North Hills High School
Clubs & Activities
American Field Service (AFS)
The American Field Service (AFS) club promotes an understanding, appreciation of other cultures, knowledge and friendship among students. Students in this club work closely with the district's foreign exchange students.
Contact: Joe Deible, deiblej@nhsd.net
The Arrowhead
The Arrowhead is a student-initiated club that affords students not enrolled in journalism electives the opportunity to contribute to “The Arrowhead,” North Hills High School’s student newspaper. Through the club, students will take photographs, write content, design layout, and plan promotions for issues of “The Arrowhead.” The club also provides additional opportunities, including field trips, guest speakers, community service hours and social activities.
Contact: Jenna Long, longj@nhsd.net
Art Club
Art Club provides students with the opportunity to improve existing artistic skills.
Contact: Matt Simon, simonm@nhsd.net
NH Benchwarmers
The North Hills Benchwarmers Club brings students together interested in strength sports. Some opportunities may include powerlifting, olympic weight lifting, bodybuilding and strongman. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about weight lifting and safety.
Contact: Steve Long, longs@nhsd.net
Buddy Club
The North Hills Buddy Club promotes social inclusion by building friendships between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Buddy Club includes students in our Life Skills program and participates in various activities throughout the school year.
Contact: Lisa Towers, towersl@nhsd.net, Jamie Patterson, pattersonj@nhsd.net
Computer Aided Drafting and Design Club (CADD)
The purpose of the North Hills Computer Aided Drafting and Design Club is to provide opportunities for high school students that are interested in the design, architecture, engineering and manufacturing. Students compete in competitions, and get introduced to the world of engineering, design and architecture through various contests, activities and field trips. Each year the CADD club visits manufacturing plants, architectural firms, and businesses that may widen the student’s interest in the field of CADD. Students also compete in competitions that help prepare them for life after high school.
Contact: Jim Cassandro, jamescassandro@gmail.com
Cheerleading
Cheerleading encourages school spirit and cheers for varsity and JV sports. Cheer teams also compete in several competitions each year.
Contact: Hannah Waldorf, waldorfh@nhsd.net
Chess Club
The Chess Club is a student-initiated club that meets every week for the purpose of playing the board game of chess.
Contact: Craig Swanson, swansonc@nhsd.net
Choir
Choir consists of four ensembles: Symphonic Choir, Women’s Choir, North Hills Singers and Madrigal Choir, and offers many opportunities to perform a wide variety of musical styles for school concerts and community groups.
Contact: Shaun Cloonan cloonans@nhsd.net
More Info: www.nhchoiranddrama.net
Class Officers
Class officers are elected positions held by students in each grade. The student body has the opportunity each year to vote for a President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary for their particular class. Together with faculty leaders, the class officers make decisions on behalf of the class they represent as well as host and participate in charitable and non-charitable events throughout the year.
Contact: Ali Pedrosky, pedroskya@nhsd.net, Evan King, kinge@nhsd.net
Diversity Club
The Diversity Club is made up of members that represent the entire school body to explore diversity and multiculturalism. Together with faculty leaders, students discuss inclusion topics, peer issues, current events, diverse cultures and traditions as well as unique people and their viewpoints. The goal of the club is to build an awareness and an appreciation for diversity and to establish lifelong leadership skills for celebrating diversity.
Contact: LaMont Lyons, lyonsl@nhsd.net
Drama Club
The North Hills High School Drama Club produces and performs two “all school” productions each year, a fall play and a spring musical. Students also are provided with the opportunity to work with professional actors in preparation for the Pittsburgh Public Theatre’s Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest and take a field trip to see one matinee production at the Public. The club is also involved in an annual technical workshop with leading theater professionals in the Pittsburgh area.
Contact: Lauren Sarazen, sarazenl@nhsd.net
More Info: www.nhchoiranddrama.net
Environmental & Sustainability Club (ESC)
The Environmental Club is a student-initiated club that offers students the opportunity to learn about the environment.
Contact: Laura Clark, clarkl@nhsd.net
Flagline
As part of the marching band, the flagline performs dance and flag routines during performances. Auditions are held in late spring.
Contact: Len Lavelle, lavellel@nhsd.net
French Club
The French Club heightens awareness of ethnic diversity and increases knowledge of France and French customs.
Contact: Missi Marangoni, marangonim@nhsd.net
French Honor Society
French Honor Society expands and enhances participation in the general French Club through a national honor society that allows for enriched learning opportunities for highly-motivated French students who meet the society’s requirements. In addition, the club recognizes exceptional achievement and hard work of students throughout their years in French.
Contact: Missi Marangoni, marangonim@nhsd.net
Future Business Leaders of America
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a nationally-recognized club for students preparing for careers in business-related fields. Members have an opportunity to build their resumes and college applications by networking with business professionals, visiting local business colleges, career fairs and leadership workshops, and competing on regional, state and national levels.
