Mother McAuley encourages students to develop community interests and leadership abilities through a wide variety of extracurricular activities and service opportunities. Clubs are one way young women can pursue and share their unique interests with other like-minded students. McAuley offers more than 30 clubs and organizations from which to choose, all open to students of any grade level. Click on the links below to see our many options.
94% of our students participate in one or more club or organization!
Academic Decathlon is a National Organization that competes in seven academic subject areas as well as a Speech, Essay and Interview based on an annually changing theme. The subjects tested are art, economics, literature, mathematics, music, science and social studies.
Action/Reaction is a club committed to fostering a heightened student consciousness regarding social issues and to respond to them through in-school, as well as outside volunteer opportunities. A recurring outside activity is making and serving dinner to families who are staying at the Ronald McDonald House while their child receives medical care at Christ Hospital. It is our privilege to provide this service to such deserving and thankful families. We also make Valentines for Veterans, which are then distributed to a local veteran facility. There are no grade requirements for Action/Reaction members, but they are expected to attend meetings and sign up for service opportunities.
The Appalachia Mission Project will immerse you in the culture of Dickenson County through the process of serving learning and praxis, putting your faith into action. We will look at the social justice implications on the region through learning, reflection, direct service, and relationship with the local community as well as our group. The application process starts in the fall and includes a review by teachers, deans, and counselors. No more than 20 students participate on each mission trip. Usually the spring break trip is for seniors and the summer trip is for juniors.
The Black Student Union's primary objective is to empower and support our Black students. Our goal is to be a safe space to educate and inspire others about our race and culture. The Black Student Union supports the mission of Mother McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy because we will be one band, one sound as we unite in solidarity with all of our peers toward tackling the issue of racism, one of our Mercy Critical Concerns. One of the most important hallmarks of our club is inclusion - we want ALL students to join to promote positive racial relations and to enhance cultural awareness. By joining the BSU, you will form strong relationships with diverse peers, learn more about the Black race and culture, and work to empower our students and communities of color.
The EcoMacs is an environmental service club. Through monthly meetings and activities, like upcycling and stewardship, we strive to educate the McAuley community on issues facing our planet. We encourage students and the community to recognize their role in helping the environment. All McAuley students interested in the care of our earth are welcome to join.
The French Club is an organization designed to stimulate interest in the French language and culture. A student of any level may join if they are currently and/or formerly enrolled in French. Students must attend meetings and participate in at least one event per semester to be considered a member of the French Club. Some club activities include sampling French cuisine, experiencing French culture and coordinating school wide activities for National French week.
Girls Who Code (GWC) is a national organization that promotes high school students to pursue computer science careers. Membership is open to any McAuley student. The McAuley GWC Club teaches students how to design and develop software to learn programming basics. The GWC Club meets weekly for 1 hour after school. Students are encouraged to design an impact project to solve a real world problem that affects the McAuley community. Other topics may be introduced depending on the interest of the club members.
Intramural sports are a fun and social way to build community, socialize with others, and stay active. The Intramural Sports Program at McAuley offers opportunities to participate in sports by providing an arena in which individuals can compete against one another in a safe, friendly environment. McAuley offers four sports each year.
Junior Classical League is an organization designed to stimulate interest in the Latin language and Roman culture. Membership is open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, and members must be currently enrolled in a Latin course. Girls must also maintain consistent attendance of JCL meetings and take part in JCL activities to remain in good standing. Some of these major events throughout the year include the Not So Haunted House, Ides of March Bake Sale, and the Lang. Honor Societies Induction Ceremony in April. The moderator for Junior Classical League is Mr Schmitt.
This ministry allows musicians(singers and instrumentalists) to use their talents to lead the McAuley community in prayer during masses, prayer services, and special spiritual events. This ministry is open to students of all grade levels and talent levels. Participants are not required to be involved in any music classes. Members are expected to attend the weekly rehearsals regularly in order to perform at mass. Liturgical Ensemble believes what St. Augustine teaches: “She who sings prays twice.”
