Activities
Shari VanHaselen
Activities Director
720.747.3712
svanhaselen@cherrycreekschools.org
Debbie Helfrich
Activities Office Secretary 720.747.3872
dhelfrich@cherrycreekschools.org
Guest Passes for Dances
These are available in the Activities Office prior to the event.
Activities Fee
The Activities Fee for students is $30 and helps to support Overland activities and programs along with assistance from the OPTCO. A Student ID that is stamped with "ACTIVITY" will provide the following discounts:
- Homecoming
- Winterfest
- Prom
- Talent Show
- Away Games
- FREE entrance to Home Games
Permission Forms for Field Trips
Clubs
Advanced Acting
Sponsor: Mike Skillern
Meetings: TBA (students must audition for this class)
Advanced Acting
Advanced Acting is an audition-only class in which students work independently with one another to develop their advanced acting skills. The class is production-oriented and designed for students seriously considering a professional career in theatre. Coursework demands a great deal of self-discipline as well as a commitment to work outside of school hours.
African American Male Leadership
Sponsors: Des Davis and Jasper Armstrong
Meetings:
The Overland High School African American Male Leadership Group is up and running this year with the goal of being leaders in the building. We have several community service projects planned and are excited about being a major support to the B.L.A.A.C.K. Conference in Overland High School this April. This year the group focus of the organization will be "Changing the Stereotype of the Young Black Male through Academic and Class Performance". We want to add members thoughout the year. Any interested students can come see Mr. Denmark, in Suite C, and pick up an application. We will be adding members in the spring. We look forward to being the change in OHS!
Anime Club
Sponsor: Carolyn Porter
Meetings: Wednesdays from 3:00 to 4:30pm in 228B
In anime club, we watch anime, discuss club business, play games, and do anything else related to anime. We also learn Japanese words, sample Japanese foods, and explore other Japanese traditions. We provide a social outlet where students can chat after school and relax in a fun environment while getting involved at OHS.
Arabic Club
Sponsor: Zehra Mooney
Meetings: Thursdays from 2:45 to 3:45pm in IB 114 (in the IST building)
Come check out this new Overland club that focuses on the study of the Arabic language. Students will learn to read, write and speak Arabic and will learn about the culture associated with the language.
Art Club
Sponsor: Bridget Duffy
Meetings: Mondays from 3-4pm in 254F
NAHS takes art into the community. In years past, students have volunteered in the art classes and programs at local elementary schools, helping younger children with various projects. Members of NAHS are inducted at the Spring Art Show Reception each year.
Black Women's Leadership
Sponsors: Tasha Houck
Meetings:
Big Sisters is a designed as a place for African American (but not limited to) girls to serve as mentors for their incoming underclassman. The Big Sisters are guided in exploring the ideas of advocacy, leadership and teambuilding so they become entrusted with the responsibility of "adopting" a willing "Lil' Sister" and helping them transition successfully into high school and becoming young ladies. Each Big Sister works on developing self-esteem, leadership skills, academic goal setting, recognizing and eliminating stereotypes, and helping work with each other, the community and the school to close the achievement gap . Through intense discussions, games and a multitude of activities the Big Sisters set out to not only individually mentor their Lil' Sister, they also develop meaningful workshops guided at predominant and current high school issues and provide the forum for their younger classmates to make OHS a place for them.
BSA (Black Student Alliance)
Sponsor: Jay Bennish
Meetings: Tuesdays from 2:50pm to 3:30pm in 111A
Please see Mr. Bennish in Office 1001A for more information.
Chess Club
Sponsor: Christine McLelland
Meetings: Tuesdays from 2:50-3:50pm in 225B
All levels welcome. Drop in once, or play every week.
Computer Club
Sponsor: Richard Charles
Meetings: Mondays and Thursdays from 3-5pm in the IST
Stop by the IST Main Office for more information about this club.
DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America)
Sponsor: Robert Ocaña
Meetings: 1A and 2A (students must enroll in the course)
DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) is an association of marketing students that encourages the development of business and leadership skills through academic conferences and competitions. Each competition includes a written test over business and marketing information, as well as three role-playing, problem solving events. Students are judged on the basis of their ability to develop and communicate sound, creative, and thorough solutions to the problem situations.
DECA chapters operate in 5,000 high schools across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and Canada. With over 172,000 members (mostly juniors and seniors), DECA's high school division is recognized and endorsed by all 50 state departments of education and the U.S. Department of Education.
