Clubs & Activities

(Twice a month), Room 111

All students who are interested in enriching their artistic experience within the school and the community, this is the club for you. Club trips to museums in NYC and creative volunteer projects are often our highlights.

Advisor--Mrs. Frawley, cfrawley@mtplcsd.org 

(Twice a month), Library

Book Club meets approximately twice a month and provides students with an opportunity to discuss books, as well as nurture a love of reading for pleasure. The group chooses which books to read, including popular books and classical works. We also conduct fundraisers and raffles throughout the year to raise money for literacy-related organizations.

Advisor-- TBA

(Once a Month) Room 204

The Business Club will provide students with the exposure to various careers in business, as well as the opportunity to research and understand more about global markets. Students will have the opportunity to work with the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and engage in discussions and activities that include global markets and financial news, research on careers in business, stock market investment challenge, discussions on banking and corporate finances, exposure to various careers in business by meeting with accomplished business professions (Banker, Trader, Hedge Fund Manager, Accountant, Financial Lawyer, etc.), and participating in seminars. The FBLA program of work will expose students to all different facets of business and leadership.

 Advisor--Mrs. Locher, dlocher@mtplcsd.org

(Once a month), Room 213 or Library

The English Honor Society seeks to promote interest in English, literature, and the humanities among the Westlake High School community. The purpose of EHS is to foster excellence in the English curriculum by advocating lifelong learning and active participation in the betterment of the Westlake school and community. Members will participate in school functions, maintain a unique forum for creative written expression, and volunteer for school and community activities. Students in grades 9 and 10 remain as general members of the club. Induction and the status of EHS is conferred only to qualified 11th and 12th grade students who meet the criteria. 

Meetings: Monthly, Thursdays, Room 213. 

Advisor: Chris D'Ippolito cdippolito@mtplcsd.org

(Bi-monthly) in Room 111

Fashion Club provides interested students with the opportunity to show off their creativity while piquing interest in the fashion industry.  Being around other students who have “a passion for fashion” in a club setting is incredibly motivating.  Students experience a hands-on approach to fashion by brainstorming, illustrating, constructing fashions, following style trends, connecting with designers in the field, and showcasing their own designs (fashion show, displays, etc.).  Working individually or as a design team, students turn their visions into reality.  Club trips, recycled fashions, fundraisers, and community outreach are also areas of interest.   

Advisor: Mrs. Frawley,  cfrawley@mtplcsd.org

The WHS Genders and Sexualities Alliance is a club that works to improve school climate for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Members work together to make sure their school is a safe, supportive environment for ALL students. Our club raises awareness of anti-LGBTQIA+ harassment in school and in society, draws attention to gender role construction and gender inequity, and provides a safe and supportive place for LGBTQIA+ students and allies. We will utilize activities and discussions among members to raise enlightenment of current social issues while maintaining diversity in thoughts and ideas.

Advisor--Mr. Marinaccio, amarinaccio@mtplcsd.org

(Once a month), Room 216

The Italian Club is a club that fosters and promotes the cultural understanding and celebration of the Italian traditions, customs and heritage. It will provide educational opportunities outside of the classroom for those who have a desire to further their learning and understanding of Italian. Members will participate and benefit from various activities and fun experiences that will teach them about the Italian culture in a school and community setting.

 Advisor – Mrs. Bellomusto – fbellomusto@mtplcsd.org

(Once a month), Room 216

The Società Onoraria Italica, The National Italian Honor Society for High School Students, is a program that gives recognition to achievements in Italian as well as promotes a greater understanding and appreciation of Italian culture and civilization. Here are the rules and regulations of the Società Onoraria Italica as set forth by their Constitution and By-laws that the students are held accountable for in order to be selected as candidates for induction into the Italian Honor Society. 

• They are enrolled in the level 4 Italian class
• They have a 90 average for all three years of Italian prior to the induction
• They have an 85 average for all of their courses
• They commit to the mentoring and tutoring program for lower level students who need help in Italian
• They promise to promote the study of the Italian language and culture in the future

   Advisor – Mrs. Bellomusto – fbellomusto@mtplcsd.org 

The JSA Speech and Debate Club is a student-run organization that seeks to strengthen American democracy by educating and preparing high school students for life-long involvement and responsible leadership in a democratic society. Members learn the skills and protocol necessary to successfully participate in a debate. Debate topics are chosen by club members in preparation for the Fall State Convention in NYC, Winter Congress in Washington, D.C., and Spring State Convention in Connecticut.

