KHS is home to many clubs and organizations for students to get involved in. Whether you want to help the earth or prepare for a future career, chances are Kokomo has something for you. Many clubs are getting ready for the year with callouts and informational meetings. Check below for information about just a few of KHS’s groups.
The Esports team, led by Matt Myers, plays video games competitively. They compete against other schools locally or around the country. Myers encourages students to watch for callout flyers as different gaming seasons get started.
“Kokomo Esports Team will build character in students, specifically by developing life skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication, as well as giving a social community to increase positive online interaction,” Myers said.
HOSA is a professional, international organization that works to empower future health professionals to become leaders in the global health community.
HOSA has already had their initial call-out, but students who are interested can contact health careers teachers Judi Townsend or Christy King. Townsend hopes students who are interested in health careers will join the group.
“I have met so many wonderful people since our organization has started. I have made life long friends. I have also been able to see students gain valuable experience,” Townsend said. “I love seeing kids become comfortable with who they are and develop a voice when they were afraid to speak prior to their involvement.”
Bring Change to Mind is an organization that discusses mental health topics that affect students and breaks down how to have authentic mental well-being conversations. They also usually do an activity related to the topic. They hope to de-stigmatize mental health and those conversations.
The group typically meets the third Thursday of each month. Students who are interested in joining can talk to club sponsor Nicky Parry. Parry really enjoys leading the group and the activities they participate in.
“We are mission-based. We have a real pursuit of systemic change to improve our school's culture,” Parry said. “And the fantastic thing is- if someone doesn't want to formally join, they still get access to all the resources provided by our national organization.”
Parry also loves the cool experiences the group has.
“I love the cool things we get to do, like art therapy with the Indianapolis Colts, as well as how authentic and true-to-self everyone gets to be here,” she said.
Debate is an organization that practices arguing and making a point in preparation for debate competitions.
“I like to think what draws people into the club is if they already like proving their point, using evidence to back up their claims, and a better communication style,” said Debate Coach Jen Luckey. “My favorite thing about being in debate is the social aspect of it, during practices we obtain many political artifacts and talking about them before doing any of the work is fun.”
Students can join by showing up to the callout meeting on Aug. 27 and by contacting Luckey.
TechnoKats focuses on building their robot and competing with the robot. Students have the opportunity to work with engineers and other mentors.
“We connect students to industry mentors who teach them to plan, design and CAD, build, wire, and program a robot for competition,” said mentor Joy Dewing. “TechnoKats students benefit especially because the mentors are professionals who volunteer their time to teach students.”
Students are invited to the call-out meeting Sept. 1 from 5:30-7:00pm in the KHS cafeteria or by talking to Dewing after the meeting.
The Academic Team is a club that studies a broad topic in specific subject areas. This year the topic is Post War II Europe. There are five subteams of English, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Science, and Math. The group competes in three contests against other schools in March and April.
Coach Melissa Weicht encourages students to join the team because it will give them a place to “geek-out” with other students.
“It gives students a chance to study something they enjoy while learning a topic they may not learn at school,” Weicht said. “It also gives them a chance to earn an Academic K and possibly advance to a state competition at Purdue University.”
Students can watch for a call out meeting in September or contact one of the coaches: Weicht, Katlynn Craig, Danielle Greeson, Rhonda Conwell or Jason Burns.
Environmental Club is a group for students who care about the planet, animals and other people. Their goal is to promote, enhance and encourage good environmental citizenship throughout KHS and the community.
During the year, Environmental Club participates in activities like First Friday, the Haunted Trail, decorating the Seiberling Mansion at Christmas and trips to state and national parks, including a trip to the Smoky Mountains this spring.
“We get to be outside and do some pretty cool trips to different places and learn new things,” said club sponsor Vince Lorenz.
Students who are interested in joining can see Lorenz with questions. The group meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. They also have many activities that meet outside of meeting dates and hours, so Lorenz recommends checking email and Parent Square to stay updated.