Academic Activities
ACES Academic Challenge
Sponsor: Luke Regan
Description: Players practice and compete by taking challenging tests in their area of strength. This dramatically improves a student’s test taking skills, increasing the potential for success on various college entrance exams.
Participants: Up to 14
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Regional competition held in early February, with winners advancing to the sectional finals in March, and state finals in April.
Weekly Schedule: Individual practices by appointment, with team practice times built around players’ schedules.
Cost: None
Special Factors: Players practice and compete by taking challenging tests in their area of strength. This dramatically improves a student’s test taking skills, increasing the potential for success on various college entrance exams. High placement on the state finals exam results in a scholarship to University of Illinois School of Engineering.
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: Given the specialized practice format, there are few to no conflicts.
Business Club
Sponsors: David Rivera, Phil Strzalka
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: August-May
Weekly Schedule: Weekly lunch meeting
Cost: $50
Special Factors: The Business Club will incorporate the DECA Program. Students will enter competitions to display their knowledge in many different aspects of business. We will also be attending a leadership seminar in the fall. For more information visit www.deca.org.
Parent Participation: Involvement is invited, but not required.
Known Conflicts: None; open participation
Car Club
Sponsor: Patrick Thompson
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Year-Round
Weekly Schedule: Minimum once a month, usually Fridays
Cost: None
Special Factors: Our meeting space is up to club consensus (since we don’t have a designated place at the school)
Makers Club
Sponsor: Josh Burick
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Fall through Spring
Weekly Schedule: Formal meetings once a week during lunch where we will create a weekly schedule for whenever students want to come in and work
Cost: Free unless student wants to pursue a more expensive project that is not covered by club budget.
Special Factors: Makers Club is for all students with flexible schedules that empowers students to use their creative skills in making practically whatever they like. All sorts of technology will be used in the Maker Space ranging from 3D printing to Laser CNC technology to the classic scissors and glue gun. At the beginning of the school year, students complete a small, fun project and then are given a personal budget to complete a project of their choosing. Examples range from Star Wars models, to RC cars, to class projects, to marshmallow guns and more. An ultimate goal is to submit a project to the Maker Faire in downtown Chicago each April!
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: None
Mock Trial Team
Sponsors: Doug Hardy & Nate Leman
Description: Want to strengthen your public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation skills? Interested in a legal career? Join Mock Trial to compete with other schools in trial simulations.
Participants: 8-20. Participants are chosen by application and test score
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Mid-November tryouts; November-December practices; January-March season
Weekly Schedule: 2-3 practices per week after school and Saturday mornings, 12-15 hours per week early season; 15-18 hours per week February–March.
Cost: Approximately $100 for various items and activities.
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: Saturday mornings due to tournaments
Outspoken - Poetry Club
Sponsor: Alyssa Strzalka
Description: The Outspoken Poetry Club is a place for writers to come together and enjoy community. The club is not jut for poetry-students can bring any type of creative writing pieces they are working onto get feedback and encouragement. We are led by a group of students who walk their peers through writing exercises and mini lessons on specific skills. We also participate in community building opportunities like writing sidewalk chalk poems and helping put on coffee houses.
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season dates: Year round
Weekly schedule: Weekly lunch meetings
Cost: None
Special factors: Possible performance readings
Parent participation: None
Known conflicts: None
Ratio Academic Journal
Sponsor: Luke Regan
Description: Ratio is a peer-reviewed journal for Wheaton Academy students to publish their academic work. Students who work on Ratio help edit, design, and print the newest edition of the journal. This club is for students who are interested in writing and publishing, especially in academic and technical areas.
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season dates: Year round
Weekly schedule: Seasonal lunch meetings based around the publication schedule
Cost: None
Physica (Physics Club)
Sponsors: James Brannon
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Open to all classes
Season Dates: Year round
Weekly Schedule: Everyday Wednesday at 3:15PM in Room 127 (Mr Tollefsen’s classroom)
Cost: N/A
Special Factors: N/A
Parent Participation: N/A
Known Conflicts: potentially conflict with sports practice
Robotics Club
Sponsor: Luke Regan
Description: The purpose of the club is to design, build, and program robots for competition each year in FIRST Tech Challenge. Students need to commit. Students must be self-driven and be able to problem solve in competition settings.
