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Clubs/Activities

"There is something for everyone at Xavier High School."
 
 

 

The Ambassadors Club assists the Admissions Office in representing Xavier High School in recruitment and marketing events such as Open House and grade school visits. Membership is open to all students.

Moderator: Mr. Matthew McCaffrey. Contact Mr. McCaffrey ([email protected]) for more information or to join.

 

Members of the art club work on various projects exploring the full spectrum of the art world. The club is open to all students.

Moderator: Ms. Jayne Vitale. Contact Ms. Vitale ([email protected]) for more information or to join.

 

As a member of the NASA and Caltech Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Night Sky Network, the mission of the Xavier Astronomy Club is to foster awareness of, and interest in, the field of astronomy. The club is a place to find information about recent scientific accomplishments and discoveries concerning our solar system and beyond. It is also a place to learn the basics of backyard astronomy, or stargazing. From club-sponsored observing sessions at school and teaching students “what’s up” in the night sky, to off-campus weekend visits to Wesleyan’s Van Vleck Observatory and Central Connecticut State University’s Copernican Observatory and Planetarium, the club aims to bring a love of the cosmos, and a love of citizen science in general, to the Xavier community.

Moderator: Mr. Mark Lambert. Contact Mr. Lambert ([email protected]) for more information or to join.

 

The Classic Car Club meets on a regular basis to discuss mutual interest in classic cars and to plan for the annual Eric. J. Kalber Classic Car Show at Xavier High School. The 14th edition of the show, which benefits the Eric J. Kalber Scholarship Fund, was held In May 2021. The front parking lot at Xavier was filled with classic cars and trucks. There were so many that they also lined the road leading out of the school as well as a few in the upper parking lot. Another success!   

 

Moderators: Ms. Elizabeth Whitty ([email protected]) and Mr. Dan Cizauskas ([email protected]). Contact them for more information and to join.

 

 

The club is sponsored by our local Knights of Columbus organization, and is a leadership development program for young Catholic men designed to develop leaders who understand their Catholic religion and who have a strong commitment to the Church. The Squire circle is an athletic team, a youth group, a social club, a cultural and civic improvement association, a management training course, a civil rights organization and a spiritual development program all rolled into one.

Moderator: Mr. Joe Premus. Contact Mr. Premus ([email protected]) for more information and to join.

 

The debate club participates in invitationals throughout the year, including the Great Connecticut High School Debate Page 18 held at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. The majority of debate tournaments occur on Saturdays. Students can compete either at the varsity or novice level competition.

 

The drama club presents a play in the fall and a Broadway musical in the spring for the student body and outside guests. Students from both Xavier and Mercy are involved in the production of each event. The play and musical, and all rehearsals, are held at Mercy High School. Students are responsible for their own transportation.

Moderator: Mr. Liam Cahill. Contact Mr. Cahill (Liam Cahill) for more information and to join 

 
The Empower Leadership Club is dedicated to developing leadership and helping Xavier students understand what it means to be a leader. The club works with Empower Leadership Manager Dan Jaskot '00 and spends time volunteering at various leadership days.    
 
Moderator: Mr. Nick Cerreta '01. Contact Mr. Cerreta ([email protected]) for more information and to join. 
 
 

 

Members of this club learn the principles of engineering and apply them to a number of different problems.

Students are able to learn real life engineering problem-solving skills while working with engineers and using the most up-to-date software in the aeronautical design industry today.

In recent years the engineering club has participated in the Real World Design Challenge which deals with aeronautical design. There are both state and national contests incorporated in the RWDC. Xavier has finished first in the National Real World Design Challenge in 2011, 2012 and 2016. In 2020 Xavier qualified for the national competition, which was held virtually in Washington, D.C., due to the pandemic. In 2021 Xavier won the CT Real World Design Challenge.

Moderator: Mr. Kelsey Doherty. Contact Mr. Doherty ([email protected]) for more information and to join.

 

In Envirothon, students explore the categories of wildlife, forestry, soils, aquatics, plus one current issue that changes each year. Seven students are selected in the spring to represent the school at the statewide competition. This competition is held entirely in the field with appropriate stations set for each of the five major categories.

Moderator: Mr. Kyle St. George. Contact Mr. St. George ([email protected]) for more information and to join.

