Sponsor: Bruce Varela

A.V.I.D. club is an extension of the A.V.I.D. (Advancement Via Individual Determination) elective. A.V.I.D.'s mission is to prepare all students for college. In A.V.I.D. club, we do fundraising activities as well as community service projects. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in our projects.

Sponsor: Meredith Silverman

National Honor Society inducts new members each year in April. Requirements of membership include: a weighted GPA of 3.8 or higher, participation in service activities in or out of school, a strong character, judged by staff input, and leadership. Once inducted, each member is required to continue with a weighted grade point average of 3.8 or above. Each member will also be expected to complete at least 20 service hours including the American Heart Association Red Out.

Sponsor: Jeff Morse, Jermaine Cotillier

NJROTC is a leadership development program which offers a different Naval Science (NS) class for each grade level to help students become leaders in school, business or their community. Students are not in the military and do not have a military obligation, though there are benefits for those deciding to join the military. Extra-curricular activities include drill, marksmanship, cyber-defense, robotics, orienteering, academic and physical fitness teams.

Sponsor: Patricia Baima

The purpose of the Psychology Club is to expand upon psychology topics and explore new concepts related to psychology. Anyone interested in psychology is invited to join.

Sponsor: Donna Caponigro

The Science/Environmental Club raises funds to help preserve the rainforest and endangered species of plants and animals. The students in the club participate in local environmental cleanups. Students also participate in the collection of donations for Clearbrook Education Center for Developmentally Disabled children and adults.

Sponsors: Tim Meyer, Rocco Tieri

A portion of the education and responsibility of a Certified Athletic Trainer includes the prevention, treatment, first aid, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. High School Student Aides assist the Certified Athletic Trainers in these roles and are taught many aspects of prevention, treatment, first aid, and rehabilitation of injuries to assist the athletes in maintaining their playing status on their respective athletic teams. Join the Wheeling High School Student Athletic Trainer club to be involved in an activity that will assist you in deciding whether to enter a career in the medical field, earn freshman, JV, and varsity awards like all of the other sports participants, and assist athletes in their process of recovering from an injury.

Sponsor: Mara Leane

Poms is an activity focused on promoting school spirit through dance performances at various sporting events. There are two Pom squads at WHS, one for the fall season and one for the winter season. Tryouts are held in the spring for the following school year. Practices are held after school, and the members of the squad choreograph the routines. The squad performs at Varsity home football and basketball games and other sporting events. The winter team also competes as an IHSA sport. School assemblies and the Junior Wildcat Pom Clinic are also a part of our program.

Sponsors: Jen Licata

The Career and Technical Student Organization for Family and Consumer Science students, FCCLA, is a national student organization that helps young men and women become better leaders in their families, careers and communities. Students learn skills for life: planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision making and interpersonal communication. Members have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills through participating in proficiency events, showcasing community service projects, exploring careers, attending educational sessions and electing officers.

Sponsor: Jamie Karavouzis & Jen Licata

Educators Rising is for students interested in the teaching profession such as teaching at the Pre-K, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School and College level. This club will guide young students on a path to becoming accomplished teachers, beginning in high school and extending through college and into the profession. They will receive hands-on-teaching experience, sustain their interest in the profession, and helps them cultivate the skills they need to become successful educators.

Sponsor: Tim Meyer

Medical Careers Club is for students interested in a health career such as nursing, lab technician, x-ray technician, physician, physical therapist, etc. We explore their options by taking field trips/career treks and having speakers on various careers. We also hold annual fundraising activities for various medical causes. All students are invited to join.

Coach: Chad Scoggins
Assistant Coach: John Uhrik, Thomas Schwermin

Wheeling High School's debate team is one of the top programs in the state. We primarily compete in the Illinois Congressional Debate Association (ICDA), one of the largest and most competitive Congressional Debate organizations in the country. Students involved in Congressional Debate follow the same procedures as senators and representatives in Washington and Springfield. They write legislation, work in committees, and debate their own bills and resolutions.