Participants: Team size is maximum of 8
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: September-February
Weekly Schedule: The season begins mid-September when the game is released. We complete one Saturday each month from October to January. The regional tournament is in February. Dates, times, and location(s) are finalized early in the season.
Cost: None
Special Factors: The purpose of the club is to design, build, and program robots for competition each year in FIRST Tech Challenge. Students need to commit. Students must be self-driven and be able to problem solve in competition settings.
Scholastic Bowl
Sponsors: Evan Jasper, David Tollefsen
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Competitions take place from late October through the first week of March
Weekly Schedule: One team practice per week. Conference matches take place Tuesdays from late October through early December. Between 2 and 3 all-day Saturday tournaments are scheduled from late October through early March.
Cost: Lunch money for Saturday tournaments plus approximately $25 for t-shirt
Special Factors: Players need not be experts in academic study or performance, they simply must be willing to learn, compete, and have fun!
Parent Participation: Communication concerning potential conflicts with competition schedule. Participation in dinners in September and March.
Known Conflicts: Winter sports
Science Bowl
Sponsor: Luke Regan
Description: Players will compete in local academic challenges and engage in interesting scientific opportunities. This club is for students who want to participate in additional STEM-based challenges, especially those who prefer to focus on individual competitions instead of weekly practices.
Participants: Up to 10
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: First competition in November. Season may continue through late April.
Weekly Schedule: Individual practices by appointment, with team practice times built around players’ schedules.
Cost: None
Special Factors: Participants should have a passion for science, math and/or computer science. Players will also benefit from familiarity with the quiz bowl format, but it is not required for participation on the team.
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: Given the specialized practice format, there are few to no conflicts.
Theology Club
Description: This club is for those who want to deepen their faith and understanding of God by studying and discussing theology. Our understanding of God and His nature deeply shape our faith and the way we live our lives. In this club we discuss different theological topics with the goal of coming to a deeper understanding of God. As we grow in our understanding of God, our worship of God becomes more meaningful.
Sponsor: Brad Musso
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: August to June
Weekly Schedule: Meet every other Friday for lunch
Cost: Free, may require you to buy a book
Athletics Activities
Baseball (JV & Varsity)
Head Coach: Justin Swider
Participants: 20 maximum per team
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior boys
Season Dates: Late February-June
Weekly Schedule: Monday-Friday, 3:00-5:30 p.m. practice, 4:30-7:00 p.m. home games, some Saturdays with double headers
Cost: Approximately $150 for various items and activities
Special Factors: Summer baseball June-July; practices, varsity trip during spring break (additional fees)
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent.
Known Conflicts: Spring activities. Contact the coach for details.
Boys Basketball (Freshman, Sophomore, & Varsity)
Head Coach: Brad Byrne
Participants: 12-13 per team
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior boys
Season Dates: November-February
Weekly Schedule: Approximately four 2-hour practices and 2 games each week
Cost: Approximately $200 for various items and activities
Special Factors: Summer league, summer camp, Thanksgiving tournament, varsity practices during Christmas break, and possible Winterim trip for sophomore and varsity teams.
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent.
Known Conflicts: Fall, winter, early spring activities and possibly Winterim. Contact the coach for details.
Girls Basketball (JV, & Varsity)
Head Coach: Erin Carwell
Participants: 12-15 per team
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior girls
Season Dates: November-February
Weekly Schedule: 2-3 games per week, practice Monday-Friday
Cost: Approximately $200 for various items and activities
Special Factors: Summer league, summer camp, JV and Varsity practice and games during and post Christmas break and during Winterim
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent.
Known Conflicts: Fall, winter, early spring activities, and possibly Winterim. Contact the coach for details.
