Clubs & Organizations

Saint Mary's Mission Statement & Philosophy for Clubs

Our Saint Mary’s Mission Statement and Lasallian Educational Outcomes are witness to our commitment to diversity. We believe that our school must be an example of men and women of various cultures, identities, and backgrounds working together to create one, united community. With this goal in mind, Saint Mary’s does not allow or support clubs or organizations that divide the community by ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, or economics.

There are opportunities offered throughout the year when we learn from and celebrate the many cultural and social differences that make Saint Mary’s a dynamic and vibrant community. Through our curriculum and programs, we are committed to continually exploring the best ways to integrate various perspectives through literature, the arts, history, religious studies, and the Inclusive Community Project.

The Purpose of Clubs at Saint Mary's:

To create a welcoming community for all students and faculty

To plan activities that support and enhance our school mission

To build school spirit by encouraging students to gather based on their common interests

To invite other students to join and become involved in the club

To communicate and invite the school community to upcoming events

Admissions Ambassadors – Moderators: Ms. Corwin and Ms. Payne

Are you passionate about helping others and showcasing the best Saint Mary’s has to offer? Join our dynamic team dedicated to making a positive impact on prospective students and their families. As an Admissions Ambassador, you'll play a key role in guiding new students through their application journey. Our club focuses on leading campus tours for prospective students, providing insights into our school's vibrant community and academic opportunities. You'll also assist at admissions events like informational nights and the HSPT, offering a friendly face and valuable information to help future students and their families feel at home.

Moderator Email:         [email protected] and [email protected]

Art Club – Moderator:  Ms. D'Esposito

Art Club provides an opportunity for people who are interested in expressing their individuality through the creation of artworks. It’s open to everyone. You don’t need any prior experience. You can be in the visual art classes now or you may be completely new to art and want a place to express yourself. We are here to have fun in a relaxed and chill setting to work on art or have discussions about art.  No pressure. In the art club students can experiment with various art materials in a personalized, open and exploratory manner.  This may be working with various techniques in drawing and painting, ceramics, various crafts, and mixed media.  Students may work on projects of their own interest or may use the time as an extension of being in one of the art classes.   We give back to our community, school, and others, using our talents and gifts in unique ways. Art Club, a fun way to hang out with other artists!

Some past projects have included Service Sign making for sports games and senior night for sports, mini Sculpey sculpture, Jewelry making, doodling, cartooning, cardmaking, pumpkin carving, printmaking, and art contests like Doodle 4 Google and National YoungArts Foundation.

Moderator Email:         [email protected]         

Aviation Club – Moderator: Ms. Miller

 The Aviation Club is for those who are captivated by aviation and eager to explore the power and wonder of flight. Our mission is to cultivate a community where enthusiasts can deepen their knowledge, connect with fellow aviators, and experience the thrill of aviation in all its forms.

Moderator Email:         [email protected]

Baker's Club  – Moderator: Ms. Miller

The Baking Club is a community of bakers who love to make baked goods at home to sell at events on campus, raising funds for our twin school, Saint Mary’s Secondary School in Nyeri Kenya.  At our meetings we often share recipes and discuss our next upcoming sale, be it homecoming or the fall play’s intermission. Other club activities include learning new baking techniques, watching baking shows and eating some of our own delicious treats! 

Moderator Email:        [email protected]

BBQ Club – Moderators: Mr. Mingham and Mr. Peña

Want to change the world? Want to make friends? Want to learn a skill that will make you the most popular guy or gal at the picnic? Join the BBQ Club.  Everyone claims they’re club is cookin’. Ours does literally.  We cook at after-school parties and lead the way to world peace through the grill.

Moderator Email:         [email protected] and [email protected] 

California Scholarship Federation (CSF) – Moderator: Ms. McManus

The California Scholarship Federation, usually called CSF, is a statewide honor society that fosters high standards of scholarship, service, and citizenship on the part of California high school students . The motto of CSF is Scholarship for Service. The state central office of CSF approves our courses that make you eligible for membership. Membership is for one trimester and is based on trimester grades earned during students 10th - 12th grade in high school. Students may join only during the application period of each trimester. Membership is not required and it is not automatic; students need to reapply each trimester they are eligible. Generally, students need three A’s and one B in approved courses to be eligible to apply; however, students who are taking honors and AP classes may be eligible with fewer A’s.  Students who are members for 6 trimesters, will receive recognition at graduation as being a “CSF lifetime member “.  Students who have questions about eligibility should check with the moderator. No meetings scheduled – students need to submit their CSF forms after the end of each trimester.