Sponsor: John Kritek

This club is open to all students. DECA is a student-centered organization whose program of leadership and personal development is designed specifically for students enrolled in Business Education classes. DECA members learn the skills necessary to compete in marketing, management, business and merchandising careers at the area, state, and national level. These career-oriented young people are actively involved in creative marketing projects directly related to the careers of their choice. Students in DECA have the opportunity to network with students and business leaders from all over the State of Illinois.

Sponsors: Mr. Gonzalez, Mrs. Rodriguez, Mr. VanVleet

The Math Team competes in the North Suburban Math League of Illinois with 55 other schools. There are five regular season meets, with different topics for each of the grade levels at each meet. The "mathletes" are given a 30-minute period to take a five-question test. These contests typically contain advanced problems beyond what is given in the traditional math curriculum. The Math Team also competes in the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Regional and State Math Contest series. Students are able to compete in both individual and team contests.

Sponsor: Alex Diesbergen

Mock Trial is a competitive group open to all students interested in law. Students take part in a simulated courtroom experience as they take on the role of an attorney or witness in an effort to win over the jury. Participants will be mentored by a group of professional attorneys on a weekly basis to improve their performance and create real world connections. Competitions take place in a variety of settings, including local courthouses, and the season culminates with the state competition in Champaign-Urbana during the middle of March. Our group meets once a week during the fall starting in November and twice a week in the spring.

Sponsors: Mike Geist, Tom Steinbach, Eric Race

Do you enjoy math, science, or engineering? Do you like to work with others to come up with solutions to engineering problems? STEM team is a group of students advised by a multidisciplinary group of teacher sponsors. Students use a full range of math, science, and engineering skills to propose, research, design, and fabricate a student-engineered product here at Wheeling High School.

Sponsors: Janet Aschenbrener and Cindy Carro

Scholastic Bowl is an interscholastic activity sanctioned by the IHSA. A team of five players competes using a signal lockout system to answer questions that range throughout the entire academic area: art, language, history, biology, math, chemistry, current events, sports etc. This is a fun, fast-paced game that requires quick thinking and reflexes. The Scholastic Bowl season lasts approximately 8-10 weeks and includes the Mid-Suburban League dual team meets and multi- school tournaments. Membership on the Scholastic Bowl Team is open to all, and there is a Junior Varsity and a Varsity Team.

Head Coach: Stephen Colella

Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Oprah, Supreme Court Justice Scalia, and many more were once on a Speech Team! Future actors, actresses, lawyers, politicians, teachers, rappers/singers wanted. Clueless newbies welcome, too… we’ve got 14 different events, from Radio to Humorous Duet Acting, and we welcome everyone! Speechies choose OR write a script that is dramatic, funny, and/or informative on the topic of their choice, then perform and perfect that piece over the course of the season with one-on-one coach rehearsals and teamwork.

Sponsor: 

The First Robotics Competition is a national engineering contest, which immerses high school students in the exciting world of engineering where students get a hands-on, inside look at the engineering profession. In six intense weeks, students and engineers work together to brainstorm, design, construct and test their “champion robot”. The teams then compete in a spirited, no-holds- barred competition complete with referees, cheering team members and time clocks.

Sponsors: Ann Ku, Linhhai Nguyen, Jolinta Voelker 

Asian Student Association is a place for students of all Asian cultural descent (East Asian, South Asian, Southwest Asian, West Asian) to connect and build community through increasing Asian cultural awareness, participation in school events like Homecoming and Display of Cultures, examination of current events and their impact on our communities, and always food and fun. Meetings are held every other week.

Sponsors: Crystal Ellis-Abdullah and Tamika Weber

Ebony Club focuses on African American culture, history, and community service. The meetings and field trips promote cultural awareness and the connection between African American and other world cultures. Discussions also include current events, social skills needed for success, and college admission information. Some activities include producing numerous Black History Month events, fundraising for scholarships for our graduating seniors, and attending an annual African American Teen Summit.  All students are welcome. The meetings are twice a month on Wednesdays after school for about 45 minutes.

Sponsor: Elyse Hoffman

French Club promotes the interest in studying the French language and culture. Anyone is welcome to join the French Club regardless of enrollment in French class.  You just have to be interested in learning about French culture and participating in French related activities.  Some of the activities include making crêpes, playing pétanque, participating in display of cultures, watching French movies, and celebrating French holidays with food and festivities. All are welcome!

