Clubs and Organizations
As a student at Bishop O'Connell High School, you are encouraged to balance your studies with an extracurricular life that helps feed your spirit. Beyond your classroom and homework responsibilities, a diverse number of positive ways in which your time and energy can be invested awaits you.
Whether your interest is in debate, photography or weight training, there is a club for you at Bishop O'Connell. Nearly 60 clubs, organizations and honor societies occupy our students' time and talents. Most clubs have a regular meeting time after school (such as the third Thursday of the month) and several offer more extensive time commitments. A Club Fair is held at the beginning of every school year to familiarize all students with the mission and activities of each group.
Current groups include:
ALTAR SERVERS
Moderator: Fr. Hudgins (jhudgins@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Thursday mornings, Chaplain’s Office at 7:45 a.m.
Students who are altar servers in their home parishes are welcome to serve Mass at O’Connell.
ALTAR SOCIETY
Moderator: Fr. Hudgins (jhudgins@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Thursday mornings, Chaplain’s Office at 7:45 a.m.
Interested students assist in setting up for school liturgies and serving Mass throughout the year as altar servers and ushers.
ANIME CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Henry (chenry@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Every Monday at 3 p.m. in room 327.
The Anime Club is a chance for students to enjoy and discuss Japanese animation. Students also enjoy Japanese/Asian snacks and learn a bit of Japanese language and culture.
ART CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Crivella (jcrivella@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
This club provides an art experience for students who are not able to register for art classes. Activities include the display and general care of posters and bulletin boards throughout the school.
BOOKENDERS BOOK CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Cerniglia (dcerniglia@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Mondays, Room 323, at 3 p.m.
CHESS CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Mills (amills@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
Students interested in learning the game, as well as those who are interested in competitions with other schools, are eligible for membership.
CREATIVE WRITING
Moderator: Ms. Schmitt (jschmitt@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Every other Friday, Room 329 at 3 p.m.
This club provides interested students an opportunity to create essays, poems, and short stories for their entrance into writing contests. This club also gives students ample opportunity to share ideas about good writing in a seminar fashion, to learn from one another, and to receive a professional critique of their writing samples. Membership is open to all interested students.
DEBATE
Moderator: Mrs. Hagy, Ms. Cohen, Mrs. Wentzel (acohen@bishopoconnell.org or mwentzel@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Wednesdays, Room 320 at 3 p.m.
The purpose of this club is to develop research, organization, public speaking, spontaneous thinking, and analytical skills as well as teamwork. Membership requirements include above average academic standing for any grade level.
DJO MOCK TRIAL CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Harrison (jharrison@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
This club participates in three mock trials against other local schools at a scheduled event held at the Fairfax County Court House before actual judges. The club is comprised of six teams all either Prosecution or Defense teams. Each team receives the same facts and must prepare a case. There are student lawyers, court officers, witnesses, the defendant and jurors.
DJO SMILE DIAL
Moderator: Mrs. McAlevy (mmcalevy@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
DJO Smile Dial club exists for the betterment of the student body. The club seeks to spread good will and cheer and make fellow students happier and have more school spirit and a more enjoyable high school experience.
DRAMA
ECOLOGY CLUB
ESSAY AND ORATORICAL CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Wentzel (mwentzel@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Interested students my email Mrs. Wentzel for questions, further information and entry sheets.
Each year, students may enter one of over 40 contests for monetary awards and/or publication of their works of art, poetry or essays. Students have won over $10,000 the past 5 years. Information regarding contests is in the daily bulletin or posted outside room 326.
FASHION AND DESIGN CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Zitron (rzitron@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Once a month, Room 302, at 3 p.m. Announced in Daily Bulletin
The Fashion and Design Club brings together students with similar interests in fashion marketing, design, interior decorating, beauty and more. Club officers promote open discussions and brainstorming among members at meetings which often include guest speakers. Students raise money to fund special after-school activities and work towards producing a Prom Fashion Show at the end of the year.
FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES (FCA)
Moderator: Mr. Laniak (claniak@verizon.net)
Meetings: Wednesday mornings, Chaplain’s Office Student Lounge at 7:15 am.
This club provides students with an opportunity to join a bible study group in which they can deepen their faith and their purposes here on earth, ultimately seeking their eternal goal.
FRENCH CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Sullivan (ksullivan@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
The French Club seeks to stimulate interest in the French language, France and its culture. Membership is open to students of all levels who are interested in France, its language and culture.
