Club & Activity Descriptions
2011-2012

 
ACTSO
The objective of ACTSO (African American Cultural Technological Scientific Olympics) is to prepare, recognize and reward African-American youth who exemplify scholastic and artistic excellence.  The goals are to recognize achievements with recognition to build self-esteem; to provide and assist students with the necessary skills and tools to establish goals; to acquire confidence and training; to make a successful contribution to society, and to mobilize parents and the adult community for the promotion of these goals.  In short, ACTSO was designed to stimulate, promote and encourage high academic and artistic achievements.  Local/national competitions and the awards are incentives but are secondary to the overall mission of encouraging and rewarding academic excellence.  

A Place for All
A Place for All is OPRF's gay-straight alliance (GSA), a chapter of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Educational Network (GLSEN)."  A Place for All focuses on the social and political issues facing gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, etc., people around the world.  Our purpose is to provide a safe environment and a place of discussion for those who have been troubled by prejudice involving sexual orientation issues and to work towards making the school and the community at large accepting of sexually diverse people.  The club welcomes all students.

Art Club
The Art Club works to enrich and to enhance the art instruction provided at the high school and to provide students with additional opportunities to express themselves through the visual arts. 

ASPIRA (Latin Culture Club)
OPRFHS ASPIRA is a school affiliate of a national organization devoted to the education and leadership development of Latino students.  ASPIRA takes its name from the Spanish verb aspirar, “to aspire.”  Meetings and activities focus on helping students become educated, committed leaders for the community’s future benefit.

Astronomy Club
The club meets to discuss the celestial bodies and their magnitudes, motions and constitution.

B.O.S.S. (Black Organization for Student Success)
The goal of B.O.S.S. is to assist students in their scholarship potential by providing a support system of peers, faculty, and parents to motivate and maintain enrollment and successful achievement in regular, honors, and Advanced Placement classes.  Through a variety of activities (cultural and social) -- and by providing ongoing positive peer reinforcement for academic achievement, excellence, and school participation -- students are able to maximize their full potential.

Chess Team
The Chess Team at Oak Park and River Forest High School exists to provide students with an opportunity to play chess at either a friendly or competitive interscholastic level.  Chess is an I.H.S.A. activity, and OPRFHS competes in the West Suburban Silver Conference, the West Suburban District, and the I.H.S.A. State Team meets.  However, players of all ability and interest levels are welcome at practice.  Most club members are serious and competitive but several participate in practices only at a friendly level.  There are no qualifications for membership but to compete, players must make an eight-person team by winning challenge matches under competitive conditions.

 
Crest
Crest, the school literary magazine, is a compilation of student writing and artwork that best meets the credo, "those things that are best."  Crest comes out once a year in late spring.  Editors meet during a specified time during both semesters.  As the publication date nears, it is necessary for the editors to donate larger amounts of time.  They meet in order to determine what pieces should be included in the magazine and what design the magazine should have.  There are currently no formal qualifications required for becoming an editor.  It is recommended, however, that prospective editors have some knowledge of literature and artwork, be able to work closely with other people for the whole year, and be able to make firm, quick decisions, as only a very small portion of the work submitted is chosen for publication.

Debate
The OPRF Debate Society competes at academic debate tournaments against other schools from throughout Illinois and the Midwest. Students compete at the novice (first-year), JV and Varsity levels and are taught public speaking, argument writing, critical thinking, and academic research skills as they prepare to debate the national high school topic each year. For the 2009-2010 school year, students will debate different proposals for the federal government to invest in alternative energy, discussing hundreds of related, important environmental, economic, political, and ethical issues at a time where global warming, high oil prices, and "green" technologies are on the front page of the newspaper and central issues in the upcoming Presidential election. Students in policy debate compete in two-person teams and argue both for and against the topic in alternating debates, developing teamwork skills, and work collaboratively with the coach on preparation, research, speaking technique, and argument strategy.

Drill Team*
Drill Team is a spirit dance organization that consists of Varsity and Junior Varsity teams.  Drill performs at many sporting events including football, boys’ and girls’ basketball, girls’ volleyball, boys’ soccer, and girls’ field hockey.  Drill practices five days a week on average for two hours a day.  Routines consist of jazz, hip-hop, high kick, and pom movement.  It is strongly encouraged that students have had or are currently taking dance classes prior to tryouts.  The team also is visible at various other events such as:  spirit assemblies, sports awards, Homecoming Parade, Booster auction, etc.  During the winter season, Drill participates in UDA (Universal Dance Association,) a competition circuit, competing in high kick and pom routines to qualify for the state competition in February.  Drill also attends summer camp through an organization called Fred J. Miller.

Dudes Making a Difference
Dudes Makin’ a Difference is a group of high school students who via an agency will sponsor impoverished children in Nepal with funds for education that they would not normally have the opportunity to attain and hopefully help foster a meaningful life and provide hope.  Funds will be raised through various fund-raising activities.  This club will be open to all students, male and female and will also act to provide service at OPRF if/when needed.

