Clubs & Organizations

ACTION REACTION

Moderator:  Mrs. Finn

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. 

ANIME CLUB

Moderator: Mr. Meyer

Anime Village is for all students that share an interest in anime and Japanese culture.  We hold discussions about shows, watch monthly anime series as voted on by the members, and learn about the Asian culture.  It is an environment for students to communicate and bond over anime they are passionate about. Anime Village also organizes fundraisers to donate to those in need.
 

BLACK STUDENT UNION

Moderator:  Ms. Wheeler & Ms. Woronko

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.   

BOOK CLUB

Moderator:  Ms. Gralak

Through the discussions of various works of literature, the Book Club promotes critical thinking and effective communication while nurturing the habit of reading for enjoyment. The Book Club is open to all students.

COSTUME CREW

Moderator: TBA

No experience needed! You will learn the skills you need to measure, find, and create  costumes and accessories for the cast of the musical, spring play, and one acts. You will work on projects under the guidance of Mrs. Hart and the head of costume crew including how to apply stage makeup and style hair for various productions. 

CULINARY CLUB

Moderator:  Mrs. Shinners

The culinary club is open for all students interested in gaining experience in the culinary arts. This club will meet 1-2 times a month in McAuley's kitchen to collaborate on and learn how to prepare new dishes. Each meeting will alternate between a cooking or baking project. Service opportunities will be available to members of the club.

MMC/BR D&D CLUB

Moderator: Mr. Bochenzcak

D&D Club is a space where Mother McAuley and Brother Rice students can learn how to play Dungeons & Dragons and play with other students in an ongoing story. Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy tabletop roleplaying game where a group of people meet up and create a story together using the game's rules and unique dice. It's a great opportunity to laugh and meet new people with like-minded interests.

ECOMACS

Moderator:  Mrs. Dowden

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.

INTERNATIONAL THESPIANS SOCIETY

Moderator:  Mrs. McKee

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.

INTRAMURAL SPORTS

Moderator:  Ms. McCauley

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.

IRISH HERITAGE

Moderator:  Mr. Coons

The Irish Heritage Club is a club that explores the history of the Irish culture and hopes to educate others on all the important impacts that Irish people have had on our community and school. We plan to use St. Patrick's Day to celebrate the Irish heritage and let the entire school feel "a little bit Irish" for the day. We will also volunteer our time with some charities in the community that need extra support. 

JEWELRY CLUB

Moderator:  Ms. Pierce

This club is open to all students interested in jewelry making. Jewelry Club will meet twice a month. Jewelry Club is meant for students to learn basic skills to make jewelry that they can use to express themselves. No experience is needed to join.

LATINAS LEAD

Moderator:  Ms. Paraga

Latinas Lead is a club whose purpose is to bring unity within the Latino community around us.  Our goal is to become a safe place where we can discuss and highlight issues, and also empower and support Latinas that walk the McAuley hallways.  Latinas Lead will also be used as an educational platform where we can teach non-Latinas the importance and highlights of our culture.  Latinas Lead is for everyone, and we want to encourage others, especially Latinas, to use their voices to speak and discuss issues like differences and challenges we all face.

LITURGICAL ENSEMBLE

Moderator:  Mrs. Alifantis

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

Moderator:  Mr. Eberhard

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.

MAC MEDIA - BROADCAST CLUB

Moderator:  Ms. Duffy

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.

MACS LEAD

Moderators:  Mrs. Murzyn and Mrs. Sullivan

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.

MACS MAJORETTE

Moderator: Mrs. Wheeler and Mrs. Vanderwerf

Macs Majorette is a new dance club that is open to all grades. Majorette is a form of dance that incorporates high energy movement, baton twirling, and gymnastics. No experience is needed. Come as you are to participate or give input with choreography.

MARIACHI CLUB

Moderator: Mr. Eberheard 

The Mother McAuley Mariachi Club is for groups of students who are interested in enhancing their performing abilities and spreading the joy of Hispanic culture. Mariachi is a traditional form of music originating in Mexico. Students in this club will have the opportunity to sing and play for their McAuley community. Throughout the year we will perform for masses, concerts, and many other events that McAuley has to offer. 

MATH MACS

Moderator:  Ms. Scholl

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.

MOCK TRIAL

Moderator: Mr. Hildner and Mrs. Shinners

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 alumni, 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.

MODEL U.N.

Moderator:  Mr. Hildner and Mrs. Shinners

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.

PRIMARY COLORS

Moderator: Mrs. Carroll

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.

PROFESSIONAL ABC'S: ADVICE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Moderator:  Mrs. Finn

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.

PSYCHOLOGY CLUB

Moderator:  Mrs. Woronko and Mrs. Byrne

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. 

RESPECT LIFE

Moderator:  Mr. Cislo

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.

SCHOLASTIC BOWL

Moderator: Mr. Kyler and Mrs. Staudacher

Scholastic Bowl is a fast-paced competition where two teams of five students face off to answer questions about school subjects and general knowledge. Mother McAuley has both Junior Varsity and Varsity teams and competes in the South Metropolitan Scholastic Bowl League. 

SCIENCE CLUB

Moderator:  Mrs. Vail

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. 

SOCIAL JUSTICE FOR WOMEN

Moderators:  Ms. Voegtle

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.

SPANISH CLUB

Moderators:  Mrs. Geary and Mrs. Zeilner

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.

STAGE CREW

Moderator:  Ms. McCasland

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

Moderator:  Mrs. White & Ms. Lara

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.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Moderator:  Ms. Zajack

The purpose of Student Government is to contribute to the development of student leadership and enthusiasm within our school community through:

• respecting the uniqueness of each person
• encouraging and supporting the growing leadership qualities of students
• promoting school spirit and pride in accomplishments
• serving as a liaison between the McAuley administration and students regarding mutual concerns, problems and events

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.

TIGHTLY KNIT COMMUNITY

Moderator: Mrs. Guardi

This club is open to all students interested in knitting. Tightly Knit Community meets weekly on Fridays, and all knitting is donated to charity. The completion of the project allows members to earn service hours for Theology. No knitting experience is necessary to join.

VARSITY CLUB

Moderator:  Mr. Staal

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

Moderators:  Ms. Webber 

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.