Cross Country, Co-ed (JV & Varsity)
Head Coach: Chris Felinski
Participants: Unlimited – must be able to demonstrate the conditioning standard of being able to run 3 miles in under 25:30 for boys and under 27:00 for girls the first day of practice
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: August-November
Weekly Schedule: Monday-Friday, 3:20-5:30 p.m., Saturday meets
Cost: Approximately $130 for various items and activities
Special Factors: Summer training: three days a week in June & July
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent.
Known Conflicts: Fall activities. Contact the coach for specifics.
Football (JV & Varsity)
Head Coach: Jim Johanik
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior boys
Season Dates: August-October
Weekly Schedule: One game, practice 3:30-6:00 p.m. after school, some Saturdays
Cost: Approximately $150 for various items and activities
Special Factors: Camp Dates: June and July. Players must have 12 days of practice before playing in a game.
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent.
Known Conflicts: Fall activities. Contact the coach for specifics
Boys Golf (JV & Varsity)
Head Coach: Bob Broman
Participants: 9 per team
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior boys
Season Dates: August-October
Weekly Schedule: 2-3 hours on non-match days, 3-4 hours for home matches, 4+ hours for away matches, periodic Saturday events
Cost: Approximately $75 for various items and activities
Special Factors: Must have golf clubs
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent.
Known Conflicts: Fall activities. Contact the coach for details.
Girls Golf (JV & Varsity)
Head Coach: Chip Dykema
Participants: 9-15
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior girls
Season Dates: August-October
Weekly Schedule: 2-3 hours, 2-3 days a week. 3-4 hours for home matches. 4+ hours for away matches
Cost: Approximately $75 for various items and activities
Special Factors: Must have golf clubs
Parent Participation: As requested by the coach and team parent.
Known Conflicts: Fall activities. Contact the coach for details.
Lacrosse (JV & Varsity)
Head Coach: Geof Weisenborn
Participants: 20 players on each team
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior boys
Season Dates: March 1-end of May
Weekly Schedule: 2 hours a day, 5 days a week; 15 game season
Cost: Approximately $300 for various items and activities, plus purchase or rental of lacrosse equipment and uniform
Special Factors: Pre-season strength and conditioning program in early November. Student-led lacrosse games are held Wednesday mornings before school from January-February. Players encouraged to play in a weekly winter indoor lacrosse league. All athletes, regardless of prior experience, are encouraged to try out.
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent.
Known Conflicts: Spring activities. Contact the coach for details.
Sideline Cheerleading
Head Coach: Leah Rinker
Participants: 14-16
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior girls
Season Dates: August-October; November-February
Weekly Schedule: 2-3 practices per week
Cost: Approximately $100 for various items and activities
Special Factors: None
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent.
Known Conflicts: Fall activities. Contact the coach for details.
Boys Soccer (JV & Varsity)
Head Coach: Cody Snouffer
Participants: 18-22 per team
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior boys
Season Dates: August-October
Weekly Schedule: 20 hours a week
Cost: Approximately $250 for various items and activities
Special Factors: Most players play club or indoor soccer during the off-season.
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent.
Known Conflicts: Fall activities. Contact the coach for details
Girls Soccer (JV & Varsity)
Head Coach: Maria Selvaggio
Participants: 18-22 per team
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior girls
Season Dates: Late February-May
Weekly Schedule: Practice or games 6 days per week, 3:30-5:15 p.m. games done by 9:00 p.m.
Cost: Approximately $250 for various items and activities
Special Factors: Varsity practices & tournament over spring break; overnight trip during season
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent.
Known Conflicts: Spring activities, spring break. Contact the coach for details.
Softball (JV)
Head Coach: Autumn Ratliff
Participants: 13-16 girls
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior girls
Season Dates: Late February-May
Weekly Schedule: 2-hour practices every day after school and morning practices on Saturdays; weekday and Saturday games
Cost: Approximately $150 for various items and activities
Special Factors: Non-mandatory workouts September-February; private lessons encouraged. Possible spring break trip for varsity.