Gospel Choir
The Gospel Choir is a multicultural choir ensemble of the high school.  The choir is an activity for all students who enjoy singing, features a variety of choral music including contemporary, traditional, spirituals, and hymnal gospel songs.  Under the Gospel Choir umbrella are also student musicians, poets and gospel dancers.  The choir fosters student achievement, leadership, creativity and friendship.  The Gospel Choir has been organized since 1979 and is one of the most highly supported activities in the high school.

Huskie Athletic Council
The Huskie Athletic Council is for all athletes.  Any person who has lettered in a sport is encouraged and welcome to join.  The Huskie Athletic Council has the job of promoting spirit in athletics and running community service projects for athletes and teams.  The council also keeps the Wall of Fame up to date by constantly changing and adding pictures.  Every athlete is encouraged to join in and help the school and community.

 

Huskiepalooza Planning Committee

The Huskiepalooza Planning Committee is a group of students dedicated to planning and executing 3 school wide fun events.  The events include live bands, tournaments and fun.

International Liaison

This club is comprised of a small group of international students who are studying at OPRF for the school year. It is a support system at school so that they may see each outside of class and ask any questions they have about school culture or academics. Students also plan activities together outside of school so that they may take full advantage of their time here in Oak Park. International students also help to publicize study abroad programs by speaking to World Language students at our meeting in January.

Intramurals
In addition to interscholastic sports, OPRF offers intramurals and open gym.  Students may participate in a variety of activities before and after school.

Italian Club
The Italian Club provides an opportunity for students interested in Italian language and culture to come together for the purpose of broadening their knowledge and understanding of those things Italian.  The club is open to all Oak Park and River Forest High School students, including students not currently studying Italian.  Periodically, students will attend field trips to see Italian opera, theater, or other Italian cultural events in the Chicago area, including visits to pertinent exhibits or performances at the Italian Cultural Institute.

Make-Up/(Theatrical) Club
The Make-Up Committee does make-up for each of the productions in the Little Theatre, Auditorium, and Studio 200.  The students assist the make-up designer with inventory of make up, with purchasing of supplies, set up of make up the days of performance, doing make up for the performances, and clean up.  No previous experience is necessary to join this committee.

Marching Band and Color Guard
Marching Band is a co-curricular extension of the OPRFHS music program.  It is an all volunteer organization open to students enrolled in performing arts classes.  Color guard members are open to any student in school.  The marching band performs at home football games, three to four parades a year, and three IHSA competitions.  The band usually tours every other year.  Previous trips have included the Magic Kingdom Parade in Orlando, Florida; the Martin L. King Jr. Parade in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the Peach Bowl Festival/Game in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Math Teams – senior, junior, sophomore, freshman
The Math Team is open to all students who are interested in competing in mathematics contests throughout the school year.  These contests include meets held here at home and at other schools; team and individual contests, and local, state, and national contests.  The purpose of the team is to use the practice sessions and contests to teach problem solving skills, with the emphasis on sharing and discussing strategies and problems with other students.  To become a member of the team, a student needs a good ability in math, an interest in working on math problems beyond the scope of his/her math course, and a willingness to attend the practice sessions and meets.  Any student in an honors or advanced level math class is encouraged to join.

Mock Trial
Mock Trial was designed to give students a hands-on court room experience.  Students serve as lawyers and witnesses, competing against other schools’ teams in trial competitions.  Mock Trial is great for those interested in law, argument, theatre, and debate.  The Mock Trial team represents the high school at the Illinois State Bar Association’s Mock Trial tournament in Springfield each spring.  Contact Ms. Limberg or Mr. Soffer for more details.

Model U.N.
Model UN is an awareness club focused on both national and international causes. Our goal is to have at least one major fundraiser each quarter. We plan to engage in a variety of events to raise both money and awareness. Activities will include t-shirt sales, guest speakers, community awareness, battle of the bands, and we even hope to raise enough money to participate in a genocide conference. We plan to focus a great deal of attention on genocidal issues in Africa and engage in activities in conjunction with the Invisible Children movement. Model UN is a student-run club and all are welcomed to attend.

MSAN*
MSAN is a network of schools from around the country engaged in pursuing strategies for overcoming the achievement gap in schools. The student organization in the high school seeks to identify issues of racial inequity from a student-centered perspective. Identifying issues of racial inequity within the school community enables the students to develop action plans for addressing and overcoming these obstacles for students. This student organization is driven by students who hope to create a more equitable school environment for all members of the OPRFHS school community.

Scholastic Bowl
Scholastic Bowl competition developed by Illinois schools provides a showcase for the academically talented student.  It also provides an educational opportunity that is valuable to students taking college entrance exams.  It provides motivation to learn and excel without the pressure of grades.  It is an excellent entry for students’ transcripts and records.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Club
The Science Fiction and Fantasy Club of Oak Park and River Forest High School is dedicated to the enjoyment and creation of all materials related to science fiction, fantasy, and science fantasy.  The club has organized a yearly Sci-Fi/Fantasy convention, called OPCON, since 1989.

