Villa Walsh Academy
Clubs, Ministries & Activities
2024 - 2025
ATHLETIC LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Grades 9 - 12
cil
once a month to discuss a
rs, and leadership activities which are held before sports practices each day Applications for all positions are accepted in May for the following year.
CAMPUS MINISTRY Grades 7 - 12
Campus Ministry is not a “clubˮ in the traditional sense. It is, instead, an opportunity for students to further engage with their Catholic faith and spirituality outside of the Theology classroom, all in an effort to make a difference in the lives of the poor here in NJ and around the world. Students will make a difference with weekly trips to serve special-needs students
with the EPOCH program; the opportunity to witness to the sanctity of life in all its stages with
a variety of pro-life activities, including the annual March for Life, in support of the elderly
and the unborn; trips to special Church-sponsored events in New York; partnering with
Covenant House to raise funds for and awareness of homeless teens; and serving at soup
kitchens and volunteering with Christ in the City. We collaborate with Villa Serves for different
drives and service projects throughout the year. In addition, there are opportunities for other faith-based service activities as well as additional faith formation, community-building, development of a richer prayer life, and ministry to our retired Filippini sisters in St. Joseph Hall.
CARE CORE Grades 7 - 12
Care Core is a club that organizes monthly visits to local senior homes, tailoring activities to the residentsʼ requests. Whether bingo, arts and crafts, letter writing, or any other activity, club members create friendly and long-lasting relationships with the elderly. Students learn the importance of communication and the gift of helping people in our community. The club meets twice a month, once after school and once during lunch, in order to prepare for each month's visit
CANTIAMO Grades 9 - 12
ould be independent learners, being able to keep up at a fast pace with minimal rehearsal time For more
information, please email Mr. Daher, or stop by the chorus room to discuss auditions. Meeting
day is TBA.
COMPUTER SCIENCE HONOR SOCIETY Grades 9 - 12
The Villa Walsh Academy Computer Science Honors Society (CSHS) exists to encourage studentsʼ enthusiasm for computer science, to honor academic excellence, and to promote service. We commit to and embody three core values: equity, service, and excellence. We believe that all students have the potential to enroll, to grow, and to excel in computing We empower members to become ambassadors of the computer science discipline, helping underscore its importance as a mainstay in the school and community. We are committed to promoting outstanding scholarship in computer science coursework. We have bi-monthly meetings and ongoing community service projects. We are a branch of the national CSHS, a program of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA). We encourage all students who have earned at least a B or better in a high school computer science course to apply!
CREATIVE CLUB Grades 7 - 12
Creative Club is open to all grades and will meet twice a month after school for the whole year in either of the art rooms in Regina Pacis. We have some excitin
n
w
rt techniques to explore with everyone such as group or individual work in fashion, photography, printmaking, stencils and more! We sponsor the Mannequin Fashion Conte
t
F
s
on Show in November, plus other art contests throughout the year
DIVERSITY CLUB Grades 7 - 12
The Diversity Cafe is driven to foster cultural awareness for everyone in order to increase diversity, inclusion, and equity within our school and beyond The club’s aim is to provide activities and events around multicultural issues and to celebrate our diversity Meetings are held twice a month
FIRST® LEGO League (FLL) TEAM 66348 LITTLE SISTERS 1st Grades 7 and 8
FLL is an opportunity for middle school students to get involved in our schoolʼs robotics program! Our middle school team, Little Sisters 1st, is the perfect introduction for any student interested in becoming a member of our FIRST Robotics Competition team (FRC), Sisters 1st, in high school FLL is active from September to the end of November Throughout the fall, students will delve into the engineering process through hands-on learning by collaboratively thinking, designing, building, and programming a unique LEGO robot that is capable of completing certain tasks according to the yearʼs game challenge. Students will be mentored through this rewarding experience by some of our FRC team members and coaches. If you are a middle schooler who wants to have fun with LEGOs, learn basic programming skills, and make new friends, FLL is the perfect place for you!
