For High School Students

Students compete in a multi-disciplinary academic event with written questions. Teams of up to five people per category compete in the following subject areas:

• Math
• Science
• Social Studies
• Fine Arts
• Language Arts, and
• Interdisciplinary.

Event is sanctioned by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP).

Competition Timeline: Competition is in March/April.

Eligibility Requirements: No requirements.

Cost for Participation: No cost for participation.

Staff Sponsor: Julie Tyrakowski, jtyrakowski@elkhart.k12.in.us

Additional Information: IASP Website

Drill is made up of multiple precise marching movements. The drill events are completed either armed or unarmed in competition.

Color Guard teams present the colors (flags) in competition and at EHS sporting events throughout the year.

The Saber Team uses precise arm movements and other marching movements during special events, using the official Air Force sword. Cadets who participate normally become proficient on all three teams.

Club Activities: In addition to club practice, many members of the Drill and Color Guard teams compete in Dayton, Ohio, for the Regional Drill Meet each March. Departure happens on Friday evening, with the competition on Saturday and a visit to the USAF Museum in Dayton on Sunday before returning that afternoon.

Meeting Location: EHS Main Campus, Fieldhouse

Meeting Times: Times and dates can vary. During the fall competition season, practices are typically held twice a week—Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Dates and times may change depending on gym floor availability.

Eligibility Requirements: Student must be a member of the AFJROTC program in good standing.

Cost for Participation: No cost, but participation in the yearly fundraiser is highly encouraged to offset travel, equipment, and uniform costs.

Staff Sponsor: AFJROTC Senior Master Sergeant Scott Rutledge, srutledge@elkhart.k12.in.us

AFJROTC Raider Team is an athletic team that competes in running, calisthenics, obstacle courses, and military one-rope bridge construction. The Raider Team is competitively manned, meaning only the most qualified cadets will compete. The team competes at state, regional, and national levels. If qualified for All-Service Nationals, the team travels to Georgia during the first week of November for a three- to four-day event. The team has previously placed sixth in the nation overall, finishing as the #2 AFJROTC Raider Team in the country.

Club Activities: Design and build robots, compete against other clubs and schools in the area, region, and country.

Meeting Location: EHS Main Campus, AFJROTC Classroom F103

Meeting Times: Practices are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, before and after school. Morning practice is from 6:30–7:45 a.m., and afternoon practice is from 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Eligibility Requirements: Student must be a member of the AFJROTC program to compete on the Raider Team.

Cost for Participation: No cost.

Staff Sponsor: AFJROTC Major J.G. Dorman, jdorman@elkhart.k12.in.us

The National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) BioClub provides opportunities for students to engage in outreach activities, prepare experiments, present technical information, and explore career, technical training, and college options related to the life sciences.

Meeting Location: EHS Main Campus – Upstairs and in the Mouse Lab

Meeting Times: During advisory and after school on Wednesdays

Length of Club: BioClub meets throughout the entire school year

Eligibility Requirements: Open to all students in grades 9–12 with an interest in science, especially life sciences

Cost for Participation: No cost

Staff Sponsor: Erica Shannon, eshannon@elkhart.k12.in.us

Additional Information: Students in BioClub have access to scholarship opportunities, community partnerships, research experiences, and participation in the Regional Science Fair and Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF). Learn more at the NABT BioClub website.

Students meet to play a variety of board games, including traditional board games, card games, and role-playing games (RPGs). They also occasionally work on puzzles. Board Game Club is all about inclusivity—everyone is encouraged to join in the fun!

Meeting Location: EHS Freshman Division – Art Depot

Meeting Times: Thursdays from 4:00–6:00 p.m.

Length of Club: The Board Game Club meets throughout the entire school year

Eligibility Requirements: Open to all students

Cost for Participation: No cost

Staff Sponsor: Cara Storer, cstorer@elkhart.k12.in.us

Bowling Club is for students who enjoy bowling and want to compete alongside other area high school bowlers. The season runs from September through January.

Club Activities: Students practice and compete at local bowling centers and face off against seven area schools.

Meeting Location: Students practice at Country Club Lanes and compete at various local bowling centers

Meeting Times: The season runs from September through January. Practices are held Mondays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. at Country Club Lanes. Competitions are held on Tuesdays beginning in October. Sectionals take place the first Saturday after winter break, with advancement opportunities based on performance.

Eligibility Requirements: Students must meet IHSAA eligibility requirements. Academic performance is important.

Cost for Participation: No cost. The team hosts fundraisers to support activities. Students are encouraged to have their own bowling equipment, if possible.

Club Sponsor: Jane Slabaugh, janeslabaugh@hotmail.com

The EHS Broadcasters are students interested in radio, TV, podcasts, and related media. This growing club aims to produce daily news programming that becomes the go-to source for information about EHS—both inside and outside the school. The long-term goal is for students to gain internship credit through their participation.