 

E-Sports is a competitive gaming environment that allows team competition. Xavier fields teams in League of Legends, Smite, and Rocket League.

League of Legends would be considered an online multiplayer battle arena where a squad of five heroes (or summoners) battle against an opposing squad of five heroes to destroy the opposing base (or Nexus).

In Smite, players control a god, goddess, or other mythological figure, and take part in team-based combat, using their abilities and tactics against other player-controlled gods and non-player-controlled minions.

Rocket League is a vehicular soccer game where teams of three pilot vehicles in an attempt to get a ball into the opposing team’s goal.

League of Legends matches are held on Tuesdays while Smite and Rocket League matches are played on Thursdays.

The 2020-21 school year is the third official E-Sports season in Connecticut. Xavier’s Rocket League team has won the state championship each of the first two years. Its Smite team also won a state title in the 2019-20 school year.

Moderator: Mr. Jeremy Fowler '94. Contact Mr. Fowler ([email protected]) for more information and to join.

 

The Fishing Club provides students the opportunity to fish local fresh water bodies. The club allows students to try fishing for the first time, as well as provide the more experienced student angler opportunities to hone his skills and to share his skills with others.

Moderator: Mr. William Braychak. Contact Mr. Braychak ([email protected]) for more information and to join.

 

Students have the opportunity to learn and hone their skills in a variety of games including collectible card games, board games and video games.

Moderator: Mr. Jeremy Fowler '94. Contact Mr. Fowler ([email protected]) for more information and to join.

 

This club exposes students to beginning conversational Italian as well as activities/discussion relative to Italian cuisine, Roman architecture and Italian culture.

Moderator: Ms. Jayne Vitale. Contact Ms. Vitale ([email protected]) for more information or to join.

 
The Kestrel is Xavier's on-line school newspaper. To read The Kestrel, please click here.
 
Moderator: Mr. Kyle St. George. Contact Mr. St. George ([email protected])  to join or for more information.

 

Sketches, Xavier’s literary magazine, features poetry, short stories, reflections on life at Xavier High School and the world beyond, and a sampling of visual works by student artists. The magazine offers interested students a place where they can independently indulge and shape their own creative energies outside the structured environment of the classroom. It is open to students of all grade levels. The good news: There are no meetings! Students should submit work in person or via email to Mr. McGrath.

Moderator: Ms. Kathy Lee. Contact Ms. lee ([email protected]) for more information. 

Fall / Winter 2022: Click here.

Winter 2021: Click here.

Winter 2020: Click here.

Spring 2019: Click here.

Spring 2018: Click here.

Winter 2018: Click here.

Spring 2017: Click here.

Winter 2017: Click here.

Spring 2016: Click here.

Winter 2016: Click here.

Fall 2015: Click here.

 

Students meet for practice rounds and review as preparation for monthly Middlesex County Math League contests. Xavier's team has a strong history of performing very well, qualifying for state, regional and national contests.

Moderators: Mr. John Traceski and Mr. Andrew Gargano. Contact Mr. Traceski ([email protected]) for more information and to join.

 

Students involved in Model Congress study and research American political issues with the intent of representing states and role-playing officeholders at the University Mock Congresses, such as the Yale Model Congress.

Moderator: Mr. Jim Royce '99. Contact Mr. Royce [email protected]) for more information and to join.

 

Students simulate courtroom activity, study a case, and role-play attorneys and witnesses. Students compete against other Connecticut high schools in an annual Mock Trial Competition held in December.

Moderator: Mr. Aaron King. Contact Mr. King ([email protected]) for more information and to join.

 

Members of the Model U.N. club learn the processes and significance of the United Nations as they act as delegates for member countries, attend conferences where they role play, serve on committees and diligently represent their nations. Current important international issues are explored.

Moderator: Mr. Rob King. Contact Mr. Rob King ([email protected]) to join or for more information.

 

 

MYARC (Middlesex Youth ARC, Inc.) is a volunteer service organization. Its purpose is dedicated to the philosophy that growth and personal development occur as a result of social interactions between persons with intellectual disabilities and the students of Xavier and Mercy High Schools. MYARC is an independent organization that is affiliated with MARC Community Resources. This program encourages creativity and a real sense of accomplishment for those who participate. Student volunteers from Mercy and Xavier are a group of young people with a unique sense of responsibility and dedication to community service. Due to COVID concerns, the program has been on hiatus.

