Clubs and student organizations are a vital part of Texas High School. Educational statistics prove that students who are involved in clubs and extracurricular activities make better grades and are more likely to succeed in life after high school. Colleges and businesses closely examine the level of student involvement in clubs and organizations when determining admission, scholarships or employment.

At Texas High, clubs and organizations are offered to all students. The information listed will assist students in deciding which clubs to join. The goal of all clubs and extracurricular organizations at Texas High is to help each student become involved and realize his/her potential.

ART CLUB – The THS Art Club is open to all students interested in expanding their knowledge and expression in the Visual Arts. Students are able to seek personal enrichment by working together in creating art and experiencing artwork in the museum setting. The club offers a scholarship for seniors who plan to further their career in the Visual Arts. Art Club members elect officers and meet monthly throughout the school year. Dues are assessed.

ASL CLUB – The focus of the American Sign Language club is to enhance students’ knowledge through personal interaction, games, and complete immersion into the culture. Students will help increase awareness about Deaf culture and their struggles around campus and in the community. American Sign Language club meets twice a month for at least an hour to allow ample time for handling club business and enjoyable open communication. Officers are elected through silent ballot. Dues are assessed for ordering T-shirts, planning festivals, and creating pamphlets and posters in efforts to gain awareness, acceptance, and appreciation for a new culture. Students must be enrolled in ASL classes or have a true desire to learn and enjoy using a new language.

BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS OF AMERICA – The Business Professionals of America is the service and social club that provides students with career information and helps build better citizens. Membership is open to all current and former business education students.

CALCULUS CLUB – The Calculus Club is open to any student enrolled in A.P. Calculus. The club offers its members the opportunity to socialize with other students involved in the study of calculus. Through this socialization, members form study groups and learn to work as a team. The club sponsors “Pi Day” each spring to encourage the study of mathematics for all students at THS. No dues are required.

DEBATE CLUB – The Debate Club is a speech organization that encourages academic ability. Students learn the skills of researching, organizing, listening, speaking and planning. High ethical standards are expected as students represent Texas High School in UIL speech events such as policy debate, Lincoln-Douglas debate, persuasive and informative speaking. Debate Club is open to those enrolled in Debate I or those having completed Debate I. Dues are assessed on an annual basis.

DECA – DECA is a national association of marketing education program that allows teachers and members with educational and leadership development activities to merge with the education instructional program. DECA develops a respect for education, marketing, and distribution; encourages the use of high ethical standards in business; and allows practical application of marketing knowledge through competition and through social and professional student-centered events. DECA is available for all students that have taken any business class such as marketing, entrepreneurship, BCIS, and accounting. Several other business classes are available on campus to qualify. While DECA membership consists primarily of students in marketing programs, membership extends also to alumni and to professionals in marketing education and in marketing teacher education. DECA students get the chance to attend leadership conferences such as Maverick Day, Stars Day and District Leadership training. Competition begins each spring in Texarkana with all district winners advancing to State competition. State winners qualify not only for a letterman jacket, but the chance to compete at the International level. DECA can open students’ eyes to the world of marketing. State and national dues are assessed.

FAMILY CAREER and COMMUNITY LEADERS of AMERICA [FCCLA] – FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) is a nonprofit national career and student organization for young men and women in high school. FCCLA’s mission is to promote personal growth and leadership development through family and consumer sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family members, wage earners, and community leaders, members develop skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and vocational preparation. Since 1945, FCCLA members have been making a difference in their families, careers, and communities by addressing important personal works and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education. Involvement in FCCLA offers members the opportunity to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life-planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision making and interpersonal communication necessary in the home and workplace. Projects of the local chapter include hosting teachers’ breakfast, community service activities at a local nursing home, and participation in Nationwide Make a Difference Day.

FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN STUDENTS – The Fellowship of Christian Students is an interdenominational organization of students who enjoy and take part in the Texas High inter-school sports programs as participants or spectators. The purpose of the fellowship is to prepare students and teachers for challenges and adventures of active participation in school life through modeling for others. No local dues are assessed. Membership in the national organization is optional.

FIRST PRIORITY – First Priority is an interdenominational organization that focuses on fellowship, leadership, and character building in order to serve as role models to edify the student body. Membership is open to all THS students.

