Clubs and Organizations
We offer many different activities and clubs to suit the varying interests among our student body. We want all students to be able to participate in clubs and organizations, not only because it looks good on a resume, but also because it builds character, promotes leadership skills, and creates many fun memories.
Take a look at some of the great organizations we offer at our school, and consider joining one today!
National Honor Society
The members of the National Honor Society are students in grades 11 and 12. Students in these grades must have attained cumulative point average of 3.00 or better to be eligible for selection. A faculty committee rates all students who have attained this grade point average in three areas: leadership, service, and character. If selected, the advisors notify parents by letter and the NHS holds an induction ceremony to honor these inductees. The Port Allegany Chapter of the National Honor Society, organized in 1923, is one of the oldest organizations of our school.
The Honor Society Pledge
I pledge myself to uphold the high purposes of the National Honor Society to which I have been selected. I will be true to the principles for which it stands. I will be loyal to my school and will strive in every way to maintain and encourage high standards of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
A History of the National Honor Society
"If a society with many chapters commends itself to the school of a certain district because each is helped by the other, a nationwide society ought to be a stronger organization and receive the support of all of the schools that believe in such a society. Will not one common badge for the entire country be more valuable than many different local badges?"
Edward Rynearson, often considered the founder of the National Honor Society, made the above remarks in support of the proposal of J.G. Masters, principal of Central High School in Omaha, Nebraska, to form a National Honor Society. At the time, Rynearson was principal of the Fifth Avenue High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which earned charter number one of the National Honor Society. Masters made his proposal in 1919 at the annual convention of the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
The National Honor Society formed in the hope that unification of efforts might lead to improved National standards. Thus, from the beginning, the National Honor Society promotes high school academic standards, ensures the continuation of democracy, and is an instrument for the betterment of the individual and the school.
Today, after more than 75 years, The National Honor Society has more than 12,500 active chapters. The National Junior Honor Society, founded in 1929, has also experienced encouraging development with more than 6,000 chapters.
Peer Helpers
Peer Helping Programs train groups of youth to serve as listeners and helpers to other youth. Peer Helpers learn communication skills in an approved training program, and they learn to not give advice. Confidentiality, ethics, decision-making, making referrals, and knowing limits are important parts of the training program. Peer Helpers seek out the hurting and help them to help themselves. Peer Helpers do not solve problems or become involved in any situations beyond their training.
Qualities of a Peer Helper:
- Care about others
- Respect the feelings of others
- High self-esteem
- Good sense of values
- Well-liked
- Easy to talk with
- Good communication skills
- Acceptance of differences
- Outgoing
- Responsible
Who Are the Peer Helpers?
We are an organization of peers who have made a commitment to our school and communities that we live in. The Peer Helpers do a number of things. We help people when they need it. We provide tutoring for those who need it. We also help with any personal problems a person may be experiencing. For example: with friends, family, teachers, classes, attendance or tardy problems, drugs or alcohol, suicide, runaways, and abuse (verbal and physical).
We offer support for any problems and will listen but not judge. One important thing is that we do not give advice. We try to help the person find a solution to his or her individual problem. If we cannot help you, we will find someone who can.
Students who seek the help of a Peer Helper can trust that their issues and conversations will remain private and confidential. We will not tell family, friends, teachers, or principals. The exceptions are: legal matters, anything illegal, suicide, abuse, and runaways. We consider these problems beyond our scope and training. We will help in any way that we can; however, we also must get help from trained adults. One thing we are not is a counselor. Peer Helpers can be friends. We are here to help your high school years be worry free. Visit the National Association of Peer Program Professionals to learn more.
Student Council
The Student Council forum works with, reviews, and modifies student proposals. If the council accepts the proposals, it presents them to the principal for consideration. The council is a group of students who may interpret student views to the principal and, as a result of their position, interpret new or established procedures to students.
Computer Club
Computer Club allows students who enjoy computers to get together and explore technology, discuss new products and games, and learn about and enjoy new programs and technology.
Entrepreneurship Club
The goal of the club will be to provide school attire and accessories to faculty, staff, students, and the Port Allegany community. All students who wish to be considered for membership must apply and interview with Mr. Clark.
French Club
French Club welcomes all students who are interested in French culture and the French language. We explore French culture through games, movies, cultural experiences, and much more. All students are welcome to join.
Reading Competition
Our Reading Competition teams give students who enjoy reading a fun outlet to compete with others and read books they might otherwise skip. Our teams work hard and enjoy the challenge of competing!
Spanish Club
Students in Spanish Club participate in a variety of activities to increase their exposure to the customs and culture of Spanish-speaking people around the world as well as practice speaking Spanish.
Sportsman’s Challenge
Our Sportman’s Challenge Club gives students a chance to improve their shooting skills, participate in friendly competition, and engage with students who have similar interests in hunting and shooting.
Students earn points for small game, big game, furbearers, and fish. Students must obey all hunting, trapping, and fishing laws. We require photographic documentation, and reports are based on the honor system.
Yearbook
Enjoy taking pictures, documenting activities, writing, or graphic design? The yearbook team would love to have you join us. Students are involved in all aspects of producing the school’s annual yearbook, including photographing and documenting events, developing the yearbook theme, working on layout and composition, copywriting, and marketing and distribution of the final product.