Clubs and Organizations
Please check the Morning Announcements for club meeting information.
JOIN US!
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 service, there is a club for you at Bishop O'Connell. More than 90 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 are listed below. If you have any questions, please feel free to stop by our activities office in the corner of the cafeteria, or email us at activities@bishopoconnell.org.
Leadership
AMBASSADORS
Moderator: Mrs. Hallett (ahallett@bishopoconnell.org)
Student Ambassadors support the Admissions Office by representing Bishop O'Connell at various events throughout the year such as Open House and Preview Knight. Additionally, Student Ambassadors serve as tour guides and hosts to our "Knights for a Day." Ambassadors must apply and be selected in order to participate.
BAKING FOR A CAUSE
Moderators: Mr. Lacrosse (tlacrosse@bishopoconnell.org)
The purpose of the Baking for a Cause club is to use our passion for baking to serve our community in order to fulfill Christ's mission of serving others. We will be donating our profits and products to those in need, such as the Make a Wish Foundation and hospitals in the hope that we can facilitate change and provide members of the Bishop O'Connell community with the opportunity to use their passion for baking to help others.
BBQ CLUB
Moderator: Mr. LaCrosse (tlacrosse@bishopoconnell.org)
The club grills out for different school occasions, sometimes selling burgers and hotdogs for a cause. There's a fun community atmosphere where everybody is having a good time and cooking food for the students.
BEST BUDDIES
Moderators: Mr. O'Connor (joconnor@bishopoconnell.org) and Mrs. Rinaldi (srinaldi@bishopoconnell.org)
Best Buddies fosters one-to-one friendships between high school students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The club offers social mentoring while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion for a population that is often isolated and excluded through their participation. From this club, people with IDD form meaningful connections with their peers, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, and share interests, experiences and activities that many other individuals enjoy.
DIG (DISCIPLES IN GARDENING)
Moderator: Mrs. Ryan (lryan@bishopoconnell.org)
DIG club creates awareness about food insecurity in our community and has an immediate impact on alleviating hunger by growing produce to donate to nearby food pantries. Club activities include planning meetings, discussions and gardening activities--including sowing seeds; weeding and watering garden areas; harvesting crops. Club participants are able to learn and use hands-on skills in vegetable gardening and collaborate with organizations to serve our neighbors in need.
ELDERLY CARE CLUB
Moderator: Mr. John O’Connor (joconnor@bishopoconnell.org)
The Elderly Care Club is a club dedicated to seeking opportunities to serve elderly members of our community and grow in awareness and respect for their particular needs. Members visit residents of the Sunrise Center (an assisted living center) once a month and play games, chat, and simply spend time with the residents who mostly do not get visitors.
ENTREPENEURSHIP CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Betthauser (wbetthauser@bishopoconnell.org)\
Have you thought about starting a business now or in the future? Join other entrepreneurial minded students and learn what it takes to become your own boss.
GOOD NEIGHBORS CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Boniface (dboniface@bishopoconnell,org)
The Good Neighbors Club is a service organization, allowing students to impact their neighborhoods in meaningful ways. This includes clean-up/beautification projects, coat drives, etc.
CURE FOR ALL CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Martin (kmartin@bishopoconnell.org)
This club strives to bring awareness and educate the community about autoimmune diseases and serve to help those suffering in the wider community.
KEYETTES
Moderators: Mrs. Friel (lfriel@bishopoconnell.org) and Miss Tucker (mtucker@bishopoconnell.org),
For membership each girl must show that she is able to donate time and energy and 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.
The DJO Keyette Club is an all female service organization at O’Connell High School where its members help faculty, administrators, and the surrounding community with various projects. The purpose of the DJO Keyette Club follows the Constitution of the Keyette International: to serve school and community, to develop initiative and leadership in its members, to provide experience in working with others, to prepare for useful citizenship and to cooperate with the school administration and faculty. Keyettes usually assist with Back to School Night, Open House, Homecoming, Thankathon, Turkey Blitz, Registration Night, Bake Sales and Community Service opportunities.
KNIGHTS 4 LIFE/PRO-LIFE CLUB
Moderators: Mr. Sloan (nsloan@bishopoconnell.org) and Mrs. Jachim (tjachim@bishopoconnell.org)
The purpose of this club is to organize various pro-life activities--prayer, petition circulation, and writing letters to government officials. This club strives to reinforce the Culture of Life at O'Connell through prayer and peaceful witness.