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent.
Known Conflicts: Spring activities, spring break. Contact the coach for details.
Boys & Girls Swimming
Head Coach: Kiernan Mack
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: November-February
Weekly Schedule: Dependent on club team
Cost: Dependent on club team
Special Factors: Participate in State tournament with Wheaton Academy and all other participation is with club team
Parent Participation: Travel for State tournament and club team
Known Conflicts: Winter and spring activities. Contact the coach for specifics.
Boys Tennis (JV, Varsity)
Head Coach: Chip Dykema
Participants: 10-13 per team
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior boys
Season Dates: March-May
Weekly Schedule: Practices or matches every day after school
Cost: Approximately $150 for various items and activities
Special Factors: Racquet required. Private lessons and out-of-season training are highly recommended.
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent.
Known Conflicts: Spring activities. Contact the coach for details.
Girls Tennis (JV, Varsity)
Head Coach: Joel Visker
Participants: 10-13 per team
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior girls
Season Dates: August-October
Weekly Schedule: Practice or match every day after school and most Saturdays
Cost: Approximately $100 for various items and activities
Special Factors: WA summer tennis camp, private lessons, and out-of-season training highly recommended
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent.
Known Conflicts: Fall activities. Contact the coach for details.
Track (Co-Ed)
Head Boys Coach: Chris Felinski
Head Girls Coach: Daniel Ball
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Late February through end of May for outdoor track
Weekly Schedule: Outdoor Track and Field 2- hour practices, 5 days a week, and 12 outdoor meets
Cost: Approximately $115 for various items and activities
Special Factors: None
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent.
Known Conflicts: Spring activities. Contact the coach for details.
Girls Volleyball (Freshmen, JV, Varsity)
Head Coach: D.A. Nichols
Participants: 10-12 per team
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior girls
Season Dates: August– mid-November
Weekly Schedule: 2-hour daily practices, weekend tournaments, off-season open gym, Labor Day weekend tournament and practice
Cost: Approximately $250-400 for various items and activities
Special Factors: Summer program, performance training, and open gyms strongly encouraged.
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent.
Known Conflicts: Fall activities. Contact the coach for details.
Boys Volleyball (JV & Varsity)
Head Coach: D.A. Nichols
Participants: 10-12 per team
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior boys
Season Dates: March-early May
Weekly Schedule: 2-hour daily practices, weekend tournaments
Cost: $200-300 for various items and activities
Special Factors: Summer program, performance training, and open gyms strongly encouraged
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent. See page 30 for details.
Known Conflicts: End of winter activities and spring activities. Contact the coach for details.
Wrestling (JV & Varsity)
Assistant Coach: Justin Swider
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior boys
Season Dates: November-February
Weekly Schedule: Practices every day after school, some weekend tournaments, regional, sectional, and state tournaments
Cost: Approximately $125 for various items and activities
Special Factors: Camp is encouraged.
Parent Participation: As requested by coach and team parent. See page 30 for details.
Known Conflicts: Winter activities. Contact the coach for specifics.
Fine Arts Activities
Artisan Craft Club
Sponsor: Rachael Burick
Description: This club provides a space and time for students to bring personal crafts to work on during lunch as well as teach crafting techniques to those who want to learn and work on a project. Crafts include simple water coloring, bullet journaling, card making, mixed media, embroidery, and more!
Description:
Climbing club is open to all students who are interested in learning how to rock climb and want to go climbing together. While we will learn how to rock climb safely and improve our strength and technique, the focus of the club is building a safe and respectful climbing community that enjoys spending time together.
