Clubs and Activities

Art Club

Sponsor: Maddie Richmond

The Art Club is a place for JHS artists to hone in on their skills, develop their techniques, collaborate with other artists like themselves, create bonds with the community through the arts, and learn how to work together through group projects that will beautify the school or community.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Alliance (AAPIA)

Sponsor: Michelle Cross

Asian American & Pacific Islander Alliance promotes unity, culture, and heritage of Asian & Pacific Islander students. This club will be a fun and supporting space for people to make new friends and learn more about each other’s cultures.

Bass Choir

Sponsor: Jennifer Parker

Bass Choir is an extracurricular performing ensemble comprised of Tenor and Bass voices. The ensemble meets once a week and is student directed. Music performed includes everything from Sea Shanties to Pop, Traditional to Musical Theater. No previous vocal experience required.

Black Youth Alliance (BYA)

Sponsor: Anna Duamroh

The BYA is an affinity club for our African American students at Jacobs that also welcomes allies to learn more about the Black Community. The BYA educates students on current and past events that have helped shape the Black culture and community. It is an opportunity for students to come together to learn and grow through discussions, guest speakers, field trips, celebrations and education on Black Culture that is not typically taught in schools. It is an opportunity to encourage and celebrate our Black and Brown Jacobs' students.

Chess Club

Sponsor: Lora Springings

Chess Club provides a fun and welcoming environment where students learn about and play chess. All skill levels are welcome, including novices! We continue to add new activities to our club, providing leadership opportunities and ways to engage our community in the strategic and stimulating game of chess!

Debate

Sponsor: Marge Zielinski

Harry D. Jacobs High School has a proud tradition of debate. Jacobs was a founding member of the Illinois Congressional Debaters Association which got its start over 27 years ago. The debate season runs from August to March and over 500 debaters compete at monthly tournaments. In addition to monthly tournaments, the debate team may have the opportunity to participate in a special qualifying tournament for the National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament which is held annually at various locations around the country. During the month leading up to each tournament, debate team members meet weekly to write a current event bill (topic), review the bills, research the topics, practice speaking, and discuss tournament strategy. At the tournament, team members participate in a simulated Congress chamber of approximately 20-25 people by delivering persuasive PRO or CON speeches and by asking and answering questions. The speeches and questions are scored by judges and individual and team awards are given at the end of each tournament. While informative, no words can truly describe the experience of being part of the Jacobs High School Debate Team. 

DJ Club

Sponsor: Chad Bobik

The goal of DJ Club is to foster a community of students who are passionate about digital music production and performance. Regular student performances will be held throughout the year and throughout the community. All skill levels are welcome! 

Drama Club

Sponsor: Catherine Williams

Drama Club meetings consist of theatre and improv games, learning about theatre, and hanging out with other students. It provides a safe space to be yourself, watch others perform, and even get up onstage yourself if you would like. You will learn about acting and auditioning, improvisation games, technical theatre, and anything else theatre related.

Dungeons and Dragons Club

Sponsor: Kellie Gaspers, Emily Lacey, and Lindsey Seaborn

Dungeons and Dragons is a role-play game based on imagination that allows the player to step into a fictional world with endless possibilities. In this world, players must work collaboratively to go through obstacles in the story-line. During our club meetings, we will teach the game, play the game and do activities related to the game. Our goal is to spark creativity and make the club a place where everyone can have fun!

E-Sports

Sponsor: Nolan Lewandowski

Would you like to take your gaming to the next level? We compete remotely and in-person in certain IHSA approved games against high schools all over the state and country! The games we specifically play right now are Rocket League 3v3 and Smash Bros. Ultimate 1v1s and 5v5 CREW Battles. All are welcome to try out for our limited spots on each team!

Eagle Buddies

Sponsor: Lora Sprigings

Eagles Buddies is a club for all students! This club is a great place to get involved in your school, as well as offers a safe, fun place to make friends, feel supported while supporting our community. We meet after school on Tuesdays and always have fun activities at our meetings. We even host parties!. We will also receive special training to help us make friends with students with neuro/cognitive differences. There are many ways to be a buddy and receive volunteer hours - even during school! Contact Ms. Sprigings for more information about how you can participate.

Eagle Minds Matter

Sponsors: Danielle Herrndobler and Diana Winton

Eagle Minds Matter is a mental health awareness club here at Jacobs! We meet bimonthly on Thursdays and host fun activities to unwind and have fun after the school day. At EMM we will also participate in fun events for NAMI, a non-profit organization that provides mental health services to those with mental illness in the US.

FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)

Contacts: Katie O’Brien

FCA is a student-led faith organization where athletes join together to talk about carrying out their faith in their everyday life and in their sports and activities. Athletes are encouraged to join, but we are open to anyone regardless of whether you play a sport or not.

French Club

Sponsor: Betsy Schlimgen

French Club is a service organization that celebrates and shows appreciation for the French language and culture through planned social events and community service projects.

Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)

Sponsor: Kelly Ray

The GSA is an alliance club that welcomes LGBTQ+ students and allies to network, learn together, and support one another. The GSA is a student-run club that promotes a positive environment characterized by inclusivity, belonging, and a goal of better understanding ourselves, each other, and the world in which we live. 

Girls IN2 STEM

Sponsor: Conrad Rogers

Girls IN2 STEM is a program that stems from Illinois Math & Science Academy. Our goal is to create a fun, collaborative space for girls to learn and gain interest in STEM subjects. Girls IN2 STEM fosters mentorship and a love for science. Contact our sponsor, Mr. Rogers, to connect with the board members with questions.