KNIGHTS FOR THE NEEDY
Moderator: Mrs. Johnson (rjohnson@bishopoconnell.org)
Knights for the Needy offers a way for students to help those in need by creating opportunities for these students to donate to charities and assist local non-profits, such as soup kitchens, homeless shelters, women shelters, or organizations dedicated to the most vulnerable in the community.
KNIGHTS FOR TROOPS
Moderator: Mrs. Hooker (mhooker@bishopoconnell.org)
Our mission is to assist veterans and their families, raise awareness about ongoing issues concerning our military, increase patriotism throughout O’Connell, and give back to our community and country.
KNIGHT TO KNIGHT
Moderator: Ms. Burks (nburks@bishopoconnell.org)
Knight to Knight is an organization of upperclassmen who mentor freshmen in advisory.
LEADERS IN NETWORKING KNIGHTS (LINK)
Moderator: Mrs. Burks (nburks@bishopoconnell.org)
LINK mentors pair up with Transfer Students to welcome them to our DJO community.
LIBRARY CLUB
Moderators: Mrs. Gonsalves (egonsalves@bishopoconnell.org) and Mrs. Harrison (lharrison@bishopoconnell.org)
Student Library Aides assist with organizing the physical and digital library, promote library services and resources, and help library visitors. By providing valuable service to our school community, library aides learn, practice and model professional skills.
MODEL UNITED NATIONS
Moderators: Mr. Kasakove (ekasakove@bishopoconnell.org) and Ms. Allgood (callgood@bishopconnell.org)
The Bishop O’Connell Model United Nations Club is an organization where participants represent a country in the United Nations during different conferences. In order to join this club it is not necessary to be comfortable or be able to speak publicly. This offers students the opportunity to gain an international perspective on current events and build their debate and critical thinking skills. .
ONE LOVE
Moderator: Dr. Stabile (dstabile@bishopoconnell.org)
One Love promotes an understanding of healthy and unhealthy relationships in our members, empowering them to identify and avoid abuse and learn how to express their feelings. Club activities will include presentation of seminars and workshops and peer-to-peer discussions, One Love offers a framework that helps members spread our message online and in their communities.
OUR MINDS MATTER
Moderators: Mrs. Hurley (khurley@bishopoconnell.org), Ms. Semaan (ssemaan@bishopoconnell.org), and Ms. Kelleher (lkelleher@bishopoconnell.org)
This club will help students bring more mental health awareness to the school which will help foster the pursuit of excellence in the whole person. The activities are designed to increase social-connectedness, help-seeking behaviors, and encourage self-care and healthy habits.
O-ZONE
Moderator: Coach Wootten (jwootten@bishopoconnell.org)
O-Zone members are responsible for helping to lead school pep rallies and support the growth and development of O’Connell teams through social media.
PAWS FOR A CAUSE
Moderator: Ms. Cottrell (lcottrell@bishopoconnell.org)
Paws for a Cause is a student organization dedicated to the care and preservation of all God's living creatures. We welcome all animal lovers and their pets to share O'Connell joy through holiday costume contests, fundraising for local animal shelters and blessing of the animals all in the tradition of the patron saint of animals, St. Francis of Assissi.
SCA (STUDENT COUNCIL ASSOCIATION) EXECUTIVE BOARD
Moderators: Ms. Frank (kfrank@bishopoconnell.org) and Mrs. Lonergan (mlonergan@bishopoconnell.org)
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.
Freshman Class Moderator: Mr. Schurr (bschurr@bishopoconnell.org)
Sophomore Class Moderator: Mr. Russo (mrusso@bishopoconnell.org)
Junior Class Moderator: Mr. Betthauser (wbetthauser@bishopoconnell.org)
Senior Class Moderator: Mr. Britt (nbritt@bishopoconnell.org)
TEENS AGAINST CANCER CLUB
Moderators: Ms. Semaan (ssemaan@bishopoconnell.org) and Mr. Fitzpatrick (efitzpatrick@bishopoconnell.org)
The club seeks to support St. Jude’s Golden Gala, Kids V Cancer, Relay for Life (with American Cancer Society), and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Arts
ANIMATION CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Heitz (gheitz@bishopoconnell.org)
This club provides a fun and educational environment to learn about animation, character design, storyboarding, and the 12 principles of animation.
