Scholastic Press Forum.

Sachem - Yearbook Advisor: Mr. Trahan

Each year the graduating class publishes a school yearbook named Sachem which means “The Chief”. The yearbook is a composition of four years of activities and experiences. The Sachem has been recognized as a trend-setter in such areas as photography, layout, cover design, and literary content, offering color spreads, the largest sized book in the area, and a large number of pages at a low price. An expanded underclass section features individual student photographs.

Staff members from the senior class are chosen by the yearbook advisor on recommendations from the faculty. The selection process for the new Sachem staff usually begins in April. See the yearbook advisor in March for an application form.

The Uniqorn Advisor: Mrs. Hines

The purpose of The Uniqorn is to publish outstanding examples of student poetry, fiction, and essays. The magazine will be published twice a year, in the winter and spring. An editorial board made up of students selected or approved by the advisor will judge all works submitted. In cooperation with the Art Department, outstanding examples of student artwork (pen and ink) will also be published. Students interested in applying for the editorial board must submit samples of creative writing before October 1 of the school year to the advisor. The editorial board will meet on a weekly basis.

Uniqorn meets weekly on Wednesdays in Room 38 at 1:50 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. (or later). Anyone interested in the following are invited to join:

a.) poetry
b.) fiction
c.) photography
d.) graphics
e.) art

Return to Clubs and Organizations