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Year-Round
Weekly Schedule: Wednesday lunches in Room 1012
Cost: None
Camerata Chamber Music
Sponsor: Steve Willemssen
Participants: 10-15; by audition
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior band and orchestra students
Season Dates: First semester
Weekly Schedule: Mondays or Tuesdays mornings 7:00-7:50 a.m.; various community performances throughout the school year
Cost: None
Special Factors: Open by audition
Parent Participation: Transportation to morning rehearsals
Known Conflicts: None
Chanson: Women's A Cappella Ensemble
Pronounced “shan-SAHN” (French word translated “Song”)
Sponsor: Joel Visker
Music Style: Pop a capella
Participants: 12-20 students
Open to: Freshman, Sophomore, junior and senior students enrolled in choral ensembles, instrumental ensembles, or Intro to Musical Theatre
Season Dates: Year-round
Weekly Schedule: Friday mornings, 7:00-7:55 a.m.
Cost: None
Special Factors: Perform in a variety of community performances throughout the school year
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: None
Fall/Winter Show
Sponsor: Corbett Burick
Participants: 10-20; by audition
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: September-October
Weekly Schedule: Rehearsals 3-4 times per week; dress rehearsal week; two-four performances in October
Cost: Tickets and $20 for optional sweatshirt
Special Factors: One week of evening dress rehearsals
Parent Participation: Meals during rehearsal week
Known Conflicts: Fall sports and other fall activities. Contact the sponsor for details.
Furnace Company Dance Team
Sponsor: Abby Woelfel
Participants: By audition
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: August retreat; auditions are twice a year (September and May)
Weekly Schedule: Rehearsals two times a week; performances throughout the year; November tour; occasional early morning practice.
Cost: $60 for retreat; $300-$500 for tour
Special Factors: Tour is in November.
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: Most sports. Contact the sponsor for details.
Furnace Company Improv Team
Sponsor: Steve Mantel
Participants: 15-25; by audition
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: August retreat; auditions twice a year (September and May)
Weekly Schedule: Rehearsals twice a week; performances throughout the year; November tour
Cost: $60 for retreat; $300-$500 for tour
Special Factors: Tour is in November.
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: Most sports. Contact the sponsor for details.
Jazz Ensemble
Sponsor: Steve Willemssen
Participants: 15-30; by audition
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior band and orchestra students
Season Dates: September-May
Weekly Schedule: Rehearsals Thursdays or Fridays before school
Cost: None
Special Factors: None
Parent Participation: Transportation to morning rehearsals
Known Conflicts: None
KANTOREI: Mixed A Cappella Ensemble
Pronounced “KAHN-tor-eye” (German word translated “Choir”)
Mixed Ensemble comprised of students who demonstrate advanced vocal music skills, understanding of harmony, and the ability learn quickly. Perform in Evening of Classics, annual choral concerts, WA assemblies, and in the community.
Sponsor: Joel Visker
Music styles: Pop Acappella, Vocal Jazz, one Renaissance Motet/Madriga
Participants: 8-12 students (auditions will be held in early fall)
Open to: Junior and senior choral or instrumental students
Season Dates: Year-Round
Weekly Schedule: Weekly practice Tuesday mornings, 7:00-7:55 a.m.
Cost: None
Special Factors: None
Parent Participation: Transportation to 7:00 a.m. rehearsal
Known Conflicts: None
Pep Band
Sponsor: Steve Willemssen
Participants: 15-30; by audition
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior band and orchestra students
Season Dates: September-May
Weekly Schedule: Rehearsals Thursdays or Fridays before school
Cost: None
Special Factors: None
Parent Participation: Transportation to morning rehearsals
Known Conflicts: None
Spring Musical
Sponsor: Corbett Burick
Participants: 60-70 in cast; by audition
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: January-March; auditions in December
Weekly Schedule: Dependent on role, 4-5 times per week after school, and on Saturdays
Cost: Tap shoes and $20 for optional sweatshirt
Special Factors: One week of evening dress rehearsals; rehearsal on President’s Day
Parent Participation: Meals during rehearsal week; intermission desserts
Known Conflicts: Varsity girls and boys basketball, indoor track, and wrestling. Contact the sponsor for details.