FRENCH EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Moderator: Mrs. McCarty (mmccarty@bishopoconnell.org)
FRENCH HONOR SOCIETY
Moderator: Ms. Webb (wwebb@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
This group fosters an appreciation for the French culture, honors best French students, participates in school charity drives, and hosts French speaking guests. Membership is open to students who have had two years of French and a grade average of 93 or higher.
GERMAN CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Stabile (mstabile@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
The German Club is designed to stimulate interest in Germany, its language and culture; and to provide activities of a less formal nature to supplement the German curriculum. Oktoberfest and Christmas celebrations are planned. Membership is open to students of all grades who exhibit a strong interest.
GERMAN HONOR SOCIETY
Moderator: Mrs. Stabile (mstabile@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
The purpose of this group is to honor excellence in the study of the German language and culture, and to lend service to other German students in need of tutoring. Members must be in the last three semesters of study and possess at least an 85 average in other academic subjects. The Honor Society works with the German Club and provides tutoring and a service project.
GUITAR CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Sullivan (ksullivan@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
This club is comprised of students interested in guitar playing. Fellow guitar and bass guitar players meet to share songs, tips, techniques and other ideas.
HEALTH SERVICES CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Black (kblack@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
Two major blood drives during the school year are organized by this club. One is held in the fall and the other in the spring. Membership is open to all students.
HELPING HANDS
INTERACT
IRISH DANCE CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. O’Reilly (coreilly@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Tuesdays, Room 328, at 3 p.m.
The goal of this club is to share a love of Irish Dance and Irish Culture.
IT’S ACADEMIC
Moderators: Mrs. Schiavo, Mrs. Garbak (nschiavo@bishopoconnell.org) or come to Room 115
Meetings: Daily Monday – Thursday through November and then weekly through May.
The It’s Academic Club is a group of trivia-filled students who meet to practice for competitions. The club participates in three major competitions. These include It’s Academic, a televised academic quiz competition for high school students airing on NBC, as well as the Winter and Spring Knowledge Master Open. All interested students are welcome to be a part of the team.
JONAS BROTHERS CLUB
Moderator: Ms. Webb (wwebb@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
The Jonas Brothers Club is an opportunity to have fun, socialize and discuss a common interest in the Jonas Brothers Band.
KEY CLUB
Moderator: Ms. Cohen (acohen@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: 2nd Thursday, Room 320 at 3 p.m.
This club, under the sponsorship of the Arlington Kiwanis Club, seeks to develop initiative and leadership by providing opportunities to serve the school and community.
KEYETTES
Moderator: Mrs. Graif, Mrs. Koranek (sgraif@bishopoconnell.org or skoranek@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: 1st Monday of each month (2nd if no school) Room 114, 116, at 3 p.m.
For membership each girl must show that she is willing to donate time and energy and must maintain at least a "C" average. This club is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Application for membership is made in the spring for the following school year.
KNITTING KNIGHTS
Moderator: Miss McNulty (cmnulty@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
This service club will be making blankets for those in need. We will also be praying for those in need as we work. Students who are interested in combining prayer and work together are welcome to join. Student who can crochet or knit and would like to teach others or students who would like to learn how to crochet or knit are encouraged to attend.
LADY KNIGHTS GOLF CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Herman (gherman@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
The O’Connell Ladies Golf Club is committed to providing an opportunity for ladies to play, learn, and enjoy the game of golf. Membership is open to all O’Connell ladies, from beginners to advanced players.
LARGESSE
Moderator: Ms. Cohen, Mr. Duesterhaus (tduesterhaus@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Every Tuesday, Room 320, at 3 p.m.
The Largesse is a literary/art magazine. The purpose of the Largesse is to publish student are, poetry, prose and photography in a creative arts magazine and consequently stimulate interest in the creative arts. Students who demonstrate skill and/or enthusiasm for the creative arts are encouraged to join.
LATIN CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. A. Cunningham (acunningham@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Meets monthly, meetings announced in Daily Bulletin, flyers and Latin Classes, in Room 317, at 3 p.m.
Any student enrolled in a Latin class is eligible for membership. The club fosters an appreciation for Roman culture and mythology with games and activities.
LATIN HONOR SOCIETY
Moderator: Mrs. A. Cunningham (acunningham@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Meets with Latin Club
The Latin Honor Society fosters an appreciation for Roman culture and civilization, honors best Latin students, and participates in school charity drives. Membership requirement is a grade 90 or above for three consecutive semesters. These students are obligated to tutor other Latin students who need assistance.