Sponsor: Mariangela Bonasera

"Il Circolo Italiano" is an organization that promotes the Italian language and culture through cultural activities at Wheeling High School. We celebrate Italian holidays and feasts by organizing such events as Italian week and Italian Carnevale. All the proceeds support the Italian Exchange and the Italian program. Italian Club is open to all students.

Sponsor: Bertha Sanchez

The Latino Club started at WHS in 1994. The mission statement is threefold: unity, cultural awareness, and community service. We meet every week on Wednesday after school for about 40 minutes. Throughout the year we go on field trips and have guest speakers, fundraisers, and leadership training.

Sponsor: Ania Juszczyk 

Polish Club is an association whose purpose is to promote ethnic and traditional values characteristic of the Polish-American community. We aim to raise awareness about Poland’s rich heritage among our schoolmates, so that they may better appreciate and respect the values we represent. Members participate in various activities including The Display of Cultures and Peace Week, and they host a “Fat Thursday” Paczki Day sale. In addition we take field trips to many Polish landmarks such as the Polish Museum of America and The Copernicus Foundation. We also visit exhibits, restaurants and other cultural activities in the area. Polish Club is open to anyone interested in Polish culture, language and history.

Sponsors: Bertha Sanchez,  Svetlana Fastovskaya

S.H.A.D.E.S. is an acronym for Students Helping Accept Diversity in Every Situation. The Multicultural Club originated at Wheeling High School in 1989. The group was put together and serves as the umbrella for all other ethnic clubs in the school. S.H.A.D.E.S. tries to educate students and teachers about the different cultures around them. S.H.A.D.E.S. welcomes all students and strives to get the student body involved and informed about the world’s cultures and issues around them through various events and projects. In addition to doing community service, S.H.A.D.E.S. club  also sponsors the Display of Cultures. It is through these two events that the club is able to raise money to award annual college scholarships to its club members. We meet every Monday.

Directors: Rebeccah Silver, Julie Bale and Catherine Zaworski

Art club meets after school every other week and is open to all students. We feature a guided activity during each session that can include anything from tie dying, drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and working with art and technology. Enrollment in an art class is not required.

Director: Mike Malek

The Wheeling High School Band Program includes Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, Jazz Band I & II, Jazz Combo, Marching Band, and numerous small ensembles. The Wheeling Bands participate in various festivals throughout the Midwest and have consistently been recognized for excellence in concert, jazz and marching band performances.   The band is fortunate to have the Wheeling Instrumental League, a supportive group of parents who help support the students and director.

Director: Stephen Colella

The Wheeling Choral Department currently has five choirs that offer a variety of different music and styles. Wheeling offers a new Gospel Choir, as well as beginning choir, Treble Choir (for girls), Men's Choir, and our top choir, The A Cappella Group. Groups perform throughout the community and have annual concerts at the school. We also offer an award winning, competitive show choir, LEGACY, that meets Tuesday/Thursday nights (for credit). All of these groups are by audition only, except for beginning choir.

Sponsors: Diane Rawlinson and Crystal Ellis-Abdullah

Dance and Orchesis fulfill the P.E. and Fine Arts requirements for students. Auditions are usually held in March of the year prior to the season. (Transfer students should contact Ms. Rawlinson to audition in the early fall.) Wheeling Orchesis members are chosen for their creativity and potential in dance, theatre, music, art, photography, etc. Students work with guest artists in master class, workshop, or choreographic settings. Orchesis members self-produce their December concert, children's workshop, February/March main concert and benefit performance. Wheeling dance students have performed at the Illinois State High School Dance Festival, the National High School Dance Festival, Regional High School Dance Festival, AAHPERD National Dance Gala, and Interplay International Conference. They partnered with Hubbard Street and perform annually at Dance Chicago. They are Chicago Dance for Life volunteers and have taken dance weekend trips to New York City and Chicago.