Spring Musical Crews
Sponsors:
Nancy Burick (Costumes)
Josh Burick (Set Construction/Design)
Rachel Burick (Tech)
Lauren Spitler (Stage)
Angela Broman (Props)
Leah Rinker (Hair & Make-up)
Jim Holtrop (Servers)
Participants: Unlimited; by sign up
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: February-March
Weekly Schedule: Approximately 2 hours after school, some Saturdays and all show dates. Contact sponsor for detailed schedule.
Cost: $20 for optional sweatshirt
Special Factors: Contact the sponsor for details.
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: None
Spring Musical Pit Orchestra
Sponsor: Steve Willemssen
Participants: 20-30; by audition
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior band and orchestra students
Season Dates: January-March
Weekly Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30-6:00 p.m. in January and February; more often during dress rehearsal and performance weeks
Cost: $20 for optional sweatshirt
Special Factors: Contact the sponsor for details.
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: Varsity girls and boys basketball, indoor track, and wrestling. Contact the sponsor for details.
Tech Crew
Sponsor: Rachael Burick, Joe Jones
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors after they receive training
Season Dates: Year-Round
Weekly Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15-5:15 p.m. during participating events
Cost: None
Special Factors: Training by sponsors required
Community Service
Local Service Opportunities
Service Opportunities: Replanted Ministry, Puente Del Pueblo, Youth Service Bureau, DuPagePads, and New Name and Bridal Boutique
Sponsors: Leah Rinker & Hollee Ball
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: October-May
Weekly Schedule: TBD
Cost: None
Special Factors: Project LEAD will continue to make local service opportunities available to those who want to grow in Christ through serving opportunities.
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: None; open participation
Kingdom Community Student Group
Sponsors: Brian Hogan
Description: Our Kingdom Community student group meets weekly for discussion and prayer as we seek to navigate our world today. Foundationally, we want to learn about God’s Kingdom and consider our responsibility to demonstrate its character here on earth. How we treat others is our greatest opportunity to reflect the heart of God and to live like Jesus. As a result, we talk extensively about relationships. We value everyone’s story and strive to know each other at a heart level, not only on the surface. We discuss how to encourage one another, how to listen, and how to speak the truth in love. We learn how to handle conflict and how to represent Christ when it arises. This group provides a safe space to process and pray, to be challenged and encouraged as we strive to live God’s Kingdom in our Wheaton Academy community.
Participants: Unlimited
Season Dates: Year-round
Weekly Schedule: Wednesdays at lunch
Cost: None
Service Project Club
Sponsors: Eric Bowling
Description: By participating in the Service Project Club, you’ll help others, learn leadership skills, and serve those around you. Our projects help to meet needs in the surrounding community or on campus.
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Year-round
Weekly Schedule: Monthly meetings on campus. Service projects TBD on a monthly basis.
Cost: None
Purpose: To raise awareness of service and service opportunities and serve on our campus and in our communities.
Leadership
Class Activities and Events
Class Sponsors: Jim Holtrop, Lauren Spitler
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Year-round
Weekly Schedule: Opportunities for participation will be announced throughout the year.
Cost: Varies by event
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: None
National Honor Society
Sponsor: Trish Main
Participants: Unlimited. Participants who meet the criteria listed below are invited to apply in September. After a review of the applications, acceptance is verified in October.
Open to: Invitations are extended to Juniors & Seniors who have been enrolled full time at Wheaton Academy for at least 2 semesters and meet the high standards of scholarship (minimum of 3.6 cumulative GPA), Christian character, leadership, and service.
Season Dates: Induction ceremony in November, year-round responsibilities
Weekly Schedule: None. Students are required to complete ten (10) hours of pre-approved off-campus service and a minimum of four (4) hours of on-campus service before the end of the school year.
Cost: None
Special Factors: Our society is a part of the nation-wide program that was originally chartered in 1934.