Moderator: Mr. Joe Premus. Contact Mr. Premus ([email protected]) for more information and to join.

The Monsignor Wilson Chapter of the National Honor Society includes qualified juniors and seniors. Each member is provided with a handbook which outlines the Chapter rules and regulations. Besides honoring outstanding students, the main thrust of the local chapter is to give service to the school community. Members of the society are expected to tutor students and to assist at parent programs, special Masses, Chapter service projects, Alumni Association events, and whenever called upon by any segment of the school community. Each member is required to perform twelve (12) hours of service each year according to NHS Handbook guidelines.

Tutoring is perhaps the society's chief activity. Tutoring is done on the basis of need and at a convenient time for both parties at school and is perfected by the moderator. At the end of each marking period, tutors write reports of each student for his teacher and guidance counselor. Tutoring is done in addition to the extra help that is given by the subject teacher.

Moderators: Mrs. Debbie Gargano ([email protected]) and Brother Philip Revell, C.F.X. ([email protected]). Contact Mrs. Gargano ([email protected]) to join or for more information.

 

The club give students the opportunity to engage with the greatest thinkers in the Catholic and Western philosophical traditions regarding questions that get to the heart of what it means to be a human being. Students explore topics such as ethics, politics, and religion with the help of philosophers who have best shed light on answers to perennial questions relating to all these areas and more. This takes place through informal discussion and various events throughout the year.

Moderator: Mr. Mason Passavant. Contact Mr. Passavant ([email protected]) to join or for more information.

 

The Photography Club allows students to explore the medium and advance their skills. Students discuss photographic composition, learn about camera settings, experiment with shooting techniques, and photograph various subjects (people, animals, landscapes, etc) under a variety of conditions. In addition to learning the art of photography, students are encouraged to submit their photography to Xavier publications; such as the school website and the yearbook. Students are also encouraged to offer submissions to Xavier's two Fine Arts exhibits, as well as local and national competitions.

Moderator: Mr. William Braychak. Contact Mr. Braychak ([email protected]) for more information and to join.

 

The Principal’s Advisory Council is made up of juniors and seniors and serves to advise the principal on matters that pertain to the student body. The goal of the council is to find ways in which the student body and the principal can work together to make the Xavier experience as positive as possible for all Xavier students. The council meets monthly to discuss ways in which the positive aspects of the student experience can be enhanced and to address areas in which the student experience can be improved.

Moderator: Mr. Donohue. Students interested in joining the council must apply and interview with Principal Donohue ([email protected]).

 

The Railroad Club is open to all students who have an interest in trains, either model railroading and/or the real thing. The club has a designated area in the school building where it is beginning to re-build an HO scale model railroad. A railroad library of train books and magazines is also part of the club room. During the last several school years and summers, club members have taken long and short distance trips to various hubs to see real railroading in action. Included in this travel list would be Cumberland, MD; Altoona, Scranton, and Lancaster, PA; Amsterdam, Herkimer, Binghamton, and Delanson, NY; Boston, Worcester, Framingham, and Ayer, MA; Trenton and Princeton Junction, NJ; and Old Saybrook and New Haven, CT. All Aboard!

Moderator: Brother Ryan, C.F.X. Contact Brother Ryan ([email protected])  for more information and to join the club.

 

Students help create a "green-er" Xavier, while also exploring and learning ways to create a more sustainable environment.

Moderator: Mr. David Applegate '98. Contact Mr. Applegate ([email protected]) for more information and to join.

 

The Robotics Club meets weekly before the season and daily during the season (January–February) in order to design and create a robot that will compete in the FIRST National Robotics competition. Students acquire funding, and are in charge of marketing and development as well as the design and building of the actual robot. The FIRST competition grades students not only on the performance of their robots but also on service, leadership, sportsmanship, presentation, outreach, website design, and the aesthetics of the robot. The students perform all of these tasks between them, with some focusing more on the engineering, some on programming, and some on the administrative and business tasks.

Moderator: Mrs. Shannon Kief. Contact Mrs. Kief ([email protected]) for more information and to join.

 

The Ryken Service Society is an outgrowth of the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools' student programs. Taking its name from the founder of the Xaverian Brothers, Theodore James Ryken, the society's aims are to encourage students to become involved with the various service opportunities provided through the school and through their faith communities. What the group provides is the time and place to put those experiences into a context of faith and vocation. The members participate in prayer that reflects the spiritual dimension of service. They are also introduced to people who work within Christian Service Organizations. Members of this society become aware of peace and justice issues.

The first Friday of the month there is a drive sponsored by the Ryken Service Society in which all Xavier students are asked to bring in canned goods for the Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Middletown. The motto is "Be A Man And Bring A Can."

Moderator: Ms. Megan Keefe. Contact Ms. Keefe ([email protected]) for more information and to join the club.

 

Ski trips are open to all students, and skiers and riders of all levels are invited. As part of the group, students go on day trips to various ski resorts in New England. Trips are usually held on a Saturday between January and March, with a goal of at least two trips per year. Past trips have been to Killington, Stratton, Mount Snow, and Okemo.

Moderator: Mr. Tyler Lucey. Contact Mr. Lucey ([email protected]) for more information and to attend a trip or trips.

 

Students are involved in decision-making through their elected representatives who constitute the Student Activities Council (SAC). Mrs. Braychak in the senior class moderator; Mrs. Keereweer is the junior class moderator; Ms. Keefe is the sophomore class moderator; Mr. Guinan is the freshman class moderator.

SAC officers are elected each spring and include a student body president, vice president, secretary and treasurer; a senior class president and vice president; a junior class president and VP; and a sophomore class president and VP. A freshman class president and VP are elected in the fall. Candidates must be approved by the Dean of Students.

The elected officers comprise the executive council , which leads the student executive board. The student council with the faculty and administration coordinates activities and generates enthusiasm for class activities.

Moderator: Mrs. Keereweer, Mrs. Braychak, Ms. Keefe and Mr. Passavant. Contact Mrs. Keereweer ([email protected]) for more information.

 
The Surfrider Foundation Club is a group dedicated to help protect and preserve our local water spaces. 
 
Moderator: Mr. St. Kyle George. Contact Mr. St. George ([email protected])  to join or for more information.

 

Technology Club: Working with the Director of Systems Technology, students will explore the technologies of a local area network.  Students will act as a help desk after school hours for device troubleshooting, and will assist in computer maintenance for the building.  Additionally, students will explore the process of building a PC and make technological recommendations to administration.

 

Coding Club: Members will explore a multitude of programming languages and develop programs in these languages, including Java, C++ and Python.  As the club grows, participation in national organizations to collaborate and learn will be explored.

 

Moderator: Mr. Tim Kramar. Contact Mr. Kramar ([email protected]) for more information and to join the clubs.

 

 
The World Culture & Diversity Club seeks to promote understanding and appreciation of world cultures through programs and activities.
 
Moderator: Mr. Brendan Bell '05. Contact Mr. Brendan Bell ([email protected]) for more information and to join.
 

 

The Xavier Outdoors Club (XOC) is a group dedicated to hosting outdoor adventures in the company of fellow students in an effort to grow appreciation for the glory of nature. Outdoor adventures will include but are not limited to hiking, biking, rock climbing, kayaking, and backpacking.

Moderator: Mr. John Popielaski. Contact Mr. Popielaski ([email protected]) for more information and to join.

 

Xavier TV is Xavier’s film, video, and multimedia club. Students are encouraged and taught how to use cameras, film videos, and edit them. Over the years students have created documentaries, fiction movies, conducted interviews with faculty/staff, and more! As much as possible, all work is broadcast on Xavier TV social media as well as published on the school TVs for the school to see!

Moderator: Mr. Kelsey Doherty. Contact Mr. Doherty ([email protected]) for more information and to join the club.

 
XTV Live broadcasts school events through nfhsnetwork.com. Non-sporting events (Masses, Graduation, etc.) are free to view at any time. Sporting events require a paid subscription to nfhsnetwork.com to view within 72 hours of the event. After 72 hours, all sporting events are free to view on-demand.
 
Moderator: Mr. Paul Kieda. Contact Mr. Paul Kieda ([email protected]) if you would like to help out. 

 

The DON, the name of Xavier's yearbook since the first one was published in 1967, exists to give an account of the year's activities at Xavier. Students meet weekly during the school year.

Moderators: Brother John Sullivan, C.F.X. and Ms. Kathy Lee. Contact them ([email protected] and [email protected]) for more information and to join.