Eligibility Requirements: Open to any student in grades 10–12

Cost for Participation: No cost for participation

Staff Sponsor: Jeff Miller, jdmiller@elkhart.k12.in.us

Students compete in chess matches against other students locally, with the possibility of advancing to regional and state competitions. Players can participate in both individual and team events.

Practice: Students meet once per week before school in the Engineering, Technology, and Innovation building. Practice time is also available during 9th period.

Competition: Competitions are held on Saturdays and include both team and individual events.

Eligibility Requirements: No requirements. All skill levels are welcome.

Cost for Participation: No cost for participation

Staff Sponsors: Julie Tyrakowski, jtyrakowski@elkhart.k12.in.us and Larry Benjamin, lbenjamin@elkhart.k12.in.us

ElkLogics designs and builds robots to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition and promotes STEM through community engagement.

Club Activities: Design and build robots, and compete against other clubs and schools at the local, regional, and national levels.

Meeting Location: ETI Building, Room E123

Meeting Times:

• August–December: Tuesdays, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
• January–April: Monday–Thursday, 5:30–8:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Summer: As needed

Eligibility Requirements: Students must have passing grades in all classes with a C average or better

Cost for Participation: $250 per student/family, which can be fundraised through the club

Staff Sponsors: Nick Seidel, nseidel@elkhart.k12.in.us and Ted Elli, telli@elkhart.k12.in.us

FFA incorporates agriculture into a variety of fields to encourage student involvement. It also builds connections between students and the community through student-led events. FFA can be as involved as the student wants—there are competitions, projects, and events available to participate in, but none are required.

Meeting Location: EHS Main Campus – Room A222

Meeting Times: FFA meets two to three times a month during Advisory

Length of Club: FFA is a year-round club that continues through the summer

Eligibility Requirements: Open to students in grades 9–12. Students must be passing all classes to participate. There are no required community service hours, but students are encouraged to participate in service opportunities

Cost for Participation: No upfront costs. Students fundraise throughout the year to cover expenses for trips, events, and jackets

Staff Sponsor: Brenda Mueller, bmueller@elkhart.k12.in.us

Additional Information: Students can also contact FFA President Alexis King at aking928657@elkhart.k12.in.us or FFA Vice President Matthew Santos-Barrera at msantos-barrera918485@elkhart.k12.in.us with any questions.

The Gay Straight Alliance is a group that meets to discuss current events and topics relevant to the LGBTQIA+ community. Discussions cover issues within the school community as well as broader societal topics. The group works together to create a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the school community.

Meeting Location: EHS Main Campus, Room C108

Meeting Times: Every other Thursday during Advisory

Eligibility Requirements: No requirements

Cost for Participation: No cost

Staff Sponsors: Larissa Lomeli, llomeli@elkhart.k12.in.us and Brittany Townsley, btownsley@elkhart.k12.in.us

Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) helps students build in-demand employability skills and provides a bridge to college and career opportunities. Through JAG, students develop leadership skills, network with colleges and employers, and receive one-on-one support from a JAG Specialist. JAG is more than just a class—it’s a personalized path toward life after high school.

Club Activities:

• Annual Regional and State Career Development Conferences, where students compete in leadership, employability, and critical thinking events. Incentives and scholarships are available for top placements.
• Annual National Student Leadership Academy (NSLA), bringing together selected students from across the country to build leadership and networking skills.
• Opportunities for community service both in and out of the classroom (10 hours required per year)
• Paid summer internships
• Networking with local banks, businesses, community leaders, and colleges
• Small class sizes and individualized support from JAG Specialists to help students develop a plan for life after high school—whether that’s entering the workforce, military, trade school, or college
• Support in employability skills, leadership development, college preparation, academic remediation, and mentoring
• Incentives for graduating on time

Meeting Location: Elkhart High School, JAG classroom F120

Meeting Times: JAG is part of a student’s regular class schedule

Length of Club: JAG is a three-year commitment. Students typically begin as juniors, continue through senior year, and receive 12 months of post-graduation support. First-year seniors may also enroll

Eligibility Requirements: Open to juniors and seniors

Cost for Participation: No cost for participation

Staff Sponsors: Adriana Alvarez, aalvarez@elkhart.k12.in.us and Jennifer Kemble, jkemble@elkhart.k12.in.us

The focus of the Junior Optimist Club is to spread positivity throughout the school and community.

Meeting Location: EHS Main Campus – Human Services School of Study

Meeting Times: Weekly during Advisory, as decided by the members. Many service activities take place in the evenings and on weekends

Length of Club: Junior Optimist Club meets throughout the entire school year

Eligibility Requirements: Members must be committed to the mission of spreading positivity in the school and community

Cost for Participation: No cost

Staff Sponsor: Erica Shannon, eshannon@elkhart.k12.in.us

Lacrosse is a club sport, pending formal recognition by the IHSAA. It provides a fast-paced, physical athletic opportunity for EHS boys. Lacrosse is a spring club supported by the EHS Athletic Department.