Green Eagles

Sponsors: Lora Sprigings and Michael Vroman

We strive to make the world a greener, more eco-friendly, and eco-conscious place, starting with our school. Our mission is to spread green ideas and practices not only to our school, but to the surrounding community.

Hispanic Youth Alliance

Sponsors: Elisa Carlos and Patty Ruiz

The purpose of this club is to embrace and to have Harry D. Jacobs High School students relate to Hispanic and Latino culture. We do this by teaching them about it through presentations, group activities, and club events. Students will be able to represent/relate to Latino and Hispanic culture by joining this club, while always having a good time with friends!

Illinois Science Olympiad

Sponsor: Karla Keeley

Illinois Science Olympiad (ISO) is a statewide science competition where students work together in teams to explore topics in biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, engineering, and more. Each tournament features 23 events that combine hands-on experiments, problem-solving, and design challenges. By competing in invitational, regional, and state tournaments, students strengthen their STEM skills, build teamwork, and have fun applying science in exciting, real-world ways.

Interact

Sponsor: Jeff Davis

Interact is a Rotary sponsored club that helps students get more involved with the community. It allows students to get community service hours by participating in events sponsored by Interact within the community. Club meets monthly and interested members can reach out to the club sponsor Mr. Davis with questions.

K-Pop Club

Sponsor: Kate Stanley

The purpose of this club is to bring together students with similar interests in this music genre. We will meet and play games, distribute candy, and do a lot of dancing. We hope to be able to put on a dance performance for the school at an assembly at a talent show, or both.

Key Club

Sponsor: Marge Zielinski

KEY CLUB is the oldest service organization in the country. It helps to establish friendships and opportunities to give back to society by volunteering. We work on many service projects during the school year. We end the year by participating in a packing event at Feed My Starving Children in Schaumburg. Key Club values are: leadership, character building, caring, and inclusiveness.

Marching Band

Sponsor: Anthony Gnutek

The Golden Eagle Marching Band is a competitive performance ensemble that performs at all home football games, local parades, and 4-5 competitions throughout the fall season. The band has won over 75 awards since becoming competitive in 2011. The band is open to any student musicians who are also enrolled in a curricular ensemble within the Jacobs Music Department with the exception of piano players and color guard members.

Muslim Student Alliance

Contacts: Molly Gomberg and Katie O’Brien

MSA is a community of Muslims and their allies. We meet at least once a month after school to embrace our heritage with games, activities, and friendships. Anyone is welcome to join to learn more about and celebrate Muslim cultures.

National Honors Society

Sponsors: Jeff Davis and Alexia Policht

Recognizes students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

Potential members are selected for membership in NHS as sophomores or juniors so that they are members during junior and/or senior years. Members must maintain high academic standards, character, leadership, and participate in community service.

Peer Mediation

Sponsor: Rebecca Oller

Peer Mediation is a method of restorative practices that promotes solving problems in a peaceful manner led by peers. Peer Mediation is led by student leaders trained in restorative practices to help their peers and staff solve conflicts. Peer Mediation allows for both sides of a conflict to respectfully discuss their concerns, come up with a reasonable solution and agreement. Peer Mediation is open to any student interested in learning more about conflict resolution and restorative practices. 

Photography Club

Sponsor: Maddie Richmond

Members participate in photo challenges and photo shoots, share out images they've taken between meetings, and find techniques or photographers they like, and participate in discussions. Guest professional photographers from various fields will come in as guest speakers to share their experiences and talk with members. 

Shirley Tempos

Sponsor: Jennifer Parker

Shirley Tempos is an all Treble Voice after-school Acapella choir. We believe that music brings people together, no matter their grade or singing experience. Our choir is all about embracing the joy of singing and exploring different genres of music. Everything from pop to jazz we love it all! Each rehearsal is filled with laughter, friendship, and the excitement of harmonizing together. No experience is needed.

Scholastic Bowl

Sponsor: Amy Aichinger

IHSA academic activity focused on competition between conference schools. Each match is similar to a game of trivia. Competitors must buzz in and the first buzzer earns the right to attempt an answer to the trivia question. Questions are on school subject matter as well as sports and entertainment.

Spanish Club

Sponsor: Aitana Gomez

Spanish Club is a club that celebrates the culture of Spanish speaking countries. Some of our favorite events include participating in Homecoming, celebrating El Día de los Muertos, making Christmas cards and Valentines, volunteering at Feed My Starving Children, planning World Language Week activities, and a possible trip to a local Mexican restaurant. You do NOT need to speak Spanish to join Spanish Club!

Student Council

Sponsors Big Council: Bridget Drzik and Michele Sanabria

Sponsor Freshmen Class: Jenna Anderson

Sponsor Sophomore Class: Sam Bartels

Sponsors Junior Class: Brittany Swanson and Kelly Zoellner

Sponsor Senior Class: Marge Zielinski

We promote student involvement and school spirit by creating well rounded individuals through teamwork and service to the community. We coordinate Homecoming week, Adopt-A-Family, and HDJ Royalty, along with many other activities. Aside from specific events, we advocate leadership and excellence not only in school, but through the lives we lead.

Tri-M Music Honor Society

Sponsor: Terry Foster

Tri-M is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership.

Women’s Empowerment Club

Sponsor: Anna Duamroh

Women's Empowerment Club is a safe space for any student here at Jacobs. Our main goal is to empower, educate, and advocate for women's rights at Jacobs. We will meet bi-weekly and our meetings will normally consist of a short lesson and a fun activity.

Yearbook Club

Sponsor: Tiffany Goodman

Yearbook Club is comprised of yearbook editors and contributing photographers. To become an editor, a student needs to take the Yearbook Publications class.