Advisor--Mr. Marinaccio, amarinaccio@mtplcsd.org

(Twice a month), WHS Far Cafe

A club in which students compete with other schools in monthly math competitions

Advisor: Mrs. Locher, dlocher@mtplcsd.org

(Once a month), WHS Far Cafe

Mu Alpha Theta, the National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society, was formed in 1957 at the University of Oklahoma, and is dedicated to inspiring a keen interest in mathematics, developing strong scholarship in the subject, and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics. Our goal and hope in our Westlake chapter is to embolden mathematical service, promote mathematical leadership and encourage students to participate in activities involving math outside of the classroom. Members must have completed the equivalent of two years of college preparatory mathematics, including algebra and/or geometry, and have completed or are enrolled in a third year of college preparatory mathematics, as well as participate in required math meets, maintain an overall GPA of an 85%, and maintain a mathematics GPA of a 90%.

Advisor--Mrs. Locher, dlocher@mtplcsd.org

(Once a month), Room 225

Not so much a club as it is an achievement. However it meets all year and provides services such as parent-teacher conference, open house chaperones and tutor availability.

Advisor--Mr. Paduano, apaduano@mtplcsd.org

(P.A.L.S.), (Several times a year), Guidance Office

P.A.L.S. (Peer Advice and Leadership Service) is a program at Westlake High School designed to help incoming freshman and new students adjust to the high school under the guidance and support of upperclassmen mentors. These mentors will be available to the student throughout the freshman year and beyond. They are here to help make the transition into high school a successful experience.

Advisor-Mr. O'Dwyer, todwyer@mtplcsd.org

(Twice a month), Room 109

Photography Club is an exciting club where students will work together to better their community through the use of photography! Past projects and activities have included creating a photo booth for Homecoming and Halloween. Students have also helped photograph the Education Foundation Turkey Trot, Hook Mountain Challenge, Strides Walk, Local Parades and more!!!

Advisor--Mrs. Morris, lmorris@mtplcsd.org

(General Members - once a month; Officers - Once a month), Room 114

The purpose of this organization is to encourage participation in and recognition of scientific and intellectual thought, to advance the students’ knowledge of classical and modern science, to communicate with the scientific community, to aid the civic community with its comprehension of science, and to encourage students to participate in community service and, in turn, encourage a dedication to the pursuit of scientific knowledge that benefits all mankind.

Advisor: Mrs. Castillo, gcastillo@mtplcsd.org

(Weekly) Room 116 and Tech Room

Science Olympiad is one of the premiere science competitions in the nation, providing rigorous, standards-based challenges to nearly 7,000 teams in 50 states. Science Olympiad's ever-changing line-up of events in all STEM disciplines exposes students to practicing scientists and career choices. Our team at Westlake will compete against the other schools in lower Westchester and Rockland counties.

Advisor--Mr. Szczerba, rszczerba@mtplcsd.org
Advisor--Mr. Hall, thall@mtplcsd.org

Meets once a month in the Senior Cafeteria plus community events.

Service Club aims to provide community service and volunteer opportunities to WHS students in Grades 9-12. We network with community organizations such as: Thornwood Lions Club, Valhalla Lions Club, Mt. Pleasant Rotary, MidNight Run, Pets Alive, My Sisters Place, Netty's Gear, Hillside Food Outreach, Rosary Hill Nursing Home, Thornwood American Legion and various other organizations. Service Club meets monthly with general membership and periodically for its numerous service events. Members must remain in good standing by actively participating in service projects.

Advisor--Mr. DiPaolo, ndipaolo@mtplcsd.org

(Once a month), Room 223

Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society is the only national organization for high school juniors and seniors that recognizes excellence in the field of Social Studies. In order to qualify for Rho Kappa, students must meet the following criteria:Completed 5 semesters of courses in the field of Social Studies; Maintain 90% average GPA in Social Studies; be an active member of the organization before applying for induction; provide 20 hours of approved community service that pertains to Social Studies and the community; provide tutoring to peers in any subject area; and complete a Social Studies based project.

Advisor--Mrs. Oliveras, toliveras@mtplcsd.org

(Once a month), Room 212.

