Organizations
Click at a title below to expand and review our school organizatons.Student Clubs & Organizations
There are numerous opportunities to join different clubs at West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School. Clubs are student-led groups sponsored by at least one teacher and are subject to review by the Student Council if requirements are not met. |
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Actual Visual Arts Club: This club promotes the appreciation of art in our world. Fieldtrips and other activities may occur throughout the school year. Sponsor: |
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American Sign Language Club (ASL): American Sign Language is a complete complex language that employs signs made by moving the hands combined with facial expressions. American Sign Language Club at Westside is dedicated towards the learning and spreading of ASL. The club meets every Monday in lecture hall 1035 to discuss upcoming events that are partnered with Deaf Kids Code and/or the Purdue ASL Club and to learn the new vocabulary for the week. Sponsors: Mr. Hembrough | |
American Computer Science League (ACSL): ACSL studies computer science topics and participates in international contests. We are past winners of the Midwest Regional, and we have also programmed a LEGO robot in the C language. Sponsor: TBD
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Anime Club: Anime Club is a social club. We meet once a week to watch Anime and eat lunch together. We are hoping to attend an Anime Convention at some point in time. Sponsor: |
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Astronomy Club: The Astronomy Club is a group that is dedicated to all things astronomy, from recent news about space exploration or faraway discoveries to cosmic events like meteror showers and eclipses. The club meets Mondays in Mr. Whitcomb's room to study and discuss modern Astronomy. Students in Astronomy Club often provide refreshments and informal presentations concerning recent events in Astronomy. Sponsor: Mr. Whitcomb | |
Best Buddies: Best Buddies pairs students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in one-to-one friendships with general education students. By introducing Best Buddies into our school, students are crossing the invisible line that too often separates those with disabilities from those without. Co-sponsors: Miss Hoon and Mr. Joest |
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Blood Drive 352: The Blood Drive Club organizes and runs the three annual blood drives held after school in the HS cafeteria. The club also helps educate and advocate for blood donation issues and events. Elections are held in the fall and the club is open to all high school students. Sponsor: Ms. Huckstep | |
Chess Club: Chess Club meets after school to allow beginning and experienced players a chance to improve their game. Sponsor: Mrs. Scherrer | |
Cinema Club: Sponsor: Mr. Shaeffer | |
Computers & Technology Club: | |
Creative Writing Club: An opportunity for student writers to meet and discuss their work and share ideas. Sponsor: TBD | |
French Club: French Club promotes the French language and culture by sponsoring numerous opportunities such as movies, breakfasts, dinners, and concerts. French Club is involved in student life by participating in the Homecoming Parade and sponsoring the Language Club Ski Trip. Sponsor: | |
Generation to Generation Art Club: Students use their creativity, innovation, and responsibility to contribute to the citizens who reside at Westminster Village, as well as the community around them. Students will serve the community as well as address the issue of funding research for Alzheimer's disease. This gives students the opportunity to serve others and use their talents and abilities to aid in the therapeutic process that is inherent in creating art works. They will learn to collaborate with community leaders, as well as with the residents at Westminster. Sponsor: | |
German Club: German Club provides an outlet to explore the German-speaking world outside the classroom with film nights, field trips, and other club participation. Kaffeestundes for all German students are organized by German Club officers to allow for speaking German and earning extra credit. Sponsor: Herr Studt | |
GSA: The WL Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) aims to provide a safe, judgement-free environment for LGBTO students, as well as to educate about the LGBTO community and promote and advocate for the community's rights. Sponsor: Mrs. Boyd |
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Hannah Center Org. (HCO): Sponsor: TBD | |