Contact: Kellee Kanith, kanithk@nhsd.net, Nancy DiNicola, dinicolan@nhsd.net
Future Teachers of America (FTA)
Future Teachers of America (FTA) is an extra-curricular school organization with the mission of engaging the interest of any high school student who is interested in the possibility of a career in teaching or education.
Contact: Joe Deible, deiblej@nhsd.net
German Club
German Club offers activities revolving around German culture and traditions and provides opportunities to foster leadership and school spirit.
Contact: Joe Deible, deiblej@nhsd.net
National German Honor Society
The National German Honor Society expands and enhances participation in the general German Club with enriched learning opportunities for highly-motivated German students who meet the National German Honor Society’s requirements. This club additionally recognizes exceptional achievement and hard work of students throughout their years in German.
Contact: Joe Deible, deiblej@nhsd.net
Graphics Club
Held after school on various days, Graphics Club allows both students enrolled in graphics and students not in graphics to learn about graphic arts, screening printing process, and layout and design. Graphics Club students are asked and encouraged to raise funds for new materials and tools. Fundraisers can be as simple as printing and selling shirts for other clubs or designing and making shirts for Arts Alive.
Contact: Joe Bosley, bosleyj@nhsd.net
Gay/Straight/Alliance (GSA)
GSA is a student-initiated club intended to offer students a safe and supportive environment that includes all students.
Contact: Jamie Patterson, pattersonj@nhsd.net
Hands for Service
Hands for Service fosters the value of community service and creates school spirit through organizations such as Make-A-Wish.
Contact: Amy Patsilevas, patsilevasa@nhsd.net
High School Bands
The Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony and Jazz Band are known throughout the country for their excellence. These groups offer students the opportunity to learn and study music through the finest band repertoire available. In addition to regular concert performances, the bands sponsor annual events such as Jazz Night and Mardi Gras. They have been invited to perform at conferences around the country and each present a world premier as part of the longest running commission series in the United States.
Contact: Len Lavelle, lavellel@nhsd.net
Hilltop Heroes
Hilltop Heroes is a pop culture club that gives students the opportunity to explore their interests in comic books, video games, science fiction, fantasy settings, and movies/television. In addition to talking about heroes, the club members also act like heroes by hosting community activities and participating in charitable events such as the Pittsburgh Superhero Run as well as conducting video game tournaments to raise funds for other worthy charities.
Contact: Dave Barkovich, barkovichd@nhsd.net
HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Club
The purpose of the HOSA Club is for students to have an opportunity to explore health careers that could lead into lifelong interests.
Contact: Jennifer Siegel, siegelj@nhsd.net
History Club
The History Club is a student-initiated club that meets to discuss the country's past events.
Contact: Jamie DeWeese, deweesej@nhsd.net
Italian Club
The Italian Club is a student-initiated club that offers the students activities revolving around Italian culture and traditions and provides opportunities to foster leadership and school spirit.
Contact: Kurt Zebley, zebleyk@nhsd.net
Latin Club
The Latin Club is a student-initiated club that offers the students activities revolving around the Latin culture and traditions and provides opportunities to foster leadership and school spirit.
Contact: Kurt Zebley, zebleyk@nhsd.net
Marching Band
The Band of Pride, Tradition and Excellence is known throughout the country for its precision marching and quality musicianship. In addition to performing at all varsity football games, the marching band spends a week away at band camp each summer, sponsors social activities for its members such as the band banquet and performs annually at Kennywood. Performances have also included the Presidential Inaugural Parade, Disney’s Main Street Parade, St. Patrick’s Day in NYC, Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates games, and nationally-televised NCAA basketball games.
Contact: Len Lavelle, lavellel@nhsd.net
Math Club
The Math Club provides students to explore different areas of math and strengthen their math skills.
Contact: Pat Clark, clarkp@nhsd.net
Majorettes
As part of the marching band, the Majorettes perform dance and twirling routines during performance. Auditions are held each spring.
Contact: Len Lavelle, lavellel@nhsd.net
NHTV
NHTV teaches members how to make movies and videos, produces televised and other programs for the North Hills School District, such as sports events, a magazine format entertainment series and the high school video yearbook.
Contact: Brian Bellissimo, bellissimob@nhsd.net
National Honor Society (NHS)
National Honor Society recognizes students for scholarship (3.85 GPA), service, leadership and character. Students are evaluated for possible membership at the end of the first semester of their sophomore, junior or senior years.
Contact: Holly Michael, michaelh@nhsd.net
Norhian Yearbook
Norhian is North Hills High School’s yearbook club. Students work throughout the school year to capture student life in print and pictures in a 240-page published hardbound book.
Contact: John Curran, curranj@nhsd.net
Orchestra
Our orchestras offer the opportunity to learn and study music through the wide variety of music available to string players. The North Hills High School Orchestra invites wind and percussion players to create a symphonic orchestra. In addition to regular concert performances, orchestra members attend honors festivals and perform at Arts Alive and events around our school and community.