FIRST® ROBOTICS COMPETITION (FRC) TEAM 8513 SISTERS 1ST Grades 9 - 12
Every January, FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics
Competition Teams globally begin the yearly season in which they receive a new “gameˮ
challenge to design to build and industrial-sized 120lb robot within a 6-8 week period. Sisters
1st welcomes all students, ages 14-18, with a diversity of skills and talents, as our team
functions like a STEM corporation that needs the support of business and logistics for its technical operations. We are composed of eight subteams, organized into Tech (Mechanical,
CAD (Computer Aided Design), Programming, and Scouting/Strategy), and Business (Program Management, Media, Development, and Community Outreach). During the off season, September to December, the team competes in offseason tournaments and collaborates with coaches and mentors to train, raise funds, strategize, collaborate, and learn new skills. Business Subteams meet throughout the year while Tech Subteams focus work from late October through April During the season (January - April), the Tech Subteams are required to meet several times a week for six to eight weeks to build and program their robot The hard work and dedication culminates with District and Regional Competitions, and possibly World championship! In 2024, our third season of competition, Sisters 1st won numerous awards including District Tournament Finalist at the Montgomery Event, competed at the district Championship, and then qualified and competed at the FIRST® World Championship in Houston, ending their season ranked 10th out of 87 New Jersey Teams and in the top 15th percent of the world!!! All team members have access to FIRST scholarships and cooperative relationships with sponsors who include R. Seelaus & Co., Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Phoenix Tube Co., Horizon, Comcast, Picatinny Arsenal, Dod Stem, Metals
Supermarket, ServiceNow, and others. During the 2024 summer, five students from the team participated in a 6-week internship at the Swissler Innovation Robotics Laboratory at New
Jersey Institute of Technology.
FORENSICS CLIUB Grades 7- 12
The Forensics Club is open to students in grades 7-12 who are interested in strategies to improve their public speaking ability, and in participating in monthly competitions on select Saturdays. Students are helped with diction, pacing, rhythm, and emotion. High school students have the more intense involvement, while middle schoolers are provided with basic training and eased into competition with their peers from other schools later in the year In 2024, Villa Walsh was proud to host a major middle school competition. Students choose one of seven nationally recognized categories in which to compete in the Paterson Catholic
Forensic League. High Schoolers can participate through the Paterson Championship round, and winning student are eligible to participate in the National Catholic Forensic Championship. Since the resumption of this tournament after COVID, Villa Walsh has sent students to the national championship round.
FRENCH CLUB Grades 7- 12
The French Club is a unique club where students can make friends while learning about the language and culture of French-speaking countries. The club brings together students of all
grades to gather for a good cause. The club is dedicated to giving back to the community and is an exceptional club because it strengthens studentsʼ love for French culture and puts their passion to work to help those in need. The club also recognizes French National Week with
various activities, and members celebrate Christmas and Mardi Gras together as well. Special guest presenters are invited to share more about francophone culture.
HISTORY CLUB Grades 7 - 12
This club will explore various historical topics of interest to its members. It will include virtual field trips, games, genealogy research and volunteer opportunities at local historical sites.
The history club will also help educate the student body on various historically-significant events, especially as they relate to the 250th anniversary of the United States.
ITALIAN CLUB Grades 7 - 12
The Italian Club is open to all students who wish to learn more about Italian culture, food, music, art, and fashion. We welcome students and faculty who traveled to Italy to share their experiences so that the members may become better acquainted with ‘il Bel Paeseʼ and its beautiful customs. The students are involved in community service by supporting other clubs. The students also celebrate Italian International Week and World Language Month with various activities. Students celebrate together at Halloween, Christmas, and Carnevale.
LITERARY MAGAZINE Grades 9 – 12
The Literary Magazine Club produces an annual publication entitled Innervisions A showcase for student writing and art, this magazine provides students with firsthand publishing
experience. Positions include editors, layout, a literary and art panel, and word processors.
Inspirational writing prompts as well as writing workshops are given throughout the year.
MARKETING CLUB Grades 9-12
The Villa Walsh Marketing Club offers students hands-on experience in creating marketing strategies and developing design skills. Throughout the year, members will design logos,
advertisements, and other promotional materials, learning effective ways to market ideas and
products. Guest speakers will share their insights and tips for aspiring marketers.
Meetings will be held every other week to discuss various products or hear from speakers.
Students can work individually or in groups on their projects, collaborating to strategize marketing efforts. Mrs. Grabowski will serve as the club moderator.