Club Activities: Students meet twice a week in January and February, and up to five days a week in March, April, and May. The team plays 16 scheduled games against local high schools including Penn, Northridge, Mishawaka, St. Joe, LaPorte, and others. Lacrosse competes in the IHSLA and travels to competitions across the state. The season concludes with a year-end tournament.

Meeting Location: During winter, practices are held in the EHS Fieldhouse. Starting in March, the team plays on the EHS (Charger) football field

Meeting Times: Practices are held after school. The season runs from January through May

Eligibility Requirements: Students must complete all requirements determined by EHS Athletics and the IHSAA

Cost for Participation: A $40 athletic fee is required, as with all EHS sports

Club Sponsor: Jeff Penney, jpenney@elkhart.k12.in.us

Move2Stand is a student-run group committed to anti-bullying and building a positive culture within the school. The club empowers students to stand up for others and create an environment of kindness and respect. Move2Stand is active at both the Freshman Division and EHS Main Campus.

Club Activities: Community service projects, holding positive and encouraging signs in the school and community, and participating in a large group full-day session that teaches students how to recognize and stop bullying, support others, and show respect for themselves and others

Meeting Locations:

• EHS Freshman Division – Room B203
• EHS Main Campus

Meeting Times: Mondays at 3:30 p.m.

Eligibility Requirements: No requirements. Anyone can join and be part of the positivity movement

Cost for Participation: No cost for participation

Staff Sponsors:

• Freshman Division: Missy Dickerson, mdickerson@elkhart.k12.in.us
• EHS Main Campus: Jami Presswood, jpresswood@elkhart.k12.in.us

The EHS National Honor Society is open to seniors who demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership. Members participate in a variety of service projects and school functions throughout their senior year.

Eligibility Requirements: Open to students in Grade 12. Interested students must apply during the spring semester of Grade 11

Meetings: Students meet twice per month throughout the school year

Cost for Participation: No cost for participation

Staff Sponsors: Jeff Miller, jdmiller@elkhart.k12.in.us or Linda Fine, lfine@elkhart.k12.in.us

Science Olympiad is a national team competition where students compete in 23 events spanning various scientific disciplines, including earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Each year, more than 7,800 middle and high school teams from all 50 states participate.

Schedule: Science Olympiad begins in September. Regional competition takes place in February

Eligibility Requirements: No requirements. All levels are welcome

Cost for Participation: No cost for participation

Staff Sponsor: Cara Storer, cstorer@elkhart.k12.in.us

Additional Information: Science Olympiad

Sigma Beta Upsilon (SBU), also known by its motto "Sisters and Brothers United," is a unity club focused on promoting cultural understanding and fostering better communication through educational and social programs. Community service is a key part of the club’s mission, helping students build character and develop leadership skills.

Meeting Location: EHS Main Campus, Dance Studio

Meeting Times: First and third Thursdays during Advisory

Eligibility Requirements: No requirements. Anyone can join

Cost for Participation: $1 per semester or $2 for the entire school year

Staff Sponsor: Janie Boyden, jboyden@elkhart.k12.in.us

EHS students who are interested in skiing are invited to join the Ski Club! The club skis at Swiss Valley every Thursday night in January and February.

Meeting Location: Swiss Valley, 13421 Mann Street, Jones, MI 49061 (map)

Length of Club: Two months – January and February

Eligibility Requirements: No requirements. Anyone can join

Cost for Participation: Cost varies year to year. Please contact Mr. Miller for current information

Staff Sponsor: Brandon Q. Miller, bqmiller@elkhart.k12.in.us. Mr. Miller’s room is H118 in the Health and Public Safety School of Study

Speech and Debate competes in oratorical and theatrical events against other high schools in Northern Indiana. Competitions take place once or twice a month and typically last all day on Saturdays.

Meeting Location: EHS Main Campus, Room C133

Meeting Times: Monday–Thursday from 4:30–5:30 p.m., with meets on Saturdays. One hour of practice per week is required for competition

Eligibility Requirements: One hour of practice per week is required for competition

Cost for Participation: No cost

Staff Sponsors:

• Speech: Janie Elli, jelli@elkhart.k12.in.us
• Debate: Kathryn Lane, klane@elkhart.k12.in.us
• Assistant: Kris Bartley, kbartley@elkhart.k12.in.us

Unlike a traditional oral spelling contest, Spell Bowl uses a written format. Teams compete by sending one representative per round to correctly spell the contest words on paper. Winning teams are determined by the cumulative total of correctly spelled words from all team members. Teams consist of 8–10 students. Spell Bowl is sanctioned by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP).