Contact: Nick Vranesevic, vranesevicn@nhsd.net
Photography Club
Photography Club provides students the opportunity to use the photography studio, cameras and equipment to develop their skills and knowledge of photography. Students will be encouraged to explore the creative possibilities of both digital and film photography. Club members may participate in field trips, fundraisers, themed contests, local art shows and Arts Alive. Photoshop, composition, framing artwork, and equipment usage are some of the topics that are covered during club meetings. This club is designed to stimulate interest and help students gain practical experience in the field of photography. No previous photography experience is necessary. Students of all abilities are encouraged to join. Equipment and materials are provided.
Contact: Matt Simon, simonm@nhsd.net
Ping Pong Club
The Ping Pong Club gives students an opportunity to compete in a friendly game of ping pong.
Contact: Joe Deible, deiblej@nhsd.net
Pottery Club
The Pottery Club provides the opportunity for students who have interest in pottery to gain more experience and make pieces for Arts Alive.
Contact: Jason Hillegas, hillegasj@nhsd.net
Positivity Project
The Positivity Project is a club that creates connections among our community. We send cards and crafts to senior homes, hospitals, charities, military, and more. Our club provides community service hours for every sent letter and craft. Contact: Katie Baumgartel, baumgartelk@nhsd.net
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) provides students with the best prevention tools possible to deal with the issues of underage drinking, other drug use, risky and impaired driving, and other destructive decisions. The students in this club attend conferences and sponsor schoolwide activities that promote making wise decisions. Activities include Red Ribbon Week events, elementary presentations, mix off and the mock crash.
Contact: Michelle Medic, medicm@nhsd.net
Science Club
Students interested in science may explore team competitions, attend local events and participate in science field days in the area. Students may also have the opportunity to demonstrate science activities to North Hills elementary and middle school students.
Contact: Craig Swanson, swansonc@nhsd.net
Sew Fabulous Club
Sew Fabulous Club members design and create new fashion items.
Contact: Jess Hoffman, hoffmanj@nhsd.net
Ski Club
The Ski Club is a student-initiated club that offers students the chance to try skiing at area ski resorts.
Contact: Pete Torres, torresp@nhsd.net
Spanish Club
The Spanish Club offers activities revolving around Hispanic and Spanish cultures and traditions. It is open to students who are enrolled in Spanish.
Contact: Barb Foster, fosterb@nhsd.net
Spanish Honor Society
The Spanish Honor Society is a club to expand and enhance participation in the general Spanish Club through a national honor society that would allow for enriched learning opportunities for highly-motivated Spanish students who meet the society’s requirements. In addition, the club recognizes exceptional achievement and hard work of students throughout their years in Spanish.
Contact: Laura Otte, ottel@nhsd.net, Megan Werner, wernerm@nhsd.net
Speech & Debate Club
Speech and Debate is a student-initiated club that develops students’ skills in conducting effective research, developing logical, fluid and well-constructed arguments, and expanding knowledge of topics that are not often discussed in our everyday lives. Additionally, the club’s mission is to encourage the critical analysis of topics in our world.
Contact: Dawn Zahorchak, zahorchakd@nhsd.net
Stand Together
Stand Together is a student-to-student initiative that inspires and equips youth to take action against stigma associated with mental illness and substance use disorders. The program engages students by providing anti-stigma training and service learning experiences. Students work to ‘stand together’ to increase education and awareness, increase social inclusion, and encourage adolescents to talk to an adult if they are concerned about their own or another student’s mental health.
Contact: Matt Paris, parism@nhsd.net or Nancy Gierl, gierln@nhsd.net
Student Council
Student Council establishes a democratic forum in which students can address school-related issues affecting the students, while also being involved with the community and providing community service.
Contact: Jen DiPasquale, dipasqualej@nhsd.net
Tabletop on the Hilltop
Tabletop on the Hilltop is a gaming club that provides positive learning experiences playing tabletop games using math, vocabulary, social skills and teamwork. Students can choose to game via Dungeons and Dragons, Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, and other card/board games.
Contact: David Barkovich, barkovichd@nhsd.net
Yarn Craft Club
The Yarn Craft Club is a club to support craft makers of all skill levels. This club will provide students interested in crochet, knitting, embroidery, cross stitch, macrame, weaving or any other yarn crafts will be welcomed to share their knowledge, get assistance and display their work.
Contact: Halea Andryka, andrykah@nhsd.net
Varsity Club
The Varsity Club is a student-initiated club that meets as a group to discuss current issues of student-athletes participating in varsity sports,, to come up with ideas to help improve the student-athletic experience at North Hills, to help promote athletics and to host special events for student-athletes.
Contact: Pat Weber, weberp@nhsd.net