2023-24 Club Catalog
1 Indicates Semester 1, 2 Indicates Semester 2, 1,2 Indicates Clubs offered both semesters; Students are encouraged to join a new club at the end of the semester.
A indicates clubs offered before or after school hours.
Academic Team A
Tryouts for the high school academic team are held each spring. The team travels and competes virtually at tournaments throughout the academic year. The team primarily participates in quiz bowl competitions. Still, team members participate in the National History Bowl and Bee, The North Carolina Association for Scholastic Activities' writing competition, The Quill, and the NCASA The 12, a broad knowledge-based competition.
Kimberly Lloyd, [email protected]
American Sign Language Club 1,2
Behind English, Spanish, and Chinese, ASL is the fourth most widely used language in the US, with around 2 million users. In ASL meetings, students will learn common phrases so that they will be able to communicate with those who are hard of hearing. The club aims to share these phrases with others in their community and brighten the day of hard-of-hearing individuals.
Hunter Gowan, [email protected]
Art Club For Non-AP Art Students 1, for AP Art Students 2
Natasha McConnachie, [email protected]
Baking and Pastry Club 1, 2
Students in the Baking and Pastry Club will get an inside view of a commercial kitchen and the opportunity to work alongside a professional chef, learning the basics of baking and pastry arts. The students will cover safety in the kitchen, the science of baking, how to read and follow a recipe, and proper measuring techniques. The recipes include yeast breads, quick breads, custards, and cake decorating.
Amanda Jones, [email protected]
Boxing Club 1, 2
In this club, students will learn boxing fundamentals such as stance, basic punches/combinations, footwork, and defense techniques. Students will also go through various core, cardio (with and without weights), strength exercises, punching bag work, and shadow boxing. The class will be designed to teach boxing and self-defense skills. Participants will gain strength, hand-eye coordination, endurance, and confidence in a full-body workout. Participation will benefit those looking to build a strong foundation for boxing and those who wish to improve in other sports and overall fitness and health.
Luis Hernandez, [email protected]
Calligraphy Club 1, 2
Students will learn the skills and techniques of hand lettering and modern calligraphy. Club members will focus on font styles, brushstrokes, and hand-movement techniques. Combining these skills will allow students to decorate, doodle, and write in a fun and expressive manner. All materials will be provided.
Betsy King, [email protected]
Cards Club 1, 2
Playing classic card games builds analytical skills and is an excellent way for students to come together and relax.
Erin Farrington, [email protected]
Chess Club 1, 2
The Chess Club will offer a fun and intellectually engaging opportunity for all. Participation in chess tournaments is possible depending on student interest.
John Henderson, [email protected]
Creative Writing 1, 2
The Creative Writing Club is for students who share a love for the written word. Club members explore poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction to expand their literary horizons, and they engage in writing exercises that spark creativity and encourage self-expression. Students will collaborate in a supportive environment as they hone their writing skills while receiving valuable feedback from fellow writers - seasoned and new.
Arian Finley, [email protected]
Crochet Club 1, 2
This is a club for those who wish to explore the handwork of crochet. Club members will choose their projects and spend time with others who enjoy the practice of needlework. Studies have found handwork reduces stress, increases understanding of mathematics, promotes sustainability and mindfulness, and inspires confidence. Students must provide their materials (Assistance is available.).
Jesse Deaton, [email protected]
Current Events Club 1, 2
The Current Events Club is for students who want to know what's happening in the world, are curious about the world's most pressing issues, and are eager to understand the headlines that shape our lives. Students will dive into dynamic conversations about global affairs, science, culture, and more. Students will engage with diverse perspectives, refine critical thinking skills, and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing world.
Hope Francis, [email protected]
Dungeons and Dragons 1, 2
D&D is a club for students who want to come together to play Dungeons and Dragons, one of the most popular and famous tabletop roleplaying games. Members will go on adventures, fight monsters, discover treasure, and explore a mystical world. Other members of the group will lead the adventures as Dungeon Masters. Most materials, including dice and character sheets, will be provided during the sessions.
Chasity McCraw, [email protected]
Fellowship of Christian Athletes 1, 2
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is "the heart and soul in sports" and utilizes student-led campus groups called "huddles" to meet the needs of those on the inside, the athletes and coaches.
Darrell Keller, [email protected]
Fishing Club A
The student-led TJCA fishing club will allow students to explore different types of fishing, from bass fishing to fly fishing. Students will learn tips and techniques, compete with other anglers, and participate in education and conservation programs.
Clint Cook, [email protected]
GSA A
Gay-Straight Alliances, or GSAs, are student-led and student-organized school clubs that aim to create a safe, welcoming, and accepting environment for all youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Guitar and Ukulele Club 1, 2
Guitar Club will be a student-directed time to hang out and play the guitar and ukulele. In addition, there will be activities where students can learn, explore, and perfect techniques in different styles (i.e., blues, rock, jazz, country scales, fingerstyle, pick style, ensemble playing, etc.). Students may bring their instruments or use the school acoustic, electric, and bass guitars. OPTIONAL: Performance opportunities will be available for any interested students.
Amy Brucksch, [email protected]
4-H Hippology Club/Team A
This club will focus on horse-related things with the ultimate goal of competing at the state Hippology contest held in Raleigh in March. During club meetings, there will be mini-lessons on topics that concern horses, such as breeds, colors, disciplines, anatomy, nutrition, behavior, and diseases. Students in this club will be expected to join 4-H online, participate in service projects, and compete in 4-H contests involving field trips.