ARTS AWARENESS ASSOCIATION
Moderator: Ms. Dowell (sdowell@bishopoconnell.org)
This Club promotes participation in, enthusiasm for, and appreciation of the Arts in all forms. You don’t have to be an artist to join, but if you are someone who appreciates all that the arts (music, visual, etc.) offer to enrich our lives and community, join us!
"DOODL" CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Heitz (gheitz@bishopoconnell.org)
Students will practice creating and developing concepts, storylines, storyboards, and characters for comic books.
DRUMLINE and PEP BAND
Moderators: Mr. Isaacson (risaacson@bishopoconnell.org) and Mr. Connor (jmconnor@bishopoconnell.org)
Drumline and Pep Band represent and support Bishop O'Connell in correlation with the O-Zone and at games to energize teams and fans.
FIBER ARTS CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Taylor (mtaylor@bishopoconnell.org)
The purpose of this club is to allow students the opportunity to learn and practice knitting and other fiber arts.
GUITAR CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Jimenez (cjiminez@bishopoconnell.org)
This club is for practicing, learning songs and most importantly to have fun playing the guitar.
PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Teter (eteter@bishopoconnell.org)
The purpose of the Photography Club is to capture the beauty of God’s earth through the art of photography. It allows students to share their interests in photography. We will help each other become better photographers through photography challenges, showcases, and lessons. The club offers the ability to use both analog and digital formats.
STRING QUARTET
Moderator: Mr. LaCrosse (tlacrosse@bishopoconnell.org)
String Quartet performs at O'Connell events and in the surrounding community. Increasing awareness of the sound and beautiful music that can be played as a string quartet.
SWING DANCE CLUB
Moderator: Ms. Midgley (gmidgley@bishopoconnell.org)
The swing dance club promotes awareness of American vernacular jazz dances from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s such as lindy hop, balboa, and Charleston. We will meet weekly for swing dance lessons and will explore the historical connection between dance and American jazz music.
SYMPHONY CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Giguere (ngigeure@bishopoconnell.org)
Fosters the appreciation of classical music through attendance of symphony concerts at nearby venues such as the Kennedy Center and Strathmore. Open to all students interested in classical music, regardless of musical background.
Academic Interests
DEBATE CLUB
Moderators: Mr. Kasakove (ekasakove@bishopoconnell.org) and Mr. Carvalho (ldecarvalho@bishopoconnell.org)
The O’Connell Debate Club develops communication and rhetoric skills which are essential for empowering youth to become engaged citizens, skilled professionals and honorable leaders in our society. The club exists in order to develop educational skills of members by actively participating in debates and speaking competitions with peers. Activities will include participating in debates with fellow club members, learning the elements of rhetoric and learning how to effectively use ethos, pathos and logos.
IT’S ACADEMIC/QUIZ BOWL
Moderator: TBD
The It’s Academic Club is a group of trivia-loving 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.
LARGESSE
Moderator: Mrs. Taylor (mtaylor@bishopoconnell.org)
The Largesse is a literary/art magazine. The purpose of the Largesse is to publish student art, 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.
NEUOROSCIENCE CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Mark O'Connor
This club is for those who share interest in Neuroscience and applying this knowledge to other areas of life and science. We'll have discussions about new research and theoretical possibilities related to the brain. The club will also include guest speakers, merging with other clubs, lessons about varying popular topics in neuroscience (including neurotheology), and optional research projects and workshops.
PAGEMASTERS BOOK CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Dowell (sdowell@bishopoconnell.org)
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 styles and genres as possible while at the same time revealing the intensity and entertainment to be harvested from reading.
Growing Your Faith
ALTAR SERVER CLUB
Moderator: Fr. McShurley (frpmshurley@bishopoconnell.org)
Interested students assist in setting up for school liturgies and serving Mass throughout the year as altar servers and ushers. Members should be altar servers in their home parish.
EVANGELIZATION CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Emmons
This is a club meant to evangelize- preach the Gospel, and try to talk to people about Christianity (mainly Catholicism). This club is meant to get students used to talking about their faith and becoming more passionate about their Catholic lives. We will evangelize through works and words wherever we may decide, whether it be inside or outside of school.