Liturgical Strings provides string students the opportunity to share their talents by providing instrumental music to the McAuley Community during masses and prayer services. Liturgical Strings works closely with the Liturgical Ensemble in preparing the music. The musicians are all grade levels and should have several years of string playing experience. The participants are encouraged to be a member of McAuley Symphony Strings and the McAuley String Ensemble.
The Mac Media Club is where students are able to expand upon the basics of production planning, script preparation, analysis, directing, equipment setup, trouble-shooting and production. In addition, students will learn field-shooting, interviewing and editing, and will rotate in the crew positions necessary to produce and air television programs and projects. Theater, chorus, and sporting events will also be broadcast.
This club is targeted to students of all grades and musical talents. Along with singing, students are also welcome to perform musical instruments in various MACoustics events. If you are interested in performing vocally or with an instrument this is the best opportunity to do that. You are also allowed to make your own groups within the club if wanted. You do not even have to perform, you can just come and watch and socialize with others. Some of the students that should and could join are generally people that will have hidden vocal or instrumental talents. MACoustics believes that everyone has a talent of some sort and musical talents are some of the best out there.
Macs LEAD is a club committed to teaching students about individuals with special needs, the organizations that serve them, and fostering student consciousness and connectedness to these populations. The primary goal is inclusivity, through education, awareness, and interaction. All levels are welcome to join. Students will have the opportunity to listen to guest speakers to raise awareness of different types of disabilities/special needs, exercises in socially appropriate terms and engagements with people with special needs, provide service to facilities and organizations that serve people with special needs, and plan and organize school-wide drives to raise money or items for organizations.
Math Macs are McAuley students with special talent and interest in the field of mathematics. They participate in math competitions with other high schools in the Chicagoland area. Any student can attend the first three competitions and participate as individuals. To participate in team events, students must attend the scheduled practices prior to the competitions. For the official state competitions, we can only bring ten students per grade level. Students are invited to participate in the official state contests based on their participation and performance in the first three competitions. All competitions are held on Saturdays.
Mindful Macs is designed to help our students become “ambassadors of mindfulness” and promote healthier stress management skills within our school community. It will provide students with a greater understanding of the academic and emotional impact of being overstressed; a safe, healthy place to develop their own stress management plan and mindful practices; and a new opportunity to create mindful initiatives within our school community. Partnered with the counseling department this group is also designed to advocate and educate the school community on mental health awareness issues. Mindful Macs meets once a month, is open to all grade levels and members are required to attend both meetings and Mindful Mac sponsored events, including Mental Health Awareness week.
The Mock Trial Club is an educational and fun experience for all levels of high school students. In addition to learning courtroom procedures, making real world connections with attorneys and alumnae, and honing oral and persuasive skills, students learn how our society’s legal mechanism works to resolve disputes. Students also develop valuable life-long skills such as critical thinking, questioning, listening, strategic thinking, as well as skills in oral presentation and organization. Many students participate in a regional tournament against other high schools with the potential to move to a statewide competition in addition to fulfilling leadership roles in the school and the larger community through service projects. Some students may participate in a regional tournament against other high schools. This is an ideal activity for students who are interested in law or law-related careers or wish to strengthen their public speaking skills or persuasive writing and argumentation.
Movie Macs is a club that meets every two weeks to watch and discuss a variety of different movies from all genres including comedy, drama, horror, classics and many more. This is a club for anyone looking to form bonds and friendships through thoughtful and in-depth analyses and discussions of historical movies as well as movies in pop-culture today. The club’s mission is to support Mother McAuley by challenging its members to think critically about the elements of great movies and to be able to effectively articulate these findings in engaging group discussions, ultimately making life-long friendships.
Primary Colors is a club that is open to all McAuley students who are interested in art, regardless of previous formal experience. Using a variety of techniques and media, this club provides the student with an outlet for self-expression and creativity. Students create themed seasonal projects in a variety of medium, selected by the members of the club. Students also raise money to purchase supplies for projects. Involvement in this club requires that students also be involved in fundraisers.