FUTURE FAMERS OF AMERICA – FFA is not a “club.” It is one of three integral components of an agricultural education program: classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience and life skills. THS students who are enrolled in at least one of many agricultural education classes are eligible for membership in this national organization. The National FFA organization and the Texas High School FFA Chapter is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The FFA motto gives members twelve short words to live by as they experience the opportunities in the organization. “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” Come join us! We look forward to serving with you.

INTERACT - Interact is the high school division of Rotary International. Its members’ focus is on improving the environment, the community and Texas High School. Interact strives to maintain a strong emphasis on promoting high ethical standards among its members and on working through the community for unity, understanding, and peace. Students apply for membership and dues are assessed.

INTERNATIONAL CLUB – The International Club gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures. Students will develop insight into the nature of other cultures and languages and compare these to their own .Students will seek personal enrichment by participating in activities related to world cultures and become lifelong learners by sharing these experiences with family and community. International Club will meet six times during the school year. Officers will be appointed from upper level Spanish and French classes. Dues will be assessed. Membership is open to all THS students.

KEY CLUB – The Key Club is the oldest and largest service program for high school students. What makes Key Club so successful is the fact that it is a student-led organization that teaches leadership through serving others. Members of the Kiwanis International family, Key Club members build themselves as they build their schools and communities. Any student in grades 9-12 is eligible for membership. Key Club International is an organization of individual Key Clubs and is funded by nominal dues paid by every member. The Key Club motto is “Caring – Our Way of Life.”

LITTLE THEATRE COMPANY - The Little Theatre is an organization that aims to establish and advance standards of excellence in theatre arts. LTC is focused on student achievement in theatre arts, support of theatrical opportunities in the community, and becoming effective audience members. Students are given the opportunity to participate in school and community theatrical events while also learning theatre games, acting techniques, and team building. Membership is open to the entire student body.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY - The B. B. Lawson Chapter of the National Honor Society was founded with the purpose of recognizing and encouraging academic achievement. This service organization helps in the development of other characteristics essential to citizens in a democracy. These characteristics include service, leadership, and character. The purpose of the organization is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in individuals. The election and induction into membership is set by the local chapter’s constitution in accordance with the national division of National Honor Society. All current tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students who have maintained at least a 90% unweighted cumulative GPA are eligible for consideration into membership. Elections and formal induction ceremonies are conducted in the spring.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CLUB – The Outdoor Adventure Club [ODAC] exists to unite a common bond among students interested in outdoor activities. ODAC provides opportunities for students to develop outdoor skills through educational, social and recreational activities. ODAC fosters a respect for the outdoors while promoting high standards of outdoor skills and outdoor safety. Membership is open to all students at Texas High School. Membership dues are assessed.

PSYCHOLOGY CLUB - The purpose of the THS Psychology Club is to provide a forum for the advancement of psychology, to provide an opportunity for constructive social gathering, and to provide information regarding careers in the field of psychology. The club will host guest speakers, promote “Brain Awareness Week,” and will sponsor special events supporting psychology education. The Psychology Club is open to any student interested in Psychology.

QUILL AND SCROLL - Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society for High School Journalists is an organization for high school journalists organized for the purpose of encouraging and recognizing achievement in journalism and scholastic publications. Membership is available to juniors and seniors who have achieved superior work in journalism or student publications.

RISK CLUB – The Risk Club is an organization that allows students to enhance their World Geography knowledge, develop their math skills, build teamwork, enhance their communication skills, adapting to changing circumstances, and problem solving. Any student enrolled at Texas High School is eligible if they maintain school discipline and academic standards.

ROSEBUD JUNIOR GARDEN CLUB – Rosebuds is an organization sponsored by the Rose Garden Club and is affiliated with the Texas and National Councils of Garden Clubs. Membership applications may be obtained during the annual club membership drive sponsored early in the fall by student council. New memberships are open to students in Grade 10 and to transfer students in Grades 11 and 12. Memberships are for three years or until graduation. Membership requirements are a grade average of 90 or above and an agreement to participate in the club projects. Club projects include weekly flower arrangements for the school office, posters promoting projects, a Christmas tea honoring teachers, plants for the school and community in observance of Arbor Day, community-wide flower show arrangements, and Christmas gifts for needy children. Membership dues are assessed.

SENIOR BUMS - Any senior may join the “Bums” by purchasing a t-shirt. The “Bums” sponsor the annual Bacon Fry on Friday morning of the Texas/Arkansas game. They also have a designated place to sit at pep rallies and lead the senior yell.