Moderator Email:         [email protected]

Celebrating Cultures & Traditions – Moderators:  Mr. Riccardi

This organization honors and celebrates the traditions and festivities of the diverse cultures and ethnicities that make up the very special community of Saint Mary’s students and their families. Through discussions, meetings, and activities, our club will both engage and include the entire community in becoming aware and celebrating what makes each of us unique and special as well as united by coming to one table for food and fun throughout the school year . The culminating celebration of our year will be the school-wide “Culture and Tradition Fair” in May.

Moderator Email:         [email protected]

Chess Club – Moderator: Mr. Sutphin

The Panther Chess Club is a place for students from all levels of experience to learn the basics of chess, practice their skills, and enjoy some friendly competition. We host tournaments once per term, and you can always find a friendly match with someone of your ability during our lunchtime meetings. 

Moderator Email:         [email protected]

Circle SM – Moderator:  Ms. Nunley

The Saint Mary’s College High School Circle SM is a student organization whose members represent the student body in various forms of leadership and service.  This includes being the ambassadors of the SMCHS community at many school events, representing the Saint Mary’s student body with the offices of the President, the Principal, Admissions, Alumni, Advancement and Campus Ministry.  As members of Circle SM, students are given the opportunity to develop their skills of leadership and public relations which include, but are not limited to, greeting and directing the public and impromptu speaking on topics related to our Saint Mary’s College High School Community. No weekly meetings scheduled - We will meet as needed to prepare for events.  Leadership Training sessions are required. 

Moderator Email:         [email protected]

Creative Writers’ Club: PARADOX – Moderator: Ms. Mahoney

Come and write your voice!  The Creative Writers’ club is a supportive, collaborative creative writing community on campus.  Members write together, offer one another positive feedback and share ideas.  You’ll get ideas for writing but are always free to follow your own path.  We welcome all styles and, while members are encouraged to share their work, it’s also ok not to!  Interested members also edit and publish the Saint Mary’s literary magazine, PARADOX.

Moderator Email:         [email protected]

Dance Team – Moderator: Ms. Davey & Mr. Stallworth

The Dance Team will have the opportunity this year to choregraph and create performances for a variety of activities including half time shows for football and basketball, the upcoming student rallies, liturgies & prayer services.  If you are looking for time in your day to be creative and to have fun, join the Dance Team!

Moderator Email:       [email protected] & [email protected]

Environmental Club – Moderator:  Dr. Tierney

This club will focus on promoting and educating students on the importance of environmental awareness in our community.  We hope that through education our Saint Mary’s community will understand the importance of appreciating and respecting our environment.

Moderator Email:         [email protected]

Game Club – Moderator: Mr. Thomas

The Gaming Club is a club for students interested in all forms of gaming whether it is console games, PC games, card games, board games or pen and paper role playing games. Smash Bros, Magic, Monopoly, Minecraft, Dungeons & Dragons – you name it, we play it. We will have time to play with friends after a week of hard work. We’ll host a Game Night & go to The Big Bad Con in October. 

Moderator Email:         [email protected]

Karaoke Club – Moderator: Ms. Sachowitz and Ms. Fernandez

Moderator Email:         [email protected] and [email protected] 

Math Decathlon Club – Moderator: Ms. Khan

Are you interested in math? Do you want to compete in math competitions? Do you need a little help in your math class? Saint Mary’s will have a math decathlon club for the first time! This club is focused on students' academic growth, challenging multidisciplinary learning, teamwork to achieve self-knowledge and life skills, and providing equal opportunities for students of different achievement levels. We will participate in individual or group math competitions! If you are interested, join us on Wednesdays during Independent Study Time. See you there! 

Moderator Email:         [email protected]

Ministry Team – Moderator:  Mr. Alvarez

Interested in serving God and the Saint Mary’s community? Then Ministry is for you!  This team helps lead liturgies, student formation, and other faith-based events and activities throughout the school year. Grow in your own faith by supporting the spiritual life of the school. Open to students of all grade levels and faith traditions. All are welcome!

Moderator Email:         [email protected]

Mock Trial – Moderator:  Ms. Gallien

The Alameda County Mock Trial Competition is a countywide high school criminal trial competition designed to increase understanding of our judicial system and the processes necessary to create a just society. Students will work with their team to develop cases for both the prosecution and defense sides; come competition time, they will have to be prepared to present both arguments. Each side will appoint students who will take on the roles of trial attorneys, witnesses, and pre-trial attorneys, in addition to one bailiff and one timekeeper. They will work together as a team to craft a strong, comprehensive, well-developed case that they will later present in competition in early February. Season runs from September-February.

Moderator Email:         [email protected]

National Honor Society (NHS) – Moderator:  Ms. Policar and Ms. Grosswirth

More than just an honor society, NHS honors those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character.   At the same time, Saint Mary’s NHS students also serve as after-school tutors for their fellow Panthers.