Psychology Club is open to all levels with an interest in psychology. Students speak of their interests in psychology at the first meeting, which will direct the content we will explore throughout the school year. Psychology Club creates an opportunity for insightful and intellectual conversations about topics such as mental health, psychological disorders, and stress management. Psychology Club also welcomes guest speakers who have careers in the field which allows members to get advice and exposure to the different types of psychology professions. This club aims to be a source of relatable information and will assist young women with educating their peers on various psychology topics.
The Respect Life Club promotes the idea that every human life in every stage of development is precious and worthy of protection and respect. Students participate in the March for Life in Chicago, participate in the Walk for Life, volunteer at the Women’s Center and sponsor several other activities in school to help raise money and awareness for their cause. The Respect Life Club meets monthly and is open to all students sharing the same philosophy with regards to the sanctity of human life.
The Mighty Mac Road Runners is a running club that seeks competitive and non-competitive runners of all running abilities. The club promotes a healthy lifestyle by using running to build physical strength and endurance. The club also provides a great social network among runners to help achieve personal running and fitness goals. The running group meets 1-2 days a week after school between September - November and February - May (weather permitting) and completes a daily workout based on running level that leads to a completion of a 5K race at the end of the season. Club members also volunteer at local road races on request to help build relationships outside of the McAuley Community.
The purpose of the Science Bowl Club is to engage students’ interest in science in a fun and competitive manner. The club challenges students to strengthen and go beyond their current science knowledge which is enhanced through working with other club members to answer science and math questions in a quickly-paced format. The main event of the year is participation in the Regional Science Bowl with a possibility of attending the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. Through scholastic competition, the club fosters competitive skills, adherence to rules and time limits, and a sense of good sportsmanship.
The purpose of the club is to encourage students to learn about science in their everyday life. The Science Club fosters the quest for knowledge by learning through chemistry, physics and earth science experiments conducted monthly after school. For students to be considered a member of Science Club, they need to attend at least 4 meetings by May elections. Science Club conducts an experiment every month, after school, from September to April.
Have you ever wanted to learn about important problems, but didn’t know where to start? Welcome to SAW! This club is a safe space for women to educate both themselves and others about issues that matter to them. Open discussion about important topics is encouraged at every meeting, with subjects ranging from local issues to problems that affect the whole world. Club members will help guide the club’s trajectory, as members will determine the discussion topics of each meeting. All members must be respectful and open-minded during discussions. The club will meet every other week on Tuesdays.
The mission of the Spanish club is to help create understanding and promote enthusiasm for the various aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures and the Spanish language. The moderators, with the help of student officers, organize and provide activities that extend and enrich language and classroom learning. Students engage in cultural activities that include crafts, games, making and eating Hispanic foods, watching videos in Spanish, special guest presentations and occasional trips to restaurants and exhibits. The club participates in two service projects every school year – one with the neighboring members of the community and one within the McAuley community itself. Club members also participate in fundraisers to curtail club expenses. Membership is open to any student that is currently enrolled in a Spanish class. Meetings are held once a month after school and focus on a cultural aspect of the Spanish-speaking world. Students participate in fun and educational hands-on activities to enhance their understanding of Hispanic cultures.
This activity provides students of all levels the opportunity to learn set and prop construction, carpentry skills and design techniques. Students are primarily responsible for assisting in the production of school shows. Running crew, set and prop movement is comprised of those students who have consistently contributed time and effort in the construction of sets.
Student Ambassadors are dynamic young women dedicated to the mission of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. Grounded in the charism of the Sisters of Mercy, Student Ambassadors positively witness the surrounding community, most importantly prospective students, and the values of single gender education within the Catholic Tradition. Specific criteria and requirements must be met for membership.