HOSA (Future Health Care Professionals): HOSA invites students to explore health-related careers. Students will have opportunities to learn more about health care professions by listening to guest speakers, attending medical conferences and practicing skills such as suturing. Virtual meetings and online resources will go live on the first Tuesday of every month. View our website here: https://sites.google.com/wl.k12.in.us/hosa Sponsor: | |
Model United Nations: The Purpose of this club is to engage in parliamentary style debate based on the actual procedures of the United Nations. Club members will take the role of countries and assume their positions in the world. Sponsor: Mr. Levy | |
Mu Alpha Theta: Mu Alpha Theta is a national math honorary society that recognizes outstanding math students. We have math lectures and members participate in math contests at state and national levels. Sponsor: |
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National Honor Society: National Honor Society selection takes place in the second semester of the school year. Junior and Seniors who meet the GPA requirement and are interested in being considered for the Faculty Honor should attend an informational meeting to learn about the selection process. Students selected for NHS have been deems outstanding in scholarship, leadership, character and service. NHS serves the community and school through tutoring services and other service projects. Interested students should consult the school's NHS web page for more information. Sponsor: Mrs. Helton |
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National Science Bowl: A more recent iteration of science quiz bowl, sponsored by the US Department of Energy. Science questions of gradually increasing difficulty must be answered in a strict, rapid-fire, team format. The callout will be in September with one regional competition held in Indianapolis early March. Sponsor: Mr. Whitcomb | |
PRO: PRO is an organization for people who are passionate about science and interested in research. Our mission is to encourage young people to engage in authentic science. Services we provide include placement in a lab at Purdue University, space/supplies to conduct research at West Side, assistance writing grants to purchase supplies, feedback about research papers/posters, and more! We also expose students to opportunities to share their findings through events like the Lafayette Regional Science and Engineering Fair (LRSEF), Hoosier Science and Engineering Fair (HSEF), International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), Science Talent Search (STS), Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) and more! Email Ms. Croy (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to join today! View our website here: https://sites.google.com/wl.k12.in.us/pro | |
REACH: REACH is an organization that strives to make our school community a safe and drug-free place to live. REACH works with kids in Cumberland and Happy Hollow elementary schools to educate them about the dangers and negative effects of drugs. REACH organizes many projects that are beneficial for all West Lafayette students. REACH is open to everyone who wants to make a difference in our school community. https://sites.google.com/wl.k12.in.us/wlreach Sponsor: |
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Red Cross Club: Sponsor: TBD | |
FIRST Robotics TEAM 461 WESTSIDE BOILER INVASION: Westside Boiler Invastion builds a robot for the FIRST Robotics Competition each year (regionally and nationally). In addition, we host events in the community to spread a love STEM. Our team is advised by Purdue students and callouts are held in the fall and spring. Co-sponsors: Mr. Whitcomb and Mr. Thompson |
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Shakespeare Society: The Shakespeare Society fosters celebration of William Shakespeare, including reading, performing, and attending adaptations of his plays. Sponsor: Ms. Dixon |
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SheDevils Dance Team: The She-Devils Dance Team performs at athletic events, pep sessions, and competitions in the Indiana High School Dance Team Association. They also perform with the WL Marching Band at the Indiana State Fair Competition and various other venues. Sponsor: Mrs. Wilcoxson |
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SHO (Student Humanitarian Organization): SHO is a club focused on helping the community through volunteer work. Sponsor: | |
Spanish Club and Spanish Honor Society: Spanish Club focuses on cultural activities and things we can do to help the Latino community here and in other countries. We sponsor a child through Children International. The chief aim of this club is to promote the understanding and study of the Spanish language and cultures. SHS (Spanish Honor Society) is an organization that recognizes outstanding students in the study of Spanish, and is sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. To be considered for the Spanish Honor Society, a student must have earned an A average for three semesters, an A- average for five semesters, or a B+ average for seven semesters of coursework in Spanish. Sponsor: Sra Espinoza |