Membership in the high school division is restricted to students with a career interest in hospitality, finance, sales and service, business administration and/or entrepreneurship. DECA programs are co-curricular, meaning programs are based on nationally recognized standards in one or more of the curriculum areas.
Diversity Club/GSA
Sponsor: Stacey Szenderski
Meetings: Tuesdays after school in 125B
The Overland High School Diversity Club/Gay Straight
Alliance will provide support, social interaction, and advocacy training
to its members in order to promote awareness and acceptance of
diversity within the high school community. This mission will increase
school safety, which will in turn increase academic success.
Drama Club
Sponsor: Mike Skillern
Meetings: Watch for announcements on the bulletin boards
Drama Club members work on the many theatrical productions mounted at Overland each year. Students may participate in the realms of publicity, staging, lighting, sound, stage management, directing, playwriting, acting, set design, program, set construction, props, makeup, costumes, and pit orchestra. The main activity of the club is the production of plays, other comedic presentations, and technical support/production for other events taking place in the OHS Auditorium. There is a yearly retreat for all Drama Club members and Thespians.
See also: International Thespian Society
Dream High
Sponsor: Yingxin Liu
Meetings: Tuesdays at 3pm in the cafeteria
Dream High is a new club focused on Asian pop culture dancing. We welcome all thos who enjoy performing to come. We will be learning many different dances throughout the year (including a Chinese traditional dance). Wear comfortable clothing. First meeting is August 30th.
ECA (Eastern Culture Awareness "Ohana")
Sponsor: Linda Tran
Meetings: Wednesdays from 3-4pm in 216A
This new Overland club promotes Asian awareness and is open to anyone interested in learning about different Asian cultures.
Environment Club
Sponsor: Steve Helfant
Meetings: Wednesdays at 3pm in 133C
Environmental Club encourages community involvement and environmental awareness through the practice of recycling. The members of the club empty paper recycling receptacles located in classrooms and meet to discuss other ways in which they can make a difference. Students encourage and promote environmental conservation in and around the school.
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)
Sponsor: Patti Ord
Meetings: meeting schedule posted on bulletin boards
FBLA is a local, state, and national organization. Students perform service and participate in social activities. They can also attend leadership conferences around the state, region, and country. Club members contend in competitive events centered on business subject matter. Students with an interest in business get the opportunity to network with other students and business leaders; and developing communication, organization, and leadership skills. Scholarship opportunities are also available for seniors.
FCCLA (Family, Community, and Career Leaders of America)
Sponsor: Deb LaCour
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 3:00-3:45pm in Room 253
FCCLA is a student service organization that works with different community organizations on various projects. Each year FCCLA is responsible for bringing the "Giving Tree" to Overland.
French Club
Sponsor: Megan Craven
Meetings: B-day Tuesdays from 3-4pm in 234C
French Honor Society is all about doing community service projects, as well as culturally relevant activities that build a student's French knowledge. The club meets to watch French films and, on occasion, to socialize at a French restaurant downtown. The club recognizes those with superior and/or blossoming skills in the language and encourages students to further develop those skills.
Guitar Club
Sponsor: Steve Helfant
Meetings: Thursdays after school in 133C
All levels welcome.
Hip Hop Club
Sponsors: Tom Holdsworth
Meetings: Tuesdays from 3:00-4:30pm in the Cafeteria
The Hip Hop Club strives to provide students an opportunity to express themselves through the four essential elements of hip hop: DJ’ing, break dancing, MC’ing (rhyming/rapping), and “graffiti style” art. We will also spend time learning the history of hip hop, in order to provide a strong foundation for how it started, where it is today, and how we could help to shape its future.
Hip hop often receives negative publicity in the media and is often misunderstood by the general public. Despite the fact that negativity does exist in the world of hip-hop, this club will focus on promoting hip hop’s positive themes, such as social change, artistic expression and a sense of identity, that have been present since its inception. Our club will work to break down stereotypes about what hip-hop is and find ways to inform those willing to listen about what it should be.
Interact Club
Sponsor: Sarah Holmes
Meetings: Mondays from 3:00-3:30pm in 121B
Interact is a community service club that strives to assist both local and international issues. We work closely with the Smoky Hill Rotary as well as Volunteers of America on a variety of projects. Last year, we volunteered at the rescue mission and raised money to purchase a Shelterbox for earthquake victims in Haiti.