Student Ambassadors are visible at various events where prospective students and families are present in order to highlight the “lifetime advantages” of an education at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. While serving Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School in this capacity, Student Ambassadors have the unique opportunity to develop and receive training in communication, public relations and interpersonal skills.
The purpose of Student Government is to contribute to the development of student leadership and enthusiasm within our school community through:
Elected members work together through weekly meetings to continue the work of the standing Student Government Committees: recognition, service, leadership development, public relations, and spirit. Student Government strives to promote and lead a new event each month that involves both students and faculty/staff.
This club strives to provide a gathering/discussion-based group that celebrates our differences. UNITY Community is for EVERYONE. Whether we are hosting a film fest, discussing an article on a current event or timely topic, learning a dance, or engaging in a service project, we are working together to promote diversity awareness and celebrate the rich traditions and heritages that are part of our Mother McAuley experience. We meet every other week and as necessary to plan events. Leadership experience is available to students who will commit to meeting at least three times per month in order to plan activities and discussions for the larger group. Leaders will be chosen at the beginning of the year and will serve for the duration of the academic year, while they are meeting their commitment to UNITY Community.
The Varsity Club is for students interested in promoting and upholding school spirit, developing good sportsmanship, and relations between teams during events and in the community. Members will attend scheduled sporting events, plan spirit wear, and participate in a variety of other activities.
Women Who Write is a club centered on expression through the written word. Writers of all levels and abilities will find a safe place to work on their craft in a variety of formats such as stories, poetry, and spoken word. The goal of Women Who Write is to write and share. Opportunities to share include reading at our club meetings, open mic nights, and possible inter-school competition teams. Members should expect to work on their writing, share their writing with the club and maybe even with a public audience. We meet twice a month and performance teams will meet more often. Members should be respectful of all writing talents. Sharing our writing brings the club members closer together. This relationship needs to be respected.
The International Thespians Society is an honor society for high school theatre students. The organization is dedicated to the teaching and appreciation of theatre. Students meet regularly with their school troupe and are also given opportunities to attend theatre conventions. Scholarships are available through the International Thespian Society to talented students planning to study theatre in college. Students serve the school and community through their work on the Audition Workshop, Not So Haunted House, and the Grade School workshop. They also participate in Girls Night Out and other activities. Any student with an interest in Theatre may join as an apprentice member, but full membership in the society requires earning a minimum of 10 points based on Theatre work, classes, workshops, etc. Students earn additional points to gain the ranks of Honor, National Honor, and International Honor Thespians. Members are required to attend all meetings and events.
Model U.N. is an exciting opportunity for students from McAuley to join students from other high schools to discuss political, social and economic issues that are impacting the world community. Students act as diplomats for assigned countries at a Model United Nations conference and learn the skills of research, resolution writing, and informal and formal debate. Students in Model UN spend three to four days at conferences sponsored by various universities. These conferences are facilitated by university students who use the same meeting framework as the United Nations in New York. The club is open to all grade levels, meets weekly and more often as deadlines for conferences become closer.
The Mother McAuley chapter of the National Art Honor Society is a division of the parent organization of the same name. This group of sophomore, junior and senior students is chosen by the Visual Arts & Technology Department faculty. Membership in this chapter is based upon art scholarship, service and character. The purpose of this chapter is to insure and recognize those students who have shown outstanding ability in art, to foster excellence and a dedicated spirit to the pursuit of art, to further creative abilities and talents of the society’s members, to aid members in working toward the attainment of their highest potential in an art area and bring art to the attention of the school and community. To be eligible for selection to membership in this chapter, the candidate must be a high school student enrolled in grade 10, 11, or 12 in this school, and have completed a period equivalent to one semester of art in this school and currently be enrolled in at least one semester of art. An eligible candidate shall have and maintain a minimum art scholarship average of B (3.0 G.P. A), or this school’s equivalent. This is the national minimum standard of achievement required for eligibility and shall remain fixed.