Competition: Competition takes place in November

Eligibility Requirements: No requirements

Cost for Participation: No cost for participation

Staff Sponsors: Julie Tyrakowski, jtyrakowski@elkhart.k12.in.us and Kris Thomas Bartley, kbartley@elkhart.k12.in.us

Additional Information: IASP Academic Spell Bowl

The Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) is composed of EHS students in grades 9–12. SSAC members meet monthly with the Elkhart Community Schools Superintendent to provide feedback on Elkhart High School and work on a yearlong service project that benefits the community. Students are also invited to speak at ECS School Board meetings to share updates on EHS news and activities.

Eligibility Requirements: Open to students in grades 9–12

Meetings: Students meet regularly as a group and attend a monthly meeting with the ECS Superintendent

Cost for Participation: No cost for participation

Staff Sponsor: Jeff Miller, jdmiller@elkhart.k12.in.us

The Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) is composed of EHS students in grades 9–12. SSAC members meet monthly with the Elkhart Community Schools Superintendent to provide feedback on Elkhart High School and work on a yearlong service project that benefits the community. Students are also invited to speak at ECS School Board meetings to share updates on EHS news and activities.

Eligibility Requirements: Open to students in grades 9–12

Meetings: Students meet regularly as a group and attend a monthly meeting with the ECS Superintendent

Cost for Participation: No cost for participation

Staff Sponsor: Jeff Miller, jdmiller@elkhart.k12.in.us

Elkhart High School's Main Campus hosts a student-run Tech Help Desk that operates during the school day. Students who participate assist both students and staff with technology issues related to school devices. Participants are scheduled at the desk during specific class periods and may earn internship credit for their involvement.

Eligibility Requirements: Open to students in grades 10–12

Cost for Participation: No cost for participation

Staff Sponsor: Jeff Miller, jdmiller@elkhart.k12.in.us

Teen Club is an after-school space designed specifically for students in grades 9–12 through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County. It’s a safe and welcoming place for fun, connection, and encouragement. In addition to homework help, students can participate in programs focused on the arts, music production, workforce development, and sports leagues. A dedicated room is also available for gaming and recreation.

Club Activities: Sports leagues, homework help, chill zone, trips and events, snacks, and food

Meeting Location: Media Center at the Freshman Division (transportation is provided from EHS Main Campus)

Meeting Times: After school until 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Eligibility Requirements: Open to high school students. An online membership application is required and can be completed through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County website.

Cost for Participation: $30 per year

Additional Information: Elkhart Teen Club at Freshman Division

The PENNANT is Elkhart High School’s student-run online newsmagazine, produced through an elective publishing course for students interested in journalistic writing. Students earn elective credit each semester they participate, and many stay involved throughout their high school career—developing continuity, leadership experience, and a strong portfolio. This course offers excellent preparation for students interested in communication and media-related fields.

Meeting Location: EHS Main Campus, Journalism Room A101

Meeting Times: The group meets during the school day and earns credit while also enjoying the benefits of a team and club atmosphere

Eligibility Requirements: Students must demonstrate strong writing skills, have excellent attendance, meet deadlines, and be self-disciplined and trustworthy

Cost for Participation: No costs

Staff Sponsor: Leslie Smith, lsmith@elkhart.k12.in.us

Additional Information: Visit the PENNANT online newsmagazine

United Sound removes barriers and fosters social change through music. It is a peer mentoring program that provides musical experiences for students with special needs.

Club Activities: Mentor students work alongside students with special needs to develop musical experiences and build skills. The group practices once per week and hosts two concerts each year

Meeting Location: Elkhart High School, Room M130

Meeting Times: Currently held on Wednesdays from 2:35–3:15 p.m. (subject to change; may shift to Tuesdays or Thursdays for future years)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Peer mentors: Must be a member of Concert Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, or Wind Ensemble
• All participants: Must commit to attending concerts

Cost for Participation: $25. Partial or full assistance is available

Staff Sponsors: Kyle Weirich, kweirich@elkhart.k12.in.us and Tracey Weirich, tweirich@elkhart.k12.in.us, 574-262-5600

The yearbook staff is responsible for documenting the school year through the publication of The Chronicle. Staff members manage everything from selling ads, Senior Wishes, and yearbooks to photographing events, conducting interviews, writing captions, and designing pages.

Club Activities: Attend events, take photos, write captions, design pages, and sell ads to community partners

Meeting Location: Main Campus, Room C127

Meeting Times: Yearbook is an academic course that meets during the school day. Students interested in joining should speak with their counselor

Eligibility Requirements: Open to students in grades 10–12. Members must commit to taking the course both semesters. Ideal candidates have strong people skills, strong English skills, and the ability to work independently

Cost for Participation: None

Staff Sponsor: Amy Stine, astine@elkhart.k12.in.us