FIAT CLUB
Moderators: Mrs. Lewis (vlewis@bishopoconnell.org) and Ms. Hurley (khurley@bishopoconnell.org)
The purpose of Fiat is to accompany young women in their faith. We do this by gathering together as a community to grow in virtue through fellowship, conversation, prayer, scripture, and inspiration from the saints. This all happens over tea!
LITTLE FLOWERS
Moderator: Mrs. Paig (lpaig@bishopoconnell.org)
The purpose of this club is to assist the school Chaplain with the set up of liturgical events throughout the school day. With St. Therese of Lisieux as our model, The Little Flowers Club aims to assist Campus Ministry by serving the school as sacristans. Under the direction of the Chaplain, the Little Flowers will undertake the general preparation of liturgical celebrations.The Club also offers social opportunities for interested students. Young women grow in relationship with each other and God through service.
PRAISE BAND
Moderator: Mr. Lacrosse (tlacrosse@bishopoconnell.org)
Praise Band is an auditioned group of singers and musicians who use their talents to praise God during school Masses. If interested in joining, please consider auditioning in the spring semester (early May).
ROSARY CLUB
Moderator: Fr. McShurley (frpmshurley@bishopoconnell.org)
The Rosary meditates on the life of Christ and Our Lady's role in salvation history. Students gather to pray to the Rosary twice per week.
WORD ON FIRE
Moderator: Mr. Frank Russo
We seek to evangelize our DJO community (and culture) with the Gospel message to attract our peers to the Catholic faith.
STEM Interests
AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY (ACS) CHEMISTRY CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Kapral (akapral@bishopconnell.org)
This club is open to all students interested in learning more about chemistry, regardless of prior or current enrollment in chemistry class. The Club explores careers in Chemistry and does fun Chemistry activities.
ASTROBOTANY CLUB (Space Biology)
Moderator: Mrs. Pore (mpore@bishopoconnell.org)
Members will participate in research conducted through the International Space Station as a way to determine how plants grow differently in space. The club members track growth of the seedlings and germination processes to determine if there are differences in plants from earth due to micro-gravity. Plant a 3 Sisters Garden at school, grow tomato plants from space and teach others about healthy eating through agriculture.
RADIO AND ENGINEERING CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Pore (mpore@bishopoconnell.org)
The purpose of this club is to design and test space experiments, build and launch satellites, and support the learning of Amateur Radio.
BIOLOGY CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Mark O'Connor (moconnor@bishopoconnell.org)
Members explore biology and strive to showcase the beauty that is biology to the student body. This club is for all people interested in science! If you are considering a career in medicine, marine biology, crime scene investigation and more we encourage you to join our club. We strive to explore biology through fun experiments and giving back to the school. Activities – Visit the National Zoo, play Biology Jeopardy, tutor fellow students, perform fun labs, beautify the school, guest speakers, work on projects and much more.
CLIMATE KNIGHTS
Moderator: Mr. Britt (nbritt@bishopoconnell.org)
The Climate Knights is a club for students across all grade levels to both learn about climate change, how it is affecting our planet, and what steps and habits we can implement to make a difference. It will inspire members to spread awareness on the topic of global warming and climate change to their peers and community. Our goals are to develop student leaders to spread awareness of and combat the negative effects of climate change, educate the student body and the O'Connell community about the importance of this issue and how we can make changes for a better climate future.
CYBER KNIGHTS
Moderator: Mrs. Gonsalves (egonsalves@bishopoconnell.org)
Cyber Knights are students who are interested in cybersecurity and want to develop computer and network security experience using technical resources to excel in cyber security competitions. One contest has students manage the computer network (both Linux and Windows) of a small company and they must find cybersecurity vulnerabilities and lock down the system while maintaining critical services. New members are always welcome.
DIGITAL GAME DESIGN CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Gonsalves (egonsalves@bishopoconnell.org)
Students explore the art and science of computer game design on Windows and Mac and app development on iOS and Android. Topics of interest include programming logic, coding, story-telling, character development, animation, 3D design, textures, animation and sound. Students create with different software tools and game assets to create digital games to play and publish. Each month we demonstrate and create using a different game design software tool.
CODING CLUB
Moderator: Ms. Anderson (aanderson@bishopoconnell.org)
The coding club is a positive peer learning community giving students the opportunity to explore coding in a non-academic environment. They bring experienced minds together with newbies to discuss challenges with coding and improve together. This club opens up opportunities for internships and competitions.