The National English Honor Society is a chapter of the parent organization of the same name. NEHS strives to create an atmosphere of enthusiastic members who share their love of language and literature with the community. Members are admitted in May of their sophomore year and serve for two years. Members meet monthly and are required to attend all events.
The Société Honoraire de Français is a chapter of the national organization. Our goals are to encourage and stimulate interest in the French language and culture, to recognize those juniors and seniors who have maintained a high scholastic average in French, and to offer service to the school and the community. SHF members provide tutoring to less experienced students. They raise money for scholarship, local charities.
The Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School Chapter is a division of the parent organization of the National Honor Society. This group of juniors and seniors is chosen from those students who at the end of their third or fifth semester have an accumulated GPA of 3.5 or better, who have evidenced leadership, positive character values, and have been active in school and community activities and service. The Society is involved with in-school tutoring, assisting at school functions, and fundraising for charitable causes. Eligibility is based on G.P.A. as well as a point system for activities and service. NHS meetings are at least once a month, or when new business arises. Members sponsor two big fundraisers in fall and spring and a smaller one around Christmas. This is a service based organization.
The National Science Honor Society is a nationally recognized organization composed of junior and senior students. The society was organized with the following objectives: to encourage and recognize scientific and intellectual thought, to advance students’ knowledge of classical and modern science, to communicate with the scientific community, to aid the civic community with its comprehension of science, and to encourage students to participate in community service and in turn, encourage a dedication to the pursuit of scientific knowledge that benefits all of mankind. To be eligible, students must be in an AP of honors science course, have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and GPA in science classes of 4.0. Initiation takes place in the fall. Students organize and participate in in-school activities such as science trivia, Earth Day events, STEM week, Mole Day, Pi Day, and the Middle School Science Bowl, to name a few.
The Mother McAuley Chapter, “Aldonza,” is a division of the parent organization, “La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica.” Membership in this chapter is based upon language skills, leadership abilities and character. Junior students enrolled in Spanish III courses may apply after the first quarter and will continue on as members during their senior year. Students must be registered in a level four Spanish class in order to remain a member of S.H.H. during their senior year. The focus of this organization is to increase students’ knowledge of the Spanish language and culture through service and practice. Students must attend monthly meetings, provide tutoring services to students who need extra help with Spanish, complete service hours both in and outside of school, and participate in all activities sponsored by SHH. Activities sponsored and/or attended by S.H.H. members are those that provide opportunity for building language skills, increasing self-esteem and fostering a sense of community in and outside of the McAuley community.
Professional ABC’s is a Mother McAuley Club that provides opportunities for members to explore and learn about the soft skills students will need in any future professional career. Students will attend classes that focus on topics such as first impressions, networking and resume building. Students will set up a LinkedIn profiles and start making contacts in areas of interest. Students will compete in teams and members will be selected for leadership positions. Students will participate in an off-site field trip to several downtown companies as well as in a year-end competition with other schools who have a Professional ABC’s program. All sophomore, junior and senior McAuley students are invited to an interview process at the beginning of the school year in order to be selected for membership. We meet once a month, before school, for a class of 45 minutes to one hour. Students will be required to study materials before these classes and participate in activities or take quizzes based on the material.
Quill and Scroll is an international honorary society for high school students who excel in some phase of high school journalism. Quill and Scroll seeks to encourage individual initiative in high school journalism, creative writing and allied fields enabling the individual to contribute greater skill to the journalistic endeavor. It also recognizes and rewards the individual achievements of students engaged in journalistic activity. Quill and Scroll has a selective membership. Criteria include junior or senior status, a GPA of 3.0 or better, superior work in some phase of the newspaper, yearbook or literary magazine after at least one year’s work on the staff and recommendations by the publication’s advisor. Activities include participation, nomination, and voting in the IHSA, Quill and Scroll, and SPAC award processes, as well as inductions and other events throughout the year. Members of this organization may be asked to provide service to the McAuley community through writing press releases, photographing events or other press/media opportunities.
Becoming Mac Nation
Friday, December 3 | 6:00 - 7:30pm
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