Moderator Email:         [email protected] and [email protected]

Outdoor Club – Moderators:  Mr. Kelly & Dr. Wesley

The Outdoor Club welcomes students and faculty to participate in recreational activities outside the classroom and in the natural environment. We hike, rock climb, camp, play in the snow, and more depending on interest of the group.  Past events have included kayaking and horse-back riding. We strive to create a sense of community and stewardship among our members. No previous experience necessary, all who have a sense of adventure are welcome.

Moderator Emails:       [email protected] & [email protected]

Panther Press – Journalism – Moderator: Ms. Mahoney

Extra!  Extra!  Panther Press is the official Saint Mary’s digital student paper, covering news from campus and around the globe.  We are always looking for writers, editors, photographers and designers to join our team and we want your voice in deciding which stories we cover.  Whatever you’re into, come help us shine some light and spread awareness. 

Moderator Email:         [email protected]

Panther Production Crew – Moderators: Brother Dan & Ms. Molinelli

Interested in creating content for the morning announcements this year? This group of students helps to create, produce and edit the videos for our announcement team.  Meetings will vary depending on the project!

Moderator Email:         [email protected] & [email protected]

Peer Assisted Learning Support (PALS) – Moderator: Ms. Panlilio

The PALS program is a wonderful opportunity for students to get involved in a leadership role by tutoring other students.  Students who qualify to be a tutor will participate in a training program and will be paired with a peer who needs support in a particular subject.  In order to qualify as a tutor, students must be in good academic standing and have solid (E or M) habits of scholarship.  Additionally, students must complete a full course before tutoring in that specific subject area.  Tutors meet with tutees one to two times a week during lunch or A-Block. This group does not meet – students need to talk with Mrs. Panlilio if they are interested in becoming a PALS tutor. 

Moderator Email:         [email protected]

Service Club  – Moderator: Ms. Miller

The Service Club engages in living the Gospel imperative through Christian Community Service.  We connect service and charity and promote social justice and social action while building community and having fun.  We engage in programs with our immediate local community, the Catholic Diocese of Oakland, and the Lasallian District of San Francisco.  We actively support our international Lasallian sisters and brothers, especially our twin school Saint Mary’s in Kenya, Bahay Pag-Asa in the Philippines, and Boys’ Town in India.

Moderator Email:        [email protected]

Sports Medicine Club – Moderator: Mr. Shea

Moderator Email:         [email protected]

Stagecraft Club – Moderator:  Ms. Davey

The Stagecraft Club is an organization that prepares all of the elements of stagecraft for the Performing Arts productions on our campus.  This includes the building of sets, lighting, video graphic projections, and audio mixing for all theatre, music and dance productions.  We build and become a creative technical support team, which develops professional quality skills that can lead to internships in other performance venues throughout the Bay Area.

Moderator Email:         [email protected]

Student Leadership – Ms. Chua

Student Leadership is responsible for coordinating campus events and assemblies – including student orientations, spirit days, Homecoming, Halloween, Christmas – as well as organizing dances, parties and generally promoting school spirit and building community within our school groups. Leadership at Saint Mary’s is committed to the value of granting student’s autonomy in the governance of their affairs, as a means towards creating a community based on shared purpose, trust, and tradition.  Involvement in student leadership teaches students important lessons regarding the proper balance of freedom and responsibility.  The Student Leadership Team is elected by the student body in the spring term for the Executive Council, Senior Class Council, Junior Class Council and Sophomore Class Council.  Elections are held in September for the Freshman Class Council. The Communications Team is chosen through an application process in the spring as well.

Moderator Email:       [email protected]

Ultimate Frisbee – Moderator: Mr. Vaughan

The Saint Mary’s Ultimate Frisbee Club is a spirited and inclusive activity where students of all skill levels come together and have a great time through the sport of Ultimate. Members learn teamwork, communication, and fair play, while enjoying the fast-paced and fun nature of the game - making it a rewarding experience both on and off the field. 

Moderator Email:         [email protected]

Varsity Vocals – Moderator: Mr. Nguyen

This ensemble is open to all student-musicians who love to sing and wish to tackle more advanced repertoire. Through frequent rehearsals held outside of the normal instructional periods, students in Varsity Vocals perform for school events at Saint Mary’s and other events around the East Bay. Student members must be highly committed and demonstrate the ability to rehearse and perform independently. The ability to work collaboratively in peer groups is also required.

Moderator Email:       [email protected] 

Yearbook – Moderator: Mr. Mosby

Be a part of documenting everything that makes Saint Mary’s so special – join the Yearbook staff! Prior experience is not necessary, but your commitment to being a part of a team to meet deadlines is! Learn how to design page spreads and use your creativity skills and imagination to capture the events happening on campus and in distance learning this year.

Moderator Email:         [email protected]