LATIN RHYTHMS
Moderator: TBD
Meetings: Wednesdays and Fridays at 3 p.m. Location TBA
The Latin Rhythms club performs at events such as pep rallies, Superdance, and Festival of the Arts. The students dance to a mix of Salsa, Reggaeton, Merengue, as well as other genres of Latin Music. The dance routines are entirely choreographed and arranged by club members. The club holds fundraisers such as bake sales to raise money for the costumes they wear for their performances. Membership is open to all interested students.
LEGION OF MARY
Moderator: Mr. Welsford (jwelsford@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Every Wednesday, Room 146, at 3 p.m.
The Legion of Mary is more than a club. It is a praesidium that is connected to a worldwide organization with members numbering up to as many as ten million. The Legion of Mary promotes the Catholic Faith and growth in holiness of its members. Members of the O’Connell group make nursing home visits, sometimes make rosaries and give them away, teach CCD, serve Mass, and pray.
LOCAL BAND CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. LeBlanc (jleblanc@bishopoconnell.org or tfitzpatrick@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Every Tuesday, Room 120, 3-4 p.m.
This club is for students who are interested in local bands and concerts. Mr. Fitzpatrick introduced analyzing lyrics for deeper meaning. This club is a great way to share and explore new music (bands, songs, genres etc). Every week a local band, underground band or mainstream band will be featured. Local bands will be guests once per month.
MATH CONTESTS CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Trigeiro (mtrigeiro@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
The club sponsors Virginia Math League Contests. Contests are held throughout the year and all students are eligible to compete.
MODEL UNITED NATIONS
Moderator: Mr. Mills (amills@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Every Wednesday or Thursday, Room 124, at 3 p.m.
The Bishop O’Connell Model United Nations Club is an organization where participants represent a country in the United Nations during different conferences that we participate in. In order to join this club it is not necessary to be comfortable or be able to speak publicly.
MUGGLE QUIDDITCH
Moderator: Mr. Crivella (jcrivella@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
Quidditch was originally a fictional sport made popular by author J. K. Rowling in her Harry Potter book series. Muggle Quidditch is different from Wizard Quidditch because there is no magic or flying broomstick involved and the game is played by non-magic people, known as muggles, instead of wizards.
MUSIC OF THE WORLD
Moderator: Mrs. Zack (mzack@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
The goal of the Music of the World club is to learn about culture and diversities of various countries through the students and their native music. Members from different countries are encouraged to bring in their own selection of music to share. Topics of discussions will include different native musical instruments used and how music brings people of the world together through a common language.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Moderator: Mr. Cassidy, Mrs. Lauby (rcassidy@bishopoconnell.org and alauby@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
Selection of students for membership is the responsibility of the school through its faculty council. All members of the NHS must demonstrate the qualities of scholarship, leadership, character, and service.
OC GLEE CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. O’Reilly (coreilly@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Every Thursday, Room 328 or upper auditorium lobby, 3 p.m.
The purpose of the OC Glee Club is to give students a musical outlet, and a chance to perform musical numbers the Bishop O’Connell community. It will also allow those who do not have the time to participate in other activities like theatre a chance to experience the performing arts.
PAGEMASTERS
Moderator: Mrs. A. Cunningham (acunninghma@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Wednesday, twice a month, Room 314
The purpose of this club is to provide its members with a wider and more diverse experience of the wilds and frontiers of literature. The goal is to expose the members to as many style and genres as possible while at the same time revealing the intensity and entertainment to be harvested from reading.
PHOTO CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Zitron (rzitron@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
The Photo Club welcomes students who enjoy photography and would like to develop their skills by sharing techniques and ideas. No experience necessary. Club meetings may include group discussions, field trips, and presentations
PING PONG CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Mastric (tmastric@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
Members of the ping pong club play weekly and share strategies and ideas of improving their game skills.
PRO-LIFE CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Glasow (dglasow@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
The purpose of this club is to organize various pro-life activities--prayer, petition circulation, and writing letters to government officials.
PURE LOVE CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Iacobucci (kiacobucci@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
This discussion group addresses various issues of peer pressure among society today. Pure Love meets once per week after school. The goal is for students to know of God’s love for them, grow in God’s love and go spread his love to those he places in their paths.
RUSSIAN CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Henry (chenry@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
This club is open to all students interested in learning more about Russian language and culture.