International Thespian Society
Sponsor: Mike Skillern
Meetings: last Tuesdays of the month at 3pm in 152E
Overland High School's Thespian Troupe (troupe # 2762) is a group of elite drama/theatre students - those who have fulfilled the requirements for becoming a Thespian: 100 hours of work in two different aspects of the theatre (including, but not limited to, acting, directing, publicity, lights, sound, stage management, set construction, pit orchestra, costumes, props, makeup, and playwriting). Every two years, the Thespians travel to New York City to sight-see and attend theatrical productions on and off Broadway.
See also: Drama Club
Link Crew
Sponsors: Jill Bould, Jodi Sanchez, Brian Huang
Meetings: TBA
Link Crew is comprised of a select group of rising junior and senior students, nominated by members of Overland's staff, to serve as an orientation welcome and mentoring committee for incoming freshmen students. Members of Link Crew attend training sessions in the spring and again at the end of the summer to learn skills to positively impact the newest class of students coming to Overland. Throughout the year, members of Link Crew continue to mentor and assist their freshmen students, receiving community service hours that may be put toward a Community Service Diploma.
Literary Magazine
Sponsor: Tina Kruse
Meetings: Tuesdays 2:50-3:30 Room 146D. October - June, IST room TBD
This year we will publish our fifth issue of our literary magazine and we will be combining our efforts with Prairie Middle School. The magazine is designed to be an avenue of expression for students from Overland and Prairie: what excites and angers them, what they really talk about, and what issues they face on a day-to-day basis. We accept poetry, short stories (max. 2 pages), essays, photography, paintings, or sketches.
Marching Band and Color Guard
Director: Dan Hazlett
Meetings:
For more information visit the Overland Band Website.
Math Honor Society (Mu Alpha Theta)
Sponsor: Laura Morales
Meetings: 1st Mondays at 2:55pm in IE 106
Mu Alpha Theta is the National High School and
Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society
Overland’s Purpose:
- To stimulate an interest in mathematics
- To provide public recognition for superior mathematical achievement
- To provide mathematical activities and competitions
- To provide math tutors for struggling students
Membership requirements:
- Maintain a overall GPA of at least 3.0
- Maintain a mathematical GPA of at least 3.0
- Completed Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2
- Continuing your mathematical education by taking math course beyond Algebra 2
- Tutoring at least 4 hours per semester in the after school tutorials or during your free period.
- Attend the monthly chapter meetings (1st Monday of every month at 2:55pm in IE 106).
- Abide by the chapter by-laws
MSA (Muslim Student Association)
Sponsor: Jay Bennish
Meetings: Tuesdays from 2:50pm to 3:30pm in 112A
Please see Mr. Bennish in Office 1001A for more information.
NHS (National Honor Society)
Sponsors: Lara Kendrick and Andy Sense
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 3-3:30pm in ULC Room 201 (officers: additional meeting on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays)
NHS is a nationally affiliated honor society open to students with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.60. There is an emphasis on community service, and the club requires members to complete at least five hours of community service each quarter of the school year. Each year, NHS helps to coordinate the national Read Across America Campaign for the North Area of the Cherry Creek School District. Other events and fundraisers have included: student/faculty "Fear Factor" and "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?," OHS edition. Prospective members receive notification of their eligibility and an application each semester, and new members are inducted each semester.
During the 2011-2012 school year, NHS is involved in the following:
- Sign spinners at the Craft Fair
- Handing out candy at the Fall Festival
- Volunteering at the TJR Cup Stacking Competition
- Serving food for teachers at Parent-teacher conferences
- Tutoring in the ASC
Newspaper
Sponsor: Laura Sudik
Meetings: 3B (students must enroll in this class)
Interested in writing? Editing? Reporting? Journalism? Photography? Apply to be a part of the Newspaper staff! Help produce Overland's award-winning, all color newspaper, "The Overland Scout." Share your opinion, report on school events, get a press pass for athletic and performing arts events! Review new releases in the media or plays at Overland.
NUTS (Never Underestimate The Spirit)
Sponsor: Deb LaCour
Meetings: 1st Wednesday of the month from 3:00-3:30pm in Room 253
Got Blazer Spirit? Got Blazer Pride? Be a NUT!
