Clubs & Activities at East Catholic HS

Clubs and activities play an essential role in the education of the whole student. At East Catholic, we are fortunate to be able to offer our students a variety of choices from which to select.

Academic Teams and Clubs 

  • American Sign Language Club: Knowing ASL gives you a way to build relationships with people who are deaf, as well as a way to enjoy the richness of the Deaf community nationwide. Beyond communicating with friends who are deaf, ASL is also a surprisingly versatile language. During meetings, we learn with practice and lessons the difference between ASL and English because they are not the same.
    Advisor: Jillian Quackenbush
  • Debate Team: Compete with other Connecticut schools in the ancient tradition of forensics and debate.
    Advisor: Sylvia Grzybowski
  • East Catholic Book Club: Meets monthly for students to select and discuss a new title that they are interested in reading and share their thoughts on what they have read.
    Advisor: Marigrace Miller
  • Mock Trial: Be a part of the East Catholic team to compete in a mock trial setting—you could be a lawyer, victim, witness, etc.
    Advisor: Ryan Healey

Campus Ministry, Faith, Social Justice, and Service


  • Human Rights: Students learn about situations in the world where people are denied their basic rights. Members hold events to raise awareness and help communities.
    Advisor: Laura Marcucio
  • Peer Ministry: Open to juniors and seniors, our goal is to create a community of faith, fun, and justice.
    Advisor: Julia Barksdale
  • Stretch Leaders: Open to selected juniors and seniors, these leaders act as liaisons between the school and our partner service agencies. Application required. 
    Advisors: Julia Barksdale and Lynne Cavanaugh
  • Tabernacle Society: The Tabernacle Society is an opportunity for students to grow in their Catholic faith. By learning various prayers, reflecting on daily readings, and spending time with Our Lord in the Tabernacle, students are given the opportunity to grow in holiness. Students recite the rosary every morning in our Notre Dame Chapel at 7:10 a.m.
    Advisor: Curtiss Stella

Culture

  • International Students Club: International students share their gifts, talents, and experience with the East Catholic community through events and activities.
  • World Cultural Club: Students learn about and host school activities that celebrate different cultures, societies, and nationalities.

Fine Arts

  • Auxiliary Rehearsal: Before school rehearsals for: Concert Band, Concert Choir, Jazz Combo, Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Jazz Choir, Stage Band, and String Orchestra.
    Advisor: Rob Link
  • Liturgical Choir: We support all school liturgies. We welcome all singers and instrumentalists.
    Advisor: Rob Link
  • Music Honor Society (Tri-M):  Students are involved in promoting and strengthening the school’s music program.
    Advisor: David Brudz
  • National Art Honor Society: Advisor: Get together with friends who love creating beautiful things. Fulfill your creative potential. Hold workshops and participate in group projects.
    Advisor: Heather Brasche
  • Pep Band: Students rehearse standard pep band repertoire and perform at several home football and basketball games and pep rallies.
    Advisor: Davis Brudz
  • Stage Band: Play in a beginner to intermediate level jazz band. Open to all students with prior instrumental experience.
    Advisor: David Brudz
  • Stage East: Actors, players, tech crew, stage hands, and musicians are wanted for two annual productions.
    Advisor: Jillian Quackenbush

Sports and Athletics

  • Eagles Take Action: A group of athletes focused on good sportsmanship and positive play for all teams.
    Advisor: Jon Dahlquist
  • East Catholic Captain’s Council: Student-athlete leaders participate in a monthly leadership training program sponsored by the school and led by our athletics department. The student leaders are trained to understand and communicate the vision and goals of the athletic department to their teams, and to serve as ambassadors of our school.
    Advisor: Jon Dahlquist
  • Intramural Flag Football and Powder Puff: Join seasonal fun with friends who love football.
    Advisor: Ryan Healey
  • Ski Club: Students and their parents who enjoy skiing during the winter season.

School Spirit

  • Class Executive Boards: Be a leader in your class. Help plan events. 
  • Student Ambassadors: Host student visitors, visit area schools, and help plan events such as the New Family Picnic, Open House, and the Incoming Freshman Social. 
    Advisor: Chad Malone
  • Student Government: Plan dances, pep rallies, and other events. Represent your homeroom.
    Advisor: Rob Link

Publications

  • "The Nest" Broadcasting Club: Media East is a club where students create, film, and produce videos for the school.
    Advisor: Sal Ghamo
  • Yearbook Club (AETOS): Be a part of an award-winning yearbook staff.
    Advisor: Domenic Burby

STEM

  • Astronomy Club: Students deepen their knowledge of the cosmos through research, observations, and fun trips. 
  • Club Med: A club for students interested a career in medicine or in a medically related field. Club activities include discussion, guest lecturers, and participation in the UConn Medical Careers Fair.
  • Engineering Club
    Advisor: Denise Schneider
  • eSports Club: In the fall and spring seasons, our students compete against other schools in the PlayVS league. We meet two days a week for practices and live matches, and play games such as Rocket League, Overwatch, Smash Bros, and more.
    Advisor: Domenic Burby
  • FIRST Robotics Team: FIRST Robotics is a CIAC recognized sport. Utilize your STEM skills to conceptualize, design, build, wire, program, and operate a robot capable of competing at regional, national, and worldwide events. We also need students who like art, writing, graphic design, photography, marketing, social media, accounting, business, community service/outreach, and fundraising.
  • Science Club: Take an interest in your environment—recycle, field trips, guest speakers.