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Student Council: The Student Council is an organization through which students' ideas and opinions may be presented for faculty and administrative action. Student Council serves as a governing body for development, promotion, and administration of student affairs. Student Council also provides student support and funds towards educational, recreational, social, and charitable activities initiated and sponsored by the school. Sponsor: Mrs. Sheffield |
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TEC Club: Tec Club gives students the opportunity to work and compete in STEM-based events. Anyone who is interested in design, technology, manufacturing, engineering, architecture and problem-solving is welcome to be a part of this club. Sponsor: Mr. Standish and Mr. Abrams | |
Theatre Arts: Theatre Arts Club is responsible for the entire production of the fall play. Other activities for the club include helping with junior high play productions, field trips to watch plays, and attending workshops provided by local venues, such as Purdue University. Sponsor: Mr. Margerum |
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UNICEF: This is a club dedicated to raising awareness and funds to help advocate for the protection of children's rights and meet their basic needs. Sponsor: | |
UNIFIED TRACK & FIELD: in 2012, the IHSAA and Special Olympics formed a partnership to prompt the inclusion of all students in interscholastic sports. The first sport to come from this partnership was Unified Track & Field. Teams are made up of approximately 50% general education students and 50% students with intellectual or developmental disabilities and compete against many of the more than 100 Unified teams of the state. Sponsor: Mr. Joest | |
Vista: Vista plans, decorates, and puts on two semi-formal dances. Sponsor: Mrs. Espinoza | |
West Lafayette Dance Marathon Club (WLDM): West Lafayette Dance Marathon is a student-driven, year-round commitment to generate funds for Riley Children's Hospital. The club meets on a monthly basis, conducts various fundraising activities throughout the school year, and culminates in a continuous, multi-hour fundraising event in the spring which blends games, music, dancing and philanthropy into one experience. Sponsor: Ms. Huckstep and Mrs. Jones | |
West Lafayette Youth Council (WYLC): The West Lafayette Youth Council is an organization dedicated to increasing youth participation in the city government and enriching the lives of the youth in the community. Sponsor: Mrs. Boyd | |
Westside Fencing Club (WSFC): The purpose of this organization shall be to allow members to participate in the sport of fencing. Sponsor: Mr. Levy | |
West Side Game Club: West Side Game Club is a social club that meets weekly to play board or card games. We usually eat lunch together while engaging in a competitive board game. We learn new games, master old games and enjoy each other's company. In the spring, we host a game convention to raise funds for charity. Sponsor: Mr. Leffert |
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Women Empowering Women (WEW): West Side WEW was founded with the goal of empowering and education women. Members volunteer to help other women, discuss and learn about current events relating to women, and participate in a variety of activities, such as poetry slams, self-defense courses and workshops by guest speakers. Sponsor: Mrs. Creech |
Publications and Fine Arts
The Scarlette: The Scarlette is the high school newspaper, which is produced by the student staff regularly throughout the year and distributed to all students. The Scarlette staff also maintains a website with additional content and features at www.scarletteonline.com. All students in the school are encouraged to participate by submitting news tips, letters to the editor, and comments. Sponsor: Ms. Dixon |
The Trident: The Trident is West Lafayette High School's yearbook. Activities, academics, the album, clubs, and athletics are the sections represented in the yearbook. The Trident staff writes and assembles the book. During the fall term, the theme of the book is determined, general layout prepared, advertising secured, and a sales campaign is conducted. From December to June, the actual pages of the book are completed. The yearbook is usually distributed during August of the following school year. Students apply to be on the Trident staff. Sponsor: Ms. Dixon |