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: None
Project LEAD
Head Sponsor: Eric Bowling
Description: We believe that you have an incredible ability to influence the world around you. The Student Leadership Program at Wheaton Academy will develop and equip you to serve and build God’s Kingdom on our campus, in community, and throughout the world. Everyone has the ability to lead because leadership is serving and positively influencing others. In order to grow as a leader, you will be provided with authentic leadership opportunities at Wheaton Academy.
Participants: Unlimited. Participants are chosen by application and acceptance in April of students’ junior year.
Open to: Seniors—application and interview process completed by the end of junior year
Season Dates: Mid-April of students’ junior year to late-May senior year
Weekly Schedule: 4-8 hours/week; evening meetings every two weeks. Participation in student activities and spiritual life at Wheaton Academy is expected regularly.
Cost: No fees
Special Factors: None
Known Conflicts: None
Mission Statement: Learn more about Project LEAD here.
Student Council
Sponsors: Jim Holtrop, Lauren Spitler
Description: Student Council offers students the opportunity to provide and lead the student body with inclusive and fun activities. If you enjoy planning activities and sharing ideas to mold the culture of the social life of the school, Student Council is for you. This is a great place to start developing your leadership skills and passions before applying to Project Lead.
Participants: Participants are chosen by application and acceptance in the spring of the previous school year
Open to: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: August-May
Weekly Schedule: Meetings twice a month during lunch; extra meetings during Homecoming
Cost: None
Special Factors: Must attend all student activities, including Homecoming, Christmas Soiree, and Sock Hop.
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: None
WA Student Reps
Sponsors: Amy Hogan, Amy Burdett
Description:WA Student Reps are ambassadors of Wheaton Academy and assist the Admissions Department during the school year. As ambassadors of Wheaton Academy, student representatives are responsible for making our visitors feel welcome and important. WA Reps help at all Admissions events throughout the year, serving in a variety of ways such as: leading tours, hosting shadows, mingling with new families & students, energizing middle school students at events, welcoming visitors, helping in the Admission Office, and more.
Participants: Participants are chosen by application in fall
Open to: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Year-round
Weekly Schedule: Participation as needed.
Cost: None
Special Factors: Separate evening and daytime events
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: None
Worship Team
Sponsors: Evan Jasper & Brian Hogan
Description: The Worship Team is a place for students to both use and grow their talents in a chapel setting and on a few worship nights. Students lead others in worship via vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, drums, bass, cello, violin, and by running the sound system, lighting system, projection of lyrics, and live stream mixing. We learn more about worshiping God and get to do so together in a fun community atmosphere. You also learn skills that can carry over into leading worship at your own church.
Open to: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Participants: 25-30. Participants are chosen by application and audition in the spring of the previous year
Season Dates: August retreat; active during the entire school year
Weekly Schedule: 2-hour evening rehearsals and 1-hour morning rehearsals; schedule changes week to week depending upon chapel schedule and student availability
Cost: Approximately $50 for various items and activities
Special Factors: None
Parent Participation: Parents are encouraged to pray regularly for the team
Known Conflicts: None
Media
E-Sports: Smash Brothers and Rocket League
Sponsors: Luke Reagan and Jim Holtrop
Description: The E-Sports teams represent Wheaton Academy in competitions against other schools in our conference. We also meet informally during the week to build community and compete against other students at our school. E-Sports is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and everyone who is interested is welcome to join.
Open to: All students
When: Every Thursday after school and one Saturday TBD
Place: Library
Prerequisite: A Nintendo Switch preferred but not required.
Special Factors: Students play video games against other MSC school teams and compete in final all school Saturday tournament
Cost: None
Video Club
Sponsor: Matt Hockett
Description: More and more businesses and colleges are looking for students with 21st century skills, not just knowledge and education. Some of the many skills we teach through our livestream program are: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, technology, media, and leadership. Join our livestream team and begin to make a difference in our world.