Misty Yelton, [email protected]
Envirothon (and Recycling) 1, 2
The Envirothon® is an environmental and natural resource conservation problem-solving, team building, leadership experience, and competition. Incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) principles, experiential learning, and hands-on outdoor field experiences, the Envirothon fosters student learning in the areas of AQUATIC ECOLOGY, FORESTRY, SOILS, and LAND USE, WILDLIFE, and CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. Students will be expected to prepare for and participate in the spring competition. Misty Yelton, [email protected]
Journaling 1, 2
If you enjoy writing in a free-flowing way or in a careful, well-planned way--any way you want, about anything you care about--then the Journaling Club is for you! We will come together and spend time expressing and reflecting with pen and paper every week. Treat yourself to a special notebook or journal book if you care to. If not, no worries.
I look forward to journaling with you!
Martha Owens, [email protected]
Junior Civitan A
"Junior Civitan International is a service club that trains young people to become 'Builders of Good Citizenship' in the home, school, and nation." The TJCA chapter participates in various service projects and fundraisers, including the Pennies for Patients Coin War, Potato Planting Project, and North Shelby Christmas party. There is an annual fee of $20. Need-based exemptions are available.
Chasity McCraw, c[email protected]
Junior Classical League A
Junior Classical League (JCL) encourages an interest in and appreciation of ancient Greece and Rome's language, literature, and culture. It imparts an understanding of the debt of our own culture to that of Classical antiquity. Through both independent and guided study, students compete at the regional, state, and national levels against students from other schools in topics such as Greek Mythology, Roman History and Life, and Latin language and literature. Competitions include academics, certamen (quiz-bowl), art, and writing. Requirements: Must be taking any level of Latin or have previously taken a level of Latin.
Arian Finley, [email protected]
Mindfulness and Happiness Club 2
Research has proven mindfulness as an effective remedy to reduce stress and anxiety and improve critical self-regulation skills, psychological well-being, study engagement, happiness, and well-being. The Mindfulness Club will be a nurturing and supportive environment for students to learn about mindfulness, practice techniques, and explore the path to lasting happiness.
Multiplayer Gaming Club 1
The Multiplayer Gaming Club will offer a space for casual video games, card games, and board games. Players of all skill levels are welcome. Each week, activities will rotate to include games such as Super Smash Brothers, Mario Kart, Among Us, and various trivia games. The club members will also discuss ideas about gaming, game theory, and the gaming community in general. $5.00 Materials Fee
Raj Mills, [email protected]
Mu Alpha Theta A
Mu Alpha Theta (MATH) Honor Society is an invitation-only club, with invitations based on performance in high school mathematics classes. It is dedicated to inspiring a keen interest in mathematics, developing substantial scholarship in the subject, and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics in high school students. The national chapter of the society offers numerous opportunities for scholarships, grants, special recognition, awards, and competitions. Locally, the club also organizes Fall Festival events, Pi Day activities, fundraisers, peer tutoring, etc.
Thomas Andrews, [email protected]
National Honor Society A
National Honor Society (NHS) is an organization for students who have excelled in scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Rising juniors and seniors who have earned at least a 4.0 GPA are invited to apply. Members join more than a million students worldwide who work to better their schools and communities. Members are expected to attend meetings and participate in volunteer activities throughout the year. Invitations are sent in August, with inductions in September.
Kimberly Lloyd, [email protected]
Peer Tutoring Club 1, 2
The peer tutoring club is a student-led organization that, upon the recommendation of Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy teachers, will offer tutoring to students who would benefit from working with peer tutors.
[email protected], [email protected]
Poetry Writing 1
The members of the Poetry Club will explore poetry by reading poems, creating poems, and sharing their love of poetry with like-minded students. Club members will choose activities they find interesting, such as creating poetry collages, exploring time period poetry, and reading poems from around the world.
Martha Owens, [email protected]
RPG Esports A
We will play RPG games from old to new in the RPG esports club. Such games are Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy, The Legend of Zelda, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Kelly Maskarinec, [email protected]
The Salon A
The Salon" was coined in 15th and 16th century France to describe a formal meeting of people interested in topics regarding literature, history, culture, or anything in the humanities department. Club members will read and have thoughtful discussions around pieces of literature, the cardinal virtues, important historical figures, and worldly culture.
Kimberly Lloyd, [email protected]
Science Olympiad 1, 2
HS Science Olympiad (Division C, grades 9-12) is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics competition-based organization that elevates science education to the level of support and enthusiasm typically reserved for school sports. Students prepare throughout the year and compete in rigorous academic interscholastic competitions consisting of different hands-on, interactive, challenging, and inquiry-based events that are well-balanced between the various disciplines of biology, earth science, environmental science, chemistry, physics, engineering, and technology. The team is seeking its third straight invitation to the state tournament this year and is looking for dedicated individuals to help along its journey.
Thomas Andrews, [email protected]
Walking For Fitness 1
Let's get some fresh air and exercise as we walk our beautiful campus! We will walk briskly, rain or shine, for at least 30 minutes per meeting. Members should wear comfortable walking shoes.
Lori Stites, [email protected]
WNC Language Competition Club 2
This club is open to current French and Spanish students, and members will be expected to compete in the Western Carolina Language Competition in April.
Students will memorize and recite poetry, learn and practice songs, participate in knowledge bowls, and speak on assigned topics, all in the target language.
Lori Stites, [email protected]