SEAPERCH SUB CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Pore (mpore@bishopoconnell.org)
The main purpose of the Seaperch Club is to build automated underwater vehicles and then compete at the United States Naval Academy in challenges with the device.
STELLAR XPLORERS
Moderator: Mrs. Pore (mpore@bishopoconnell.org)
Stellar Xplorers is a STEM club that participates in an organized competition through the Air & Space Forces Association. Members focus as a team on three different problem scenarios related to satellite exploration, navigation, and discovery of fascinating planetary data. Example: A scenario proposed was how to place satellites in order to best collect the most information along the path of a total eclipse.
World Languages & Cultures
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) CLUB
Moderator: Ms. Martin (kmartin@bishopoconnell.org)
No experience necessary! The ASL Club is open to O'Connell students who are interested in learning more about deaf culture and practicing American Sign Language.
ASIAN AMERICAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION
Moderator: Mrs. Cottrell (lcottrell@bishopoconnell.org)
The goal of AASA is to promote an understanding and awareness of Asian culture including ethnicity, social, economic, political and religious systems. Awareness and understanding is fostered through monthly meetings, an annual assembly for the entire student body, and fund raising activities.
BLACK STUDENT UNION CLUB (BSU)
Moderators: Dr. Davis (bdavis@bishopoconnell;.org) and Mr. Dunn (idunn@bishopoconnell.org)
This club exists to uplift, celebrate, and educate the community on black voices and culture through O'Connell students. Each year we have a bake sale and an assembly put on by club members.
CARRIBBEAN CLUB
Moderator: Dr. Davis (bdavis@bishopoconnell.org)
The Caribbean Club is to bring people from Caribbean countries together to share their culture and represent their country. It also will bring awareness of what is happening within the countries.
DEU (Diversity, Equity, and Unity) STUDENT COMMITTEE
Moderator: Dr. Davis (bdavis@bishopoconnell.org)
The Diversity, Equity and Unity student committee is a platform to engage in meaningful conversations, share diverse perspectives, and collectively work towards fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued. By participating in this club, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the richness of human experiences. There are opportunities to share viewpoints and collaborate on initiatives that promote equality and celebrate our differences. Together, we can create a lasting change within DJO and beyond, fostering a community of respect, empathy and unity.
EUROPEAN CULTURES CLUB
Moderator: Ms. Johnston (njohnston@bishopconnell.org)
Meetings focus on cultural festivities, functions, language, and faith systems of a variety of different European countries. Meetings often include themes and planned presentations on events such as Bavarian Oktoberfest, Rome at Christmas, Bulgarian Spring Festivals, and Venetian Mardi Gras.
FRENCH CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Kirschbaum (Jkirschbaum@bishopoconnell.org)
The goal of the French Club is to stimulate interest in the French language, France and its culture. French Club is a place to speak French, enjoy French food and culture, and celebrate all things Français! The club is open to anyone, whether or not they speak French or are taking French classes at O'Connell.
GERMAN CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. MacGregor (smacgregor@bishopoconnell.org)
The purpose of this group is to foster appreciation for and explore German language and culture.
GREEK CLUB
Moderator: Ms. Rechin (srechin@bishopoconnell.org)
This club builds community among students, and allows students to share their culture and traditions with their peers. Together, members of the Greek Club celebrate Greek holidays and feasts.
HABESHA ETHIOPIAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION
Moderators: Ms. Hurley (khurley@bishopoconnell.org)
To connect Ethiopian students in our community, and allow for Ethiopian culture to be better understood across the school. A place for all students to come and experience the beauty of Ethiopian culture!
HISPANIC HERITAGE CLUB
Moderator: Ms. Yanine (fyanine@bishopoconnell.org)
To learn about and to recognize the contributions and vital presence of both Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and to observe their native heritage and contributing culture. The club produces the annual Hispanic Heritage Assembly and participates in the Hispanic Heritage Mass. It provides the opportunity to celebrate Hispanic traditions. The club also works with the Spanish Honor Society at the St. James monthly food distribution.
ITALIAN-AMERICAN CLUB
Moderator: Dr. Stabile (dstabile@bishopoconnell.org)
This club promotes awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the global contributions of Italian culture, customs, and traditions in Catholic Church, history, science, mathematics, art, music, language, philosophy and literature. Service opportunities for members are provided.