Snowball
Snowball is a three-day retreat weekend, held at the beginning of March, facilitated by student leaders from OPRF, Fenwick, and Trinity.  Student leaders undergo an intense, six-month training process to learn skills to lead weekend sessions at the retreat.  The purpose of the Snowball weekend is to provide a safe environment for student participants to enhance leadership skills, provide and receive peer support, promote positive decision making, and cultivate personal growth.  Topics addressed during the weekend are issues that impact students on a personal, school, and societal level.  Activities for the weekend also include a bonfire and barn dance.  All students who attend OPRF, Fenwick, and Trinity are eligible to participate.   Applications are available in Room 308 after Winter Break.

Speech Team - Individual Events / Forensics*
Speech Team provides students with opportunities in public speaking, acting, and oral interpretation. Students learn the fundamentals of oral communication and prepare, practice, and compete in any of 15 events, including public speaking, interpretation, short story, verse, radio, acting, original writing, and debate. Students attend weekly tournaments throughout the year. Students also participate in the National Forensics League, an honor society for students in Speech, Public Speaking, and Debate. Students attend one weekly meeting and two half-hour coaching sessions per week plus all day competition on Saturdays. 

Spoken Word Club
This club is a venue for students who enjoy writing and performing their own poetry.  Meeting time is spent on a variety of activities, ranging from open mikes to collaborative writing to guest poet readings to writing and performance workshops.  The Club holds performance showcases three times a year when students share their original work.   Student writings from these performances are compiled in “ chapbooks” commemorating the events.  The Club also sponsors a team to compete in the Chicagoland Teen Poetry Slam each Spring.

Stage Crew
If you are interested in the magic of the theater, then Stage Crew is for you.  Stage crew builds the sets, designs the lighting and sound, and executes the technical magic for the four Little Theatre productions and the Winter Musical sponsored by the Fine and Performing Arts Division.   Students gain additional production experience by designing lights and sound for the Orchesis dance shows and a host of other concerts, productions, and events held in the Auditorium and Little Theatre.  Membership is open to all students.

Student Council
At Oak Park and River Forest High School, projects are the lifeblood of Student Council.  Through projects and/or activities, Student Council carries out the wishes of the student body on matters that affect them.  Student Council develops projects that deal with issues of importance to students.  Projects include student parking, on-campus lunch, adopt-a-block, Homecoming activities, etc.  These projects translate talk into action by the Student Council.

Students for Peace and Justice
Students for Peace and Justice is a political organization with the purpose of increasing awareness about student and human rights issues relevant to the OPRFHS community.  Past issues have included organizing AIDS Awareness Week, protesting sweatshop labor, and insuring the student body has a voice in the school.

Studio 200*
Studio 200 is an extra-curricular drama program developed to give acting, directing, and design opportunities to students.  The purpose of this activity is to give students opportunities in all aspects of theater through design and performance.  There are generally five productions per year.  Auditions are open to all students at OPRFHS, with no experience necessary.  Students interested in technical aspects of theater also work in Studio 200.  Designers in lighting, sets, props, make-up, costumes and publicity are also needed for each production. 

Synchronized Swim Team *
The Synchronized Swim Team season extends from January-May.  This team is a co-curricular activity where members combine their swim and dance skills to perform synchronized swim routines to music.  These routines are performed at an end of season show, usually the first week of May.  Tryouts take place in January.

Tabula*
The goal of this course is to produce a yearbook that accurately depicts the entire year and lives of all students and captures the unique aspect of OPRFHS and the events that occur during the school year.  Tabula staff members must be able to meet deadlines, produce quality work, work cooperatively with others, receive constructive criticism, and learn to give constructive criticism to others.

Tau Gamma
Tau Gamma is a service organization, devoted to promoting an awareness of community and individual needs and to addressing these needs through service and fundraising.  Tau Gamma has become associated with several local and national philanthropic groups and works closely with them in an effort to affect the lives of others.

Technology Club
The mission of the Technology Club is to help students who are interested in web development gain experience with new technologies.  The meetings provide opportunities for collaboration in the development of web projects.

 

Theta Nu Sigma*

This is a club for people who like playing computer and console games.  We play multiplayer games on the computer (Call of Duty 1, HALO 1, some RTS and other games as available) and we also sometimes have a console gaming system available (Wii, PS2, Xbox 360).  Come in and play with or against other students!

Vocal Ensembles*
Students enrolled in a regularly scheduled music performance class are eligible to audition for extra-curricular ensembles.  Small vocal ensembles currently include “Singers,” “ Reveille,” “ Madrigals,” “ Take Five,” “No Strings Attached,” and “Six Chicks.”  These groups rehearse twice each week.  They perform at the regular choral concerts and at outside events. 

* Tryouts, auditions or invitations required

Revised 11/29/2010