Sponsors: Orin Xavier and Derek Ellertson 

Fusion is a student driven interdisciplinary performance art project. This original performance is student generated, directed, designed, written, and choreographed. Student involved represent a large range of interests and backgrounds. The performance of Fusion happens each fall and is open to all students without an audition. Many students begin their performing experiences at Wheeling through Fusion, which enhances their skills and abilities to participate in other fine arts programs.

Director: Stephen Colella

Our Musical is a student production directed by staff members. Open auditions for roles are announced through the morning announcements. Technical positions are also available for students. Interested students should contact the faculty advisor for additional information.

Director: Sarah Struebing

The Wheeling High School Orchestra Program includes Chamber Orchestra, Freshman Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and small ensembles. All orchestra members perform in five major concerts during the school year. In addition, chamber ensembles perform at outreach activities and special events in the community. All students must audition with the director to be placed into an appropriate orchestra. The Wheeling Orchestra receives unyielding support throughout the year by the parent board, Wheeling Symphony League.

Director: Samantha Zabran

Variety Show is a student-generated show in which students showcase their talents in various areas like singing, dancing, bands, stepping, comedy, and much more. The students who get involved come from many different backgrounds, many not having any previous involvement in any school show. We welcome all students regardless of experience. The Variety is an annual event that generates much excitement among the student body. Proceeds from the show go toward scholarships for seniors in the SHADES club.

Sponsor: Orin Xavier and Derek Ellertson

The fall and winter plays are student productions directed by staff members. Open auditions for acting roles are announced through the morning announcements. Technical and backstage student positions are also available. Interested students can contact the faculty advisers for additional information.

Director: Rebeccah Silver

Each year, District 214 honors the arts with a one-month long festival. During this time, special assemblies and demonstrations are held featuring music, dance, theater and the visual arts.

Directors: Derek Ellertson and Kyle Reinhart

Students involved in the Technical Theatre Program (also known as the Tech Crew) support all technical aspects of the school plays, musicals, dance concerts, and other productions that take place in Wheeling High School’s Robert E. Sang Theatre. Before each show, students on the Tech Crew build and paint the set, make or find props, set lights, and work on sound cues. During rehearsals and performances, the Tech Crew is responsible for all backstage activity such as scene changes, lighting, and sound. Tech Crew is a great activity to learn new things and meet new friends. Prior experience is not necessary.

Sponsor: Megan Baker

Lair is the state and national award-winning yearbook staff, made up of students across all grade and experience levels. The staff applies principles of publishing and photojournalism to produce the school's yearbook. Staff members become familiar with the process of planning, layout, copywriting, editing, photography, and production. Together we publish a yearbook from start to finish. Students improve their communication skills by conducting interviews, writing, and practicing constructive critique strategies with fellow staffers. The students master various computer programs including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Adobe Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Yearbook Ave. Each student will learn the basics of photography and photojournalism including the different aspects of digital imaging. Throughout the year, each student works cooperatively with others, learning the financial aspects of publication and using problem-solving skills when obstacles hinder the goal.

Sponsor: Megan Baker and Kyle Reinhart

The student newspaper provides both an academic opportunity for students to study advanced journalism and a laboratory opportunity to produce content for a specific audience — the Wheeling High School community. Student journalists make and carry out decisions regarding content, design, and publication frequency. The staff publishes eight regular print issues plus a special senior print issue. Mail subscriptions are available. Spokesman staff also publishes a news website that they update regularly with stories, photos and multimedia. Spokesman is a charter member of the National Scholastic Press Association's Hall of Fame. Since its beginning in 1964-65, Spokesman has been recognized often as a top high school newspaper from a range of associations. Individual staff members have received more than 500 awards.

Sponsor: Shane Rayburn

Auto Club meets to give students an open lab setting in a longer time format than allowed during the day.  Students are invited to use this time to complete work on their automobiles that would not otherwise be able to be completed during a normal school day.  This club also works on our project car for the year which varies.

Sponsors: Erin Pedersen, Tom Antosz, Rita Runyard

The Cat Pack is a student led leadership group that encourages school spirit and inclusion at Wheeling High School.  Upper class leaders mentor incoming freshmen and create connections with their peers to create a positive atmosphere at our school.  Students work together to make improvements within our building and create a legacy for classes to come.  Furthermore, the Cat Pack leads the student cheer section at athletic events while demonstrating good sportsmanship. All types of leaders from Fine Arts, Clubs, Athletics, and more are encouraged to improve the culture at WHS!