OTV (Overland Television)
Sponsor: Kevin Dalton
Meetings: TBA (students must apply to be in this class)
Students in OTV are responsible for creating and broadcasting Overland's video announcements.
Pre-Med Club
Sponsor: Deb Carnevale
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 3-4pm, Room 241D
Pre-Med Club is designed for anyone enrolled in Honors Human Anatomy/Physiology or interested in learning about medical and/or health-related careers and opportunities available to students. From professional surgeons to athletic trainers, Pre-Med Club provides students with the opportunity to converse with speakers about their specialties and career options available. Opportunities for exposure to the health science fields are also provided, as members have an opportunity to participate in field trips and take part in health fairs. Also, students will have the opportunity to take a First Aid and CPR training class.
Props and Costumes Crew
Sponsor: Lara Kendrick
Meetings: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:00-4:30pm
Support the plays and musicals at OHS by getting all of the props needed for the shows, preparing the costumes, and then working on show nights behind the scenes to make sure the show is ready.
Complete an application: [DOWNLOAD PDF]
Re-ATO (Restoring the Arts to Overland)
Sponsor: Kathy Kane
Meetings: Wednesdays after school (also see schedule below)
December OHS Arts Events, Concerts & Shows
- Dec 2 | Parade of Lights 8pm
- Dec 3 | Parade of Lights
- Dec 5 | Chipotle Fundraiser for Thespian Troupe
- Dec 6 | Winter percussion auditions
- Dec 6 | Holiday Choir Concert w/Prairie 7pm
- Dec 8 | Winter percussion auditions
- Dec 8 | Holiday Choir Concert 7pm
- Dec 12 to Jan 6 | Winter Art Show
- Dec 13 | Instrumental Collage Concert 7pm
- Dec 14 | Prairie Band Concert
- Dec 15 | Advanced Acting Season's Greetings 7pm ($1)
- Dec 16 | Jazz Band plays OHS hallways and Denver Coliseum
Robotics
Sponsor: Brian Huang
Meetings: Monday-Friday after school in 230D
The Robotics Club will meet regularly for two separate seasons during the school year. We will meet to plan, design, and fabricate a robot to compete in the Colorado BEST Competition in the Fall (http://rockymountainbest.org/default.aspx ]http://rockymountainbest.org/default.aspx) and the larger-scale FIRST robotics competition in January. Students will be exposed to engineering design practices, problem solving, fabrication techniques, and programming as well as the softer details of marketing, project management, and fundraising. If you are interested, please see Mr. Huang in room 230D for more information. The kick-off for the BEST competition is on Saturday, September 18th.
Science Club
Sponsors: Megan Cassidy, Jenn Nass-Fukai, and Jeff Neises
Meetings: Thursdays at 2:50pm in 225B
Are you interested in Science? Come check out this new Overland club.
Skills Club
Sponsor: David LaCour
Meetings: Wednesdays at 3pm in the Auto Shop
The SKILLS club gives students a chance to learn and practice employability skills. Students have an opportunity for more than one million dollars in scholarships and compete with other students at the district, state and national level. SKILLS members make contacts and have networking opportunities with local businesses that lead to employment.
Spanish Club (Danza Amigos) / Spanish Honor Society
Sponsor: Kelly Osuna
Meetings: Mondays from 2:50pm to 3:50pm in 239C
Spanish Club (a.k.a. Danza Amigos) meets on a regular basis to converse in Spanish and learn new dances. Field trips consist of participation in a variety of dance competitions and dining at various restaurants, all meants to promote a better understanding of the many Spanish-speaking cultures.
Speech and Debate
Sponsors: Christine Jones and Jeni Korth
Meetings: Mon-Thurs from 2:45pm to 5:00pm in Room 247D
Speech and Debate is a club and a class! If you love to talk and debate various topics of interest, or are perhaps an aspiring comedian, then this is the club for you. Debaters give speeches on myriad topics, and compete against debaters from other high schools at the district, state, regional, and even national level! An invitation to the national competition is each member's ultimate goal.
Students compete in twelve different events that highlight their talents and enhance their public speaking skills. Students may participate in Cross-Examination Debate, Lincoln Douglas Debate, or Public Forum Debate to improve and demonstrate their argumentation and research skills while debating matters of public policy or philosophy. Original Oratory allows students to prepare a memorized speech about a topic of their choice. Extemporaneous Speaking enhances public speaking skills while focusing on current national and international events. The Interpretation events allow students to showcase their acting skills via the performance of dramatic, humorous, or poetic literature. Students may also participate Duo Interpretation which allows a pair to bring literature to life audience members. Student Congress is a mock congress that affords students the opportunity to debate and discuss matters of current public policy.