The Spanish Honor Society recognizes the achievements and encourages the excellence of Spanish language students presently in the Level 4 or AP Spanish Language/Culture class who satisfy the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica criteria as set forth in the SHH admission policy. Students must officially be in Spanish level IV or AP Spanish and be members of the Spanish Club during the year of induction. Students must earn a 92% cumulative average from their Spanish high school level courses (9-12) without rounding off. The inductee should have at least an 85% school average. Students should portray themselves to be a model of  academic integrity, cultural maturity and appreciation, with the willingness to service their school and community in a volunteer activity to benefit the Society. Students commit to tutor students in lower levels who need help in Spanish. Members have the opportunity to apply for a study abroad scholarship, a senior award scholarship or to submit Spanish writings and cultural artwork to "Albricias", the SHH literary magazine.

Advisor—Mrs. Mittelmann, mmittelmann@mtplcsd.org

 (Once a month)  Room 212.

The purpose of Spanish Club is to provide educational opportunities outside of the classroom for those who have a desire to further their learning and understanding of the Spanish language and culture . Members will participate and benefit from various activities and fun experiences that will teach them about the diverse Hispanic world in a school and community setting.

 Advisor – Mrs. Mittelmann – mmittelmann@mtplcsd.org

STAR (Twice a month), Room 205

This club provides opportunities for students to learn about what a healthy relationship is. It brings awareness to relationships that are unhealthy and gives the students a place to go if they know someone or if they, themselves are in an unhealthy relationship. Meetings are held at the Westlake campus with Hope's Door Domestic Violence Center in Hawthorne facilitating. Fundraising is also done throughout the year to bring awareness to domestic violence. The county symposium is held in April this year. In the past, the Westlake Chapter was instrumental in acquiring a speaker at the symposium, a mother of a victim of domestic violence.

Advisors- Ms. Idone,     didone@mtplcsd.org

(Every Friday), Library

Tech Crew consists of students who have embraced the electronic world and want to share their knowledge with peers, teachers and community members. Our mission is to help students and faculty achieve proficiency using technology including devices, software and apps. In addition, we offer members of our community one to one assistance with their personal devices so they can connect with their families and feel comfortable using technology.

Advisor-Mrs. Whitehurst,  jwhitehurst@mtplcsd.org  

(Frequently - Dependent on events), Room 113

Media Lab Students videotape and edit School wide events, make films and participate in Local, Regional and National Film Competitions! Check us out on Youtube at Westlake Media Arts - Link available on the WHS Homepage under student resources.   

Advisor-Ms. Palermo,  cpalermo@mtplcsd.org

Westlake Players and Westlake Thespian Society--(Frequently), Auditorium

The Westlake Players and the Westlake Thespian Society are the theatrical performing arts clubs and honor society for Westlake High School. The Westlake Players, historically have produced two productions a year, a musical in the spring and a dramatic production in the fall. Students, under adult supervision, design and build sets and scenery, collect and create props, assemble costumes and read, learn and perform scripts to a live audience. Students accumulate points for their participation. When they accumulate 7 points they become Westlake Players. When they accumulate 12 points, they get inducted into the Westlake Thespian Society, the Theatrical Honor Society. A Gold Member is 15 points and above. Each year, the Thespian Members have an opportunity to see a Broadway Show."

Advisor-Ms. Denler, edenler@mtplcsd.org

(Face-to-face meetings occur one or two times a month, digital contact occurs occasionally throughout the month), Room 200.

The Westlake Word is dedicated to providing the local community with news that ranges from updates at Westlake High School to breaking news across the world. Student journalists and editors actively select stories that will have an impact on the minds of its readers in hopes to inform, advise, persuade, commemorate, and entertain. These individuals actively participate in documenting Westlake's and the world's history in order to foster communication and change in society.

Advisor--Mrs. Muller, Imuller@mtplcsd.org

Pendulum is the name of the yearbook publication.  Yearbook is a publication club dedicating towards documenting the entire school year's events into 176 pages.  This fun and fast paced activity brings together the concepts of business management, graphic design, planning, photography, writing, and sales.  There is a role for everyone in this club.  We have experts and novice staff which work together to build a stronger skill set for the overall group.  Students craft this publication which will be remembered and treasured for many years.  The staff works hard to include all students and their special memories.

Advisor- Mrs. Lauren Morris- lmorris@mtplcsd.org
Yearbook Business Advisor--Ms. Oliveras, toliveras@mtplcsd.org