Theater Productions: During the school year a musical and dramatic play are performed. Participation in these productions are open to any student in the school. Try-outs are always announced for these shows and usually held in the choir room and auditorium. Student involvement includes actual performance, set construction, publicity, ticket sales, costumes, make-up, and ushering. Any interested student should contact any member of the Theatre Arts Club for information. Sponsor: Mr. Margerum |
Student Service Organizations
Boys Organization for Student Services (BOSS): The purpose of B.O.S.S. is to provide opportunities for boys of West Lafayette High School to become involved in school and community services, develop leadership skills, and recognize the needs of others. B.O.S.S. presents the John Freehafer Award to the Most Outstanding Senior Boy. Sponsor: Mr. Ho |
Environmental Consciousness Organization (ECO): ECO Club is a group for environmentally considerate students who want to work together to make the use of resources at school and in our community more sustainable. We recycle at school, participate in community volunteer opportunities and help educate ourselves and others about the environment. All high school students are welcome to join. Sponsor: Mrs. Bushong |
Student Humanitarian Organization (SHO): SHO is an organization dedicated to analyzing global issues and broadening student involvement in current events around the world. The group plans to support peaceful means of improving life for citizens in various areas of conflict, poverty, or economic struggle. Sponsor: Mrs. Porterfield |
West Side Service Organization (WeSSO): The purpose of WeSSO (West Side Service Organization) is to increase individual's awareness and concern for the needs of others and to serve the school and the community. Activities vary from year to year based on the needs of the community and school. Service hours and attendance is mandatory to become and remain an active member. The club presents the Alice Myers Arthur Award to an outstanding Senior Girl as well as the Diamond Member for the member with the most service hours. Sponsor: Mrs. Johnson and Miss Theaderman |
Inter-School Activities
Academic Competitions: West Lafayette HS boast Academic Super Bowl teams in English, Social Studies, Math, Science, and Fine Arts. There is also a Spell Bowl team. Traditionally, these teams have done very well in regional and state competition. Interested students are given information to study and are taught by coaches. The final team is usually decided prior to competition through a test given by each coach. Click here for past accomplishments! Coordinator: Mr. Pugh Coaches: Mrs. Forbes (English), Mr. Pugh (Social Studies), Mrs. Gates (Math), Miss Croy (Science), Mrs. Yoder (Fine Arts), TBD (Spell Bowl). |
Cheerleading: Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Freshmen cheerleaders are chosen each spring for the following year. Try-outs for the Varsity are for juniors and seniors, while the Junior Varsity squad is composed of sophomores and juniors. Freshmen try-outs are open only to girls who will be freshmen the next school year. The eligibility rules for sports also apply for cheerleaders. Each squad is made up of five girls, one of whom in captain. Eligibility rules for sports also apply to cheerleaders. |
Color Guard: Sponsor: Robin Galbraith |
Debate Team: Debate club facilitates competitions and participation in the NFL (National Forensic League), our national organization. Click here for past awards and honors! Team Sponsor: Mr. Smith |
SheDevils Dance Team: The She-Devils Dance Team perform at athletic events, pep sessions and competitions in the Indiana High School Dance Team Association. Team Sponsor: Mrs. Wilcoxson |
Science Olympiad: Science Olympiad is an academic competition consisting of 23 different events across five disciplines in science and technology. The team is made up of 15 students who team up in pairs to prepare and practice for the events at invitational, regional, and state tournaments. Sponsor: Mr. von Werder |
Junior High Activities
Academic Competitions: Sponsor: Mr. Rendal (Coordinator), Mr. Rendall (Math), Mrs. Hipsher (Science), Mr. Fultz (Soc. Studies), Ms. Windler (English) |
Art Club: Co-Sponsors: Ms. Royal |
Book Club: Sponsor: Mr. Fultz |
Chess Club: Sponsor: Mrs. Scherrer |
FLL Robotics: Sponsor: Mr. Whitcomb |
German Club (w/HS): Sponsor: Herr Studt |
History Club: Sponsor: Mr. Fultz |
Mathcounts / Math Competitions: Co-Sponsors: Mrs. Porterfield (coordinator) and Mr. Polk |
Science Olympiad: Sponsor: Mr. Pusey and Mrs. Betourne |
Spanish Club (w/HS): Sponsor: Sra Espinoza |
Spell Bowl: Sponsor: Mr. Greenberg |
Student Council: Sponsor: Mrs. Mills |
Theatre Arts: Sponsor: Mr. Margerum |
Yearbook: Sponsor: Mrs. Mills |
National Honor Society
National Honor Society
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