Step Team
Sponsors:
Meetings:
Please go to the Activities Office for more information.
Student Council/Student Government
Sponsor: Jill Bould and Lara Kendrick
Meetings: 3A (students are elected for this class)
Student Council is a class and a club. It consists of students elected to office. Anyone may run for an office. Elections are held in the spring for all grade levels. Once elected, students participate in a classroom structure which emphasizes leadership, commitment, and maintaining Overland High School traditions. Members organize Homecoming, Winterfest, and junior class officers organize Prom.
Throughout the year, council students attend various state and league conferences with other councils from across the state. During the summer, Overland council delegates also attend the National Student Council Conference, which is held in a different state each year.
Student Body Officers – Class of 2012
- Jennifer Benavidez
- Lane Brazeel
- Romelia Fox
- Titi Mporampora
- Haseeb Rahat
Senior Officers – Class of 2012
- Sarah Abai
- Shaquin Albrow
- Alan Ha
- Marah Ismaiel
- Dominic Naseri
- Alicia Ortiz
- Heidi Vega
- Ationa Ware
Junior Officers – Class of 2013
- Fatima Boufadize
- Marianne Bustamante
- Yasmine Dakhama
- Evelyn Haros
- Jennifer Kim
- Julio O. Morales
- Jessie Narangerel
- Bruce Stevens
Sophomore Officers – Class of 2014
- Tyler Allen
- Liz Benavente
- Mohamed Bouayad
- Rebecca Boyce
- Dede Duong
- Briana Hodges
- Yazzmynn Martinez
- Kenny Nguyen
- Nate Stevens
Freshman Officers – Class of 2015
- Destiny Brittain
- Arianna Gillmore
- Aubreana Hubbard-Weber
- Noah Johnston
- Tia Jones
- Dominique Lasky
- Taviona Mitchell
- Jesika Purevsuren
Techies (Theater Tech)
Sponsor: Jen Ford
Meetings: Mondday through Friday 3:30pm - 6:00pm in the Auditorium
If you are interested in set production, lighting, sound, etc. for Overland Stage Productions, stop by the auditorium after school and lend a hand.
Tepochcalli (Latino/Latina Leadership)
Sponsors: Alli Pineda and Kelly Osuna
Meetings: every other Monday in 239C (alternates with Spanish Club)
"Tepochcalli" means "House of Youth" and this group is designed as a place for kids (traditionally of Latino decent, but not limited to) to explore and reach their highest potential through experiencing rights of passage that are meaningful and will help develop self confidence, gain valuable skills as life long learners and to help serve as mentors, advocates and allies for their fellow students, thus building a stronger community and thriving students. Through games, discussions, and a multitude of activities students will be provided an opportunity to develop leadership skills, self-awareness, self-respect, disprove stereotypes, foster cultural/racial proficiency, recognize and eliminate institutional racism and celebrate one another's strengths.
TSA (Technology Student Association)
Sponsor: Debbie Gregg
Meetings: Mondays from 3-4pm in IE 103
If you are interested in any of the following, please come to one of the meetings.
- Architectural Model
- Biotechnology Design
- CAD
- Construction Renovation
- Desktop Publishing
- Digital Video Production
- Cyber Patriot
- Dragster Design
- Engineering Design
- Fashion Design
- Flight Endurance
- Manufacturing Prototype
- Music Production
- On Demand Video
- Photographic Technology
- Structural Engineering
- System Control Technology
- Transportation Modeling
- TSA VEX Robotics
- Video Game Design
- Webmaster
Yearbook
Sponsor: Danny Barocas
Meetings: 3A (students must apply to be in this class)
Overland High School's annual yearbook is consistently one of the best in the state. Yearbook may be taken as a year-long, general elective English credit. Yearbook Production involves writing and associated skills, graphic design, photography, and business skills. All ennrolled students must be willing to work in all of the above areas. Because of deadline restrictions, students must be willing and able to devote time to this project and to accept responsibility for the completion of the yearbook.
Overland's yearbook has been been awarded the First Class Rating from the National Scholastic Press Association and the Silver Medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association