MATH LEAGUE Grades 9 – 12
Math League is open to students who enjoy solving challenging and unusual math problems.
Students in grades 10 - 12, as well as students in 9th grade Algebra II, compete against teams
from other schools. Tests are administered monthly before the school day with after school meetings to discuss and study problems and strategies.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS Grades 7 – 12
The Mental Health Awareness Club is available to all students as a source of information and support and aims to educate all members of the Villa Walsh Academy community on issues related to mental health and wellness The Mental Health Awareness Club also provides opportunities for members to participate in self-care activities, such as meditation Club members will work together to educate others and end the stigma against mental illness
MOCK TRIAL Grades 9 - 12
Pursuant to the guidance of the Vincent J Apruzzese High School Mock Trial Competition,
the goals of mock trial competition are "to increase comprehension of the historical, ethical
and philosophical basis of the American system of justice; to demystify the operation of the
law, court procedures and the legal system; to help students increase basic life and
leadership skills such as listening, speaking, writing, reading and analyzing; to heighten
appreciation for academic studies and promote positive scholastic achievements; and to
bring law to life for students. The goal is not to win for the sake of winning, but to learn and
understand the meaning of good citizenship in a democracy vis-a-vis our system of law and
justice. " The Villa Walsh mock trial team consists of four lawyers and six witnesses, as well as paralegals who serve as alternates and otherwise support the competitors. Preparation
begins in October/November; a scrimmage with another school is scheduled for January; and competitions occur in February at the Morris County Courthouse.
OPERATION SMILE Grades 9 - 12
Operation Smile is an organization that travels the world to perform facial surgeries for children with cleft palate or cleft lip. Our mission is to raise awareness and to help provide funding for the surgeries. The club meets every two weeks to organize fundraising, and to earn about the National and Regional Leadership Council and the Medical Missions that make such a difference in childrenʼs lives VWA fundraising events include the Powder Puff
Football Game and bake sale
PEER LEADERS
A Peer Leader is an application-based student leader who is committed to acclimating middle school and freshmen to Villa Walsh. Peer Leadership is under the leadership of School
Assistance Counselor, Mrs. Olga Negrin, and Director of Curriculum, Mrs. Maria Manley. A select group of seniors is chosen to be trained as student leaders. Peer Leaders are enrolled in a twice per month class where they plan and practice for their monthly meetings with their peerlings. Each Peer Leader works with a partner to lead a small group of freshmen or 7th
graders. In doing so, the seniors grow their leadership skills while supporting the new students. Seniors learn to lead a discussion, facilitate an activity, plan an event, coordinate service projects, and develop programming, all the while displaying sensitivity and caring for the freshmen and 7th graders. Reflection and self-assessment are a constant in the program as seniors build confidence, study group dynamics, and develop their leadership skills. The younger students develop new friends and a support system of caring upperclassmen.
Seniors must apply to be Peer Leaders and complete an application, interview, and faculty review prior to being selected Training for seniors may include a retreat prior to the start of school
PERFORMING ARTS CLUB Grades 7 - 12
The Performing Arts Club aims to enhance studentsʼ appreciation of music, dance, and theater by exposing them to the beauty of the arts in a comfortable, nurturing environment In addition to building a community that supports Villa Walsh Academyʼs own efforts in musical theater, productions, and concerts, the Performing Arts Club also explores what makes a professional production successful. Guest artists and student leaders share their talents at the meetings.
PRE-HEALTH AND MEDICAL STUDIES SOCIETY Grades 7 - 12
This club is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in health, medicine, or research Students will hear from speakers who are in these careers, learn about health
problems and crises, and present their own research about health topics and career interests. We would also like to encourage a healthy lifestyle among the students. The club will meet weekly after school.
RED CROSS YOUTH CLUB
Grades 9 - 12
If you are interested in participating in projects and learning about disaster preparedness this club will be of interest to you. We will be fundraising for the Red Cross through fun games and parties and all members will be considered Red Cross Volunteers once registered. We plan to meet a few times a year to complete our missions and hope you will join us!