LATIN CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Russo (mrusso@bishopoconnell.org)
The club fosters an appreciation for Roman culture and mythology with games and other activities.
MIDDLE EASTERN AND NORTH AFRICAN CLUB (M.E.N.A.)
Moderator: Mrs. Haas (khaas@bishopoconnell.org)
This club brings awareness of those who come from an Arab background or are interested in learning more about it.
SPANISH CLUB
Moderator: Ms. Yanine (fyanine@bishopoconnell.org)
The Spanish Club’s purpose is to promote an appreciation for the Spanish and Hispanic culture and a continuity of interest in Hispanic studies.
Common Interests - Just for Fun!
AMONG US CLUB
Moderator: Miss Midgley (gmidgley@bishopoconnell.org)
The purpose of our club is to help strengthen the sense of community between all grades by playing this fun game together.
BOARD KNIGHTS
Moderator: Mrs. Harrison (lharrison@bishopoconnell.org)
Do you enjoy playing and learning new games? Students in the Board Games club learn new games and play together. A great way to meet new friends!
CHESS CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Campo (ccampo@bishopoconnell.org)
A club for those who enjoy playing chess. All experience levels welcome!
CREATIVE WRITING AND POETRY CLUB
Moderator: Ms. Rechin
This club is to encourage and strengthen creative writing skills. We will have fun sharing our work and growing in confidence.
"DOODL" CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Heitz (gheitz@bishopoconnell.org)
Students will practice creating and developing concepts, storylines, storyboards, and characters for comic books.
FASHION CLUB
Moderator: Miss Tucker (mtucker@bishopoconnell.org)
Have a passion for fashion? Members of the O’Connell Fashion Club share their interest in fashion trends and creativity. This club provides the space for like-minded individuals to express and connect in fashion-forward ideas. Join us for everything from blog design, to decorating tote bags, to fashion shows!
FISHING CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Johnson
This is a place to learn about fishing, and how to enjoy nature in a productive way.
GAMING CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Gonsalves (egonsalves@bishopoconnell.org)
Join a safe venue where students play and compete in digital games, like Smash Bros, and participate in contests and competitions. Bring your portable console, like Nintendo Switch. Meet new people IRL and climb the leaderboard!
GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL
Moderator: Mr. Sabatino (tsabatino@bishopoconnell.org)
The Flag Football Club offers a fun and competitive environment for students to enjoy the game of football. Meeting 1-2 times a week for practice, members will develop their skills, teamwork, and strategy. The club will also participate in 3-5 games throughout the season, providing a chance to showcase what you've learned on the field. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, all are welcome to join and experience the excitement of flag football!
KINDNESS CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Rechin (srechin@bishopoconnell.org)
Kindness Club is a calm space for people of every grade to meet new people, do homework, and enjoy Lo-Fi music. Join us in room 336 after school for fun teamwork games and to make new friends while you study and relax!
KNIGHT LIFE STEP TEAM
Moderator: Dr. Davis (bdavis@bishopoconnell.org)
Step Team provides a great opportunity for interested students to gain stepping skills and showcase their talent. The steppers perform at school events and competitions. The team was created in order to demonstrate a unique art form that originated in Africa. The purpose is also to perform at school and community events throughout the year, develop leadership skills and develop each member physically, mentally and morally. Students also have the opportunity to begin an activity they can continue in college.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES CLUB
Moderators: Ms. Johnson (rjohnson@bishopoconnell.org) and Mr. Ruff (gruff@bishopoconnell.org)
The Outdoor Activities Club sponsors activities such as fishing trips and hikes, and raises money to support organizations giving similar opportunities to others in need.
PICKLEBALL CLUB
Moderator: Mrs. Haas (khaas@bishopoconnell.org)
The Pickleball Club will meet to learn and practice. All experience levels welcome!
PING PONG CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Prince (sprince@bishopoconnell.org)
The Ping Pong club builds community through the fun of playing ping pong. Anyone at any skill level can come and play.
POWERLIFTING CLUB
Moderator: Coach Nutter (gnutter@bishopoconnell.org)
Powerlifting is a great way to build confidence and a sense of self worth. Students of all experience levels are welcome to come and learn.