Sponsors: Julie Semerau and Cristina Guzman

Circle of Friends is a club that promotes development of social and communication skills.  During the meetings, students both plan and then go on social outings in hope to build social independence.  This club meets at least twice a month after school, with at least one off campus field trip each month.  This club is intended for those students wanting to strengthen social and communication skills, and open to interacting and supporting other peers working on these skills.

Sponsors: Erin Hibner and Jen Kuehn

The freshman are involved in a number of school related activities. We are responsible for running the concession stand for a home football game. We participate in homecoming activities including the window painting competition. We do a fund raising project by selling candy grams the week before winter break and senior kisses in the Spring.

 Sponsor:  Lexi Katsinas

Gaming Club is a place for gaming enthusiasts of all kinds! Our goal is to create a shared space for gamers of all interest and experience levels. The club hosts monthly tournaments of competitive video games, runs a Dungeons and Dragons campaign, and provides card games as well. If gaming interests you at all, this is the place to be!

Sponsors: Sara Strauss Cindy Carro

Interact with Africa is a high school level Rotary club that seeks to make a difference both in the local community and the world. We do various fundraisers to raise money to build schools in Angola, Africa. We also try to educate the school community about the needs in Africa through our annual "Walk Through Africa." This club is for students who want to experience what it is like to make an impact on their world.

Sponsors: Kristie Quathamer and Shannon Johnson

The Junior Class is involved with student council in promoting school spirit.  We participate in homecoming activities: including window painting, and Pack the Place weeks. The Junior class is responsible for planning the Junior/Senior Prom, and throughout the year, we hold fundraisers that help lower the cost of Prom.

Sponsor: Christine Pacyk

Circus is the official literary/arts magazine at Wheeling High School. We publish original student poems, stories, essays, play, photographs, drawing, paintings, etc. All students are welcome to join Circus and help with the selection and production of the magazine.

Sponsors:  Julie Bale, Rebeccah Silver, Catherine Zaworski

National Art Honor Society is a nationally recognized, professional organization. Members are considered leaders who are recognized as distinguished in the artistic community.  To be a member, students need to volunteer for 10 hours of art community service during the academic year, be enrolled in at least one art class during the academic year, and be a student in good standing with a B+ or higher GPA.

Sponsors: Kristie Quathamer and Shannon Johnson

Preparation for the Junior/Senior Prom includes working with junior class representatives to choose a theme, secure a banquet hall, select a D.J. and music, order decorations, hold the Prom Queen & King election, finalize photographer details, select prom favors, arrange menu choices, select and order tickets, order flowers for guests and the prom court, and organize chaperones.

Sponsor: Carrie Mattingly

The Senior Class Board has many responsibilities. They include: selecting/designing and selling Senior Wear, helping with Homecoming, organizing 2 blood drives, planning, decorating and selling tickets for the Turnabout Dance, preparing for the Senior BBQ and selecting the Senior Class gift to the school. Members of the Senior Class board speak at the senior awards assembly and read the welcome and introductions at graduation.

Sponsor: JoAnn Chilver

The Sophomore Class is involved in several activities throughout the school year. These activities include fundraisers and service/charity projects,. We are responsible for running the concession stand for a home football game as a fundraiser for the sophomore class. We participate in homecoming activities, including window painting.  We also have a Christmas service project, where the students collect donations and use the money to buy presents for children in the hospital. During the spring, we do another fundraising project and participate in Teacher Appreciation Week by putting little gifts/treats in their mailboxes several times during that week . We also support Student Council in all activities.

Sponsors: Kristie Quathamer and Julie Semerau

Student Council is the student governing body of Wheeling High School. It allows students to voice their opinions and influence the overall atmosphere of the school. Student Council sponsors many activities throughout the year including Homecoming, Spirit Weeks, Holiday Food Drive, Candy Grams, Pack the Place, Crush Sales, and Spring Week.  Student Council also runs the school store and the Battle of the Class competition.