STATISTICS CLUB - Statistics Club is open for any juniors or seniors currently enrolled in AP Statistics. The purpose of this organization is to provide students the opportunity to meet and to promote further interest in the study of statistics and how it affects daily life. Helping all Texas High students understand the importance and implications of statistical procedures and applications is the primary focus of the organization.

THS STUDENT COUNCIL – The Texas High Student Council is a hard working organization devoted to school spirit, community volunteer activities and student leadership. Any student with a 70 average in all classes may work-on to the council the first six weeks of school by fulfilling three projects. A student may choose to become a candidate to serve as a class officer or class representative during a school wide election each spring. THS Student Council is a yearly sweepstakes winner at the district and state levels. The council is divided into three state approved committee groups. The DASH (Drug, Alcohol, Safety, Health) committee conducts several blood drives and promotes education on related issues. DASH is actively involved with Race for the Cure and Bringing Hope Home. The Energy and Environment committee promotes conservation through paper recycling and education on energy conservation ideas. The Pride and Patriotism committee promotes school spirit by sponsoring STUCO Night at various sporting events and patriotism through THS Remembers. Texas High Student Council has logged over 10,000 volunteer hours each year for the past three years.
THS Student Council Objectives:

To promote student activity To promote unity within THS To develop student leaders To develop educated responsible citizens

The Tiger – The Tiger is a state and national award-winning yearbook produced by the students at Texas High School. Students may apply to be on staff during the spring of their freshman, sophomore, or junior years. As staff members, students learn design, photography, typography and writing techniques. Advanced yearbook students may also apply for leadership roles as editors.

The Tiger Times - Texas High School’s student newspaper, The Tiger Times, focuses on covering issues and events as they relate to the student body and community. Students may apply to be on staff during the spring of their freshman, sophomore, or junior years. Student reporters learn advanced writing skills in news, feature, headline, and editorial writing. Other topics include design and photography. Advanced newspaper students may also apply for leadership roles as editors.

SADD – SADD [Students Against Destructive Decisions] is a peer leadership organization dedicated to preventing destructive decisions, particularly underage drinking, drug use, impaired driving, teen violence and teen depression and suicide. This group is open to all students and is instrumental when the high school observes special events such as Red Ribbon Week, The Great American Smoke Out, and Kick Butts Day. Additionally, the group participates in service projects to benefit the school and community. Activities to promote healthy lifestyle choices are ongoing.

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF FUTURE EDUCATORS – T.A.F.E. is a statewide organization that offers high school students the opportunity to explore the teaching profession. We hold meetings, participate in fundraisers, and support volunteer efforts in our community. At the state level, students can participate in workshops, contests, scholarships programs and summer camps. The club is open to all grade levels and students are encouraged to enroll in Ready, Set, Teach during their junior and senior years.

UIL ACADEMICS - The University Interscholastic League offers the most comprehensive literary and academic competitive program in the nation. UIL Academics exists to complement the academic curriculum, and is designed to motivate students as they acquire higher levels of knowledge, to challenge students to confront issues of importance, and to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of specific skills. Participation teaches that it is a privilege and an honor to represent one’s school. Self-motivation and intellectual curiosity are essential to the best academic participants. Leadership and citizenship experiences through interschool activities help prepare students for a more useful and wholesome life. And it’s fun!! Academic contests offered on the high school level include: Accounting, Calculator Applications, Computer Applications, Computer Science, Current Events and Issues, CX Debate, Informative Speaking, Journalism, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Literary Criticism, Mathematics, Number Sense, One Act Play, Persuasive Speaking, Poetry Interpretation, Prose Interpretation, Ready Writing, Science, Social Studies, Spelling and Vocabulary.

VICA - The purposes of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America are to unite students in career and technology classes giving them a chance to develop leadership skills and to plan and organize together. Students learn to develop a deep respect for the dignity of good work and to promote a high standard of workmanship, scholarship, trade ethics, and safety; to create a sincere interest in the welfare of vocational-industrial education among students, teachers, business, and industry; to develop attitudes that will make students active and productive citizens; and to inform students on how industry works and that each worker depends on the work of others. VICA has local, district, state, and national meetings. Dues are assessed. Eligibility for VICA is based on the following course enrollment:

Cosmetology VICA - all cosmetology students Graphic Arts VICA - all students enrolled in the graphic arts program Building Maintenance VICA – all students enrolled in the building maintenance program