REST AND RELAXATION CLUB (RNR)
Moderator: Mrs. Martin (kmartin@bishopoconnell.org)
STOCK AND FINANCE CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Betthauser (wbetthauser@bishopoconnell.org)
Students participate in a Stock Market Virtual Simulation as well as in an Economics Challenge competition at the state level in Richmond.
TAYLOR SWIFT ASSOCIATION
Moderators: Mrs. Boniface (dboniface@bishopoconnell.org) and Mr. John O’Connor (joconnor@bishopoconnell.org)
The Taylor Swift Association is a place to discuss and share in the enjoyment of Taylor Swift music with friends. In the club we enjoy listening to our favorite songs/albums, discussing our shared interest, and meeting people who share this interest with us.
VOLLEYBALL CLUB
Moderator: Mr. Rinard
The volleyball club promotes unity through teamwork based around the sport. The club will give an opportunity for men to play volleyball competitively or women a space to play/practice during the off season. Other events would be held that allow casual players to perform.
Academic Honor Societies
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Moderators: TBD
Members of the National Honor Society must have a qualifying GPA in order to apply. Members serve within the school and greater community. NHS is a national program and focuses on building character, especially in the areas of leadership, service, and intellect.
ASL HONOR SOCIETY
Moderator: Ms. Martin (kmartin@bishopoconnell.org)
The ASL Honor Society is a part of a national organization that recognizes students for excellence in their mastery of ASL. Members are invited to join by the ASL teacher based on 3.5 GPA in ASL and 3.0 cumulative GPA. The induction ceremony is in March during World Language Week.
FRENCH HONOR SOCIETY
Moderator: Ms. Webb (wwebb@bishopoconnell.org)
This group fosters an appreciation for French culture, honors the 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 90 or higher.
GERMAN HONOR SOCIETY
Moderator: Mrs. MacGregor (smacgregor@bishopoconnell.org)
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.
INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN SOCIETY
Moderator: Miss Midgley (gmidgley@bishopoconnell.org)
International Thespian Society recognizes excellence in high school theater artists. Membership is earned by accruing points in service to the DJO theater program.
LATIN HONOR SOCIETY
Moderator: Mr. Russo (mrusso@bishopoconnell.org)
Any student enrolled in a Latin class is eligible for membership. The Latin Honor Society fosters an appreciation for Roman culture and civilization, honors best Latin students, and participates in school charity drives. Membership requirement for Honor Society is a grade of 90 or above for 3 consecutive semesters. Honor Society students are obligated to tutor other Latin students who need assistance.
NATIONAL ENGLISH HONOR SOCIETY
Moderator: TBD
The goal of NEHS is to promote mastery of written expression, encourage worthwhile reading, and foster fellowship among students who excel in English. Activities – Book drive, book club, DC-area library visits and service projects. Eligibility = 3.7 overall GPA and 3.9 GPA in English. Application plus teacher recommendation required.
NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL MATHEMATICS HONOR SOCIETY - MU ALPHA THETA
Moderator: Mr. Ragsdale (cragsdale@bishopoconnell.org)
Membership is limited to students with qualifying GPAs. The honor society promotes a love of math through math related activities and competitions.
NATIONAL SOCIAL STUDIES HONOR SOCIETY - RHO KAPPA
Moderator: Mr. Rixon (grixon@bishopoconnell.org)
Rho Kappa recognizes students for academic excellence in Social Studies. Students must apply and meet Rho Kappa requirements in order to be considered for membership.
SCIENCE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Moderator: Mr. Glynn (tglynn@bishopoconnell.org)
The Science National Honor Society recognizes students for academic excellence in Science. Students must apply and meet honor society requirements in order to be considered for membership.
SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY
Moderator: Ms. Yanine (fyanine@bishopoconnell.org)
Membership is by invitation. Students must have an average of A- for three consecutive years to be eligible. Spanish Honor Society fosters appreciation for Spanish culture and language. Members tutor students during Knight Time.
TRI-M MUSIC HONOR SOCIETY
Moderator: Mr. LaCrosse (tlacrosse@bishopoconnell.org)
This organization is for junior and senior music class students who meet the GPA requirement. It offers opportunities to perform and do service work for both the O’Connell and wider community.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Contact our activities office at activities@bishopoconnell.org to see how you can start a new club at Bishop O'Connell.