SADD – STUDENTSAGAINST DRUNK DRIVING CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Harrison (jharrison@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
This club is open to all students. It is a peer leadership organization dedicated to preventing destructive decisions, particularly underage drinking. Members of the SADD Club participate in the annual SADD Walks for MADD as well as Dead Day and the annual SADD Assembly.
SCA (STUDENT COUNCIL ASSOCIATION)
Moderator: Mr. Buckreis, Mr. Duesterhaus (rbuckreis@bishopoconnell.org or tduesterhaus@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Monthly
The purpose of the SCA is to cooperate with the administration/faculty in the promotion of high standards of education in conjunction with the development in each person of a knowledge of the Christian faith and a devotion to God; to foster school spirit through planning, coordinating, and executing of various activities for the student body; to promote a good relationship between the administration/faculty and the students; to represent the students' concerns to the administration/faculty; and to promote the general welfare of the Bishop O'Connell community. The SCA is also in charge of numerous school wide activities like the Christ House Soup Drive and Superdance.
SCI-FI CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Crivella (jcrivella@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
This club is a community of students who enjoy gathering together to play challenging video games in a safe social setting. Students meet in the computer science classroom and use the networked systems to challenge one another in real-time strategy computer games. Club members also bring in gaming consoles such as the Wii and the PS3.
SOCIAL JUSTICE CLUB
Moderator: Sr. Maureen Christopher (smaureenchristopher@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Last Thursday of each month, Room 220 at 3 p.m.
Membership is open to all students who are concerned about global problems. We will be discussing hunger, human rights and other important issues.
SPANISH CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Zack (mzack@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
The purpose of the Spanish Club is to strengthen class work by practice with other students, especially native speakers; visit areas where the target tongue is heard and gain enthusiasm in Spanish culture. Membership is open to any student enrolled in a Spanish class at O'Connell.
SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY
Moderator: Mrs. Borges (aborges@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
The Spanish Honor Society's purpose is to promote an appreciation for the Spanish and Hispanic culture and a continuity of interest in Hispanic studies. Members must have maintained a 90 average or higher for three consecutive semesters.
SPANISH TUTORING SOCIETY
Moderator: Mrs. Rubio (mrubio@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursday afternoons, Room 312, at 3 p.m.
Members of the Spanish Tutoring Society are Spanish Honor Society members who volunteer to tutor struggling Spanish Level 1, 2, and 3 students. Tutoring takes place Tuesdays, Wednesday and /or Thursday afternoons. Tutoring is free.
SPIRIT CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Haas (ghaas@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
This club meets and goes to various games. The idea of the club is to allow students more access to O’Connell social venues. The club actively supports all O’Connell service projects and athletic events.
STUDENT TRAINERS
Moderator: Mr. Tillson (dtillson@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: See Mr. Tillson in the training room for information.
Student trainers assist the Certified Athletic Trainer with the care of injuries to athletes. Work 2 – 3days a week, all year if possible, in the training room, at practices, and games. Provide first aid, preventive taping, and team water to athletes. Assist with rehabilitation treatments and the daily operation of the athletic training program. Work in a fun environment with fellow students and the Certified Athletic Trainers. Meet other students with similar interests and get to know a whole other side of O’Connell.
TEENS AGAINST CANCER
Moderator: Mrs. Reagan (crenaghan@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Last Monday of the month, Room 202, at 3 p.m.
This club’s goal is to raise funds and provide support for those affected by cancer. The club plans to work on projects such as Christmas gift baskets to Children’s Hospital cancer patients and ordering small cakes for birthdays in addition to birthday cards.
ULTIMATE FRISBEE
Moderator: Mr. McGrady (rmcgrady@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: Every Tuesday after school
This club meets to share the love of ultimate Frisbee as well as practice the sportsmanship explicitly stated in the rules, known as the “The Spirit of the Game.”
UNITY COUNCIL
Moderator: Mrs. Stabile (mstabile@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
For the latest news and activities from this group, CLICK HERE.
VISOR NEWSPAPER
Moderator: Mr. Culler (dculler@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
The VISOR staff undertakes production of a newspaper once each month that reflects the O'Connell community. Membership is open to all students.
YOUNG DEMOCRATS
Moderator: Mr. Sullivan (ksullivan@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
This club is to raise the awareness about the Democratic Party.
YOUNG REPUBLICANS FOR AMERICA
Moderator: Mr. Mills (amills@bishopoconnell.org)
Meetings: TBD
This club is to better inform the students and faculty of Bishop O’Connell more stories of the Republican Party.