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: August-June
Weekly Schedule: Optional lunch meeting once a month; unlimited opportunities for sign-up to produce chapels, sporting events, school activities and fine arts events
Cost: Shirt (optional)
Special Factors: There are a variety of positions available: Camera Operator, Commentators and Play-by-Play Announcers, Audio Engineer, Assistant Director, Director, Graphic Designer, Production Assistant
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: None; open participation
Yearbook
Sponsors: Lauren Spitler & Jim Holtrop
Description: Yearbook offers an opportunity for any student to be involved in documenting the school year. Students that enjoy graphic design, writing, and/or photography will enjoy developing and/or discovering new skills in the Yearbook club. Students get to be involved with all activities on campus and enjoy the comradery of working with other yearbook members.
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: August-June
Weekly Schedule: Weekly meeting (before or after school) and work online as needed
Cost: None
Special Factors: Members are responsible for designing, creating, and formatting Wheaton Academy’s yearbook.
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: None; open participation; Seasonal participation is also an option
Recreation
Badminton Club
Sponsor: Madeline Urban
Participants: Unlimited – we only have court space for 8 players at a time, but students can rotate on and off
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Weekly Schedule: Mondays at 3:30pm in Fieldhouse Court 3 (For September, subject to change according to sports schedules)
Cost: none
Special Factors: none
Disc Club
Sponsor: David Rivera
Description: Do you love watching a piece of plastic fly through the sky? Then Disc Club might be right for you! We play Ultimate Frisbee (a cross between football and soccer) and Disc Golf (golf… but with a disc!) and are open to all skill levels. Come give this welcoming community a try!
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Weekly Schedule: Wednesdays after school for frisbee golf; every other Friday after school for Disc
Cost: none
Special Factors: Ultimate Frisbee is played year round as field/court space permits. Disc Golf is played in the Fall and Spring as the weather permits.
Climbing Club
Sponsor: Luke Regan
Description: Climbing club is open to all students who are interested in learning how to rock climb and want to go climbing together. While we will learn how to rock climb safely and improve our strength and technique, the focus of the club is building a safe and respectful climbing community that enjoys spending time together.
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Year-round
Weekly Schedule: Trips to Vertical Endeavors in Glendale Heights 2-3 times a month from 3:15- 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Climbing Team will have the opportunity to participate in 2-3 competitions throughout the year.
Cost: $10 per visit to Vertical Endeavors
Special Factors: We climb at Vertical Endeavors, a world class indoor climbing wall in Glendale Heights. Students may need to provide their own transportation.
Parent Participation: Sign liability waivers; help keep kids accountable for safety and positive mature behavior
Known Conflicts: None; open participation
Fishing Club
Sponsor: Eric Bowling
Description: So students can develop a lifelong love of fishing that allows them to better understand God’s truth about Himself and His creation. We care for the earth. We serve others. We learn how to catch fish!
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Dependent on weather
Weekly Schedule: Weekly meetings
Cost: $50
Special Factors: Personal fishing equipment required. We are members of the Student Angler Federation. We schedule several fishing “practices” at local ponds and lakes.
Gaming Club
Sponsor: David Rivera
Description: Tabletop gaming has exploded in popularity as a hobby in recent years due to strategic, innovative games like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride, which have led to thousands of new games being created, many of which with widespread appeal! In addition to their newfound popularity, board and card games are a great way to put down our phones and interact with one another face-to-face over a shared experience. Come join us for laughter, competition, and community… and don’t forget to bring a game to teach!
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Year-round
Weekly Schedule: Mondays at lunch in Library; 1 Friday night per month to play board games; Possible tournament
Cost: None
Guys' Campout
Sponsor: Sean McCallum
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior boys
Season Dates: 3rd or 4th weekend in Sept. Friday – Sunday
Weekly Schedule: Arrive at WA by 8 a.m. on Friday morning and returning to WA by 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon
Cost: $75.00 covers meals, transportation and a Campout t-shirt.
Add $25 and receive a Campout hoodie.
Special Factors: Bring a sleeping bag and pad if you have one. Hammocks are popular alternatives to a tent, but consider a tarp too. Bring a tent if you have one! Rