GEHS Activities
Debate
Head Coach Michael Zegers; Assistant Coach Deb Osborn
Resolved: The United States Federal Government should substantially increase alternative energy incentives in the United States. Debate students research both sides of this national debate topic. When they are affirmative, they create a plan to meet the resolution. If they are negative, they support the status quo and try to prove that we do not need the affirmative's plan. Students compete against other schools in this manner during tournaments throughout the first semester.
Drama
Director: Jeff Lady
Parents and patrons can look forward to another year of outstanding musical and dramatic performances from the GEHS theater department.
Forensics
Head Coach Michael Zegers; Assistant Coach Deb Osborn
Forensics is a combination of speech and theatre. There are eleven events from which the students may choose. They may act, interpret, or deliver a speech. The students use their talents to compete against other students from other schools as they try to qualify for the state tournament. Many of the tournaments are held on Saturdays, so the students give up some of their weekends.
Instrumental Music--Band
Band Director: Janet Wittkopf
Assistant Director: Brian Scott
Assistant Director: Will Biggs
Assistant Director: J.J. Wallace
Instrumental Music--Orchestra
Orchestra Director: Brian Scott
National Engineering Design Challenge (NEDC)
Head Coach: David Kling; Assistant Coach: Larry Ward
The National Engineering Design Challenge for high school students focuses on design and development of new products to assist individuals with disabilities in the workplace. Each year, teams choose a design and developmental challenge, and work to design and build a prototype that addresses the unique needs of a specific worker. GEHS won the NEDC national championship in 2007 and 2008.
Scholar's Bowl
Head Coach: Deb Osborn; Assistant Coach: Julie Gillette
Vocal Music
Vocal Director: Todd Burd
GEHS Clubs
Art Club
Sponsors: Dave Kalkman, Barb McCormick, and Tom Wilson
The Art Club is an exploratory club designed to let students discover different areas and components of art. Meetings will consist of discussing different techniques and applying them to regular art projects as well as planning community project ideas.
Chess Club
Sponsors: Dr. Suzy Blair
The purpose of the chess club is to promote the game and attend events that promote chess enjoyment. The club will attend events that may include: tournaments, lectures, exhibitions, team matches, etc. Students may incur a cost when entering tournaments. Contact Dr. Blair for meeting times and practice schedules.
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America/FCCLA
Sponsors: Casi Flink and Sarah Volling
The mission of FCCLA is to promote personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of the family member, wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge and career preparation.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes - FCA
Sponsor: John Yockey
To present to athletes and coaches, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in fellowship of the church.
Interact Club
Sponsor: TBD
This is a youth division of the International Rotary Club. The purpose is to perform community service in the local and international communites.
International Club
Sponsor: Katie Weil
The IC plans activities which promote cross-cultural understanding. Members educate each other about other cultures and languages and enjoy customs and cuisine of various countries.
Natural Helpers
Sponsors: Brian McGee, Katie Zahner
The purpose of this club is to perform community service as well as address needs of the student body or faculty. Additionally, fundraising is performed throughout the year to financially support school, student body or community concerns.
Thespian Club
Sponsor: Jeff Lady
The GEHS Thespian Club is affiliated with the National Theatre Education Association, and recognizes outstanding work in theatre at the high school level. Each year, state, national and international thespian conferences are held during the summer months. Members earn points and recognition based on the hours they spend on theatrical productions at their school. To be inducted into the National Thespian Society, a student must complete 100 hours of EXCELLENT work as deemed by the instructor at their school. As the student earns more hours, the levels of recognition from the National Thespian Society increase.
GEHS Organizations
Future Business Leaders of America - FBLA/DECA
Advisor: Laurie Warwick
This organization meets so that students can learn the importance of leadership and how to conduct themselves in the business world. These students compete and take tests at a district, state and national level.
National Honor Society
Advisors: Dr. Suzy Blair & Mary Smith
NHS is an organization that recognizes and encourages academic achievement and also develops students of great character.
Student Council
Advisor: Cassie Barton
The purpose of student council is to bring the students ideas and suggestions to the faculty and administration; to provide fun activities for the entire student body; and to coordinate the school-wide pep assemblies, sponsor the dances held through the year, to provide worthwhile opportunities for students to participate in community service projects throughout the year and to run and coordinate class officer and student council elections in the spring of the year.
Trailblazer Newspaper
Sponsor: Caleb Frasier
The Trailblazer Newspaper functions as a venue for Public Relations and news distribution. Students write, create, sell ads, complete bulk mailings, take photos, learn desktop publishing and maintain their own business. The newspaper develops writing and management skills for students and teaches media related perspectives and responsibility.
Trailblazer Yearbook
Sponsor: Caleb Frasier
The Trailblazer Yearbook functions as a venue for Public Relations and magazine publishing skills. Students write, create, sell ads, complete bulk mailings, take photos, learn desktop publishing and also maintain their own business. All money comes from advertising, subscription and individual sales of the product. The yearbook develops writing and management skills for students and teaches responsibility.