RUBIK'S CUBE CLUB
Grades 7 - 12
This club is open to all students in grades 7-12. No experience is needed to join us! If you have an interest in solving puzzles, this club will interest you. You will be taught ways to solve the infamous Rubik's Cube while having fun. In addition to being a great party trick where you would easily be given the title of genius, the ability to solve the Rubik's Cube is also proven to help you with fine motor skills, problem-solving skills and can even improve your memory! Will you be able to beat the world record of solving the puzzle in 3 1 seconds?! We plan to meet once a month after school and if you have a Rubik's Cube, feel free to bring it to our meetings or one will be provided for you.
SPANISH CLUB Grades 7 - 12
Under the leadership of senior officers, the Spanish Club holds eight after-school events from October through December. Our activities include Spanish Bingo, songs, dances, movies, and crafts. Refreshments will be served. EL CLUB ESPAÑOL is open to any student, even if she does not take Spanish.
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING Grades 7 – 12
Strength and Conditioning is being offered to introduce students and faculty to various areas
of fitness and the fitness room and to improve personal wellness. Strength and Conditioning
meets M, W, F from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM in the Sr. Doris Lavinthal Athletic Center. Yoga is offered every Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:30 PM in the Sr. Doris Lavinthal Athletic Center. No experience necessary. Sign up on Google Drive for all activities.
STUDENT AMBASSADORS
A Student Ambassador is an application-based student leader who will represent Villa Walsh
Academy and serve as a liaison, spokesperson, school leader, and advocate for our school.
Student Ambassadors must have strong communication skills, a positive attitude, a strong
work ethic, and a commitment to Villa Walsh. The main criteria for becoming a Student
Ambassador is that a student must have attended Villa Walsh for one year.
As a Student Ambassador, you will have the privilege of meeting new people, developing new
skills, and holding a leadership role at Villa Walsh Academy. Student Ambassadors will work
with current students, faculty and staff, community members, as well as prospective students
and families. Student Ambassadors will not only display their natural leadership qualities, but
they will be the voices behind school-led projects.
Some Student Ambassador responsibilities are the following:
Assist during Open House events
Going to High School information sessions
Giving campus tours to prospective students and families
Assisting with special events such as, programs, guest speakers, etc.
STUDENT COUNCIL Grades 7 - 12
The Villa Walsh Academy Student Council is a governing body elected by its peers. The
Executive Board consists of the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. In
addition, Grades 9 - 12 are represented by a class commissioner and three representatives.
The middle school grades each elect one representative. The council hosts various social
events and acts as a motivating leadership force for all school activities
SWENext (Society of Women Engineers) CLUB Grades 9 - 12
As the only all female FIRST® Robotics Competition Team in NJ, Sisters 1st Team 8513 at Villa Walsh Academy is focused on empowering young women to be leaders in all STEM-related fields, especially engineering. As one of our community outreach efforts, we founded the Villa Walsh Academy SWENext Club for our entire school community in order to offer the following benefits:
Offer another avenue of support, resources, and education for young women in STEMone that our members can continue to use in college and in their professional careers.
Gain leadership experience that can be used on college applications.
Get more of your peers engaged in STEM.
Connect to SWE Members.
TOWERETTE Grades 7 - 12
Towerette, Villa Walsh Academy's newspaper, reports on current events and opinions within the school community, such as seasonal events, sports, and the arts, and in the world around us. With the guidance of experienced student-editors, Towerette staffers develop skills in writing, interviewing, photography, and drawing, and collaborate to present the school community with an inside look at what makes Villa Walsh Academy shine!
VILLA
SERVES Grades 7-12
This is a faith-based service organization that provides students with an opportunity to become involved in their local community to make a difference in the lives of people around them. The club meets weekly and is open to students in all grades. The student membership sponsors service projects throughout the year.
WOMEN IN THE WORD Grades 7-12
VWA Bible Study will meet at t
times per month. Come join our discussions, pray and reflect. All are welcome.
YEARBOOK
COMMITTEE Grades 9 - 12
The Yearbook Committee is established in the first few weeks of September and continues as an 8-month project that a group of students work to complete. The efforts of the staff culminate in the publication of Horizons each year Each student works on the planning process, cover design, and many assigned projects based upon the events of the school year. Photography, journalism, and graphic design are the key elements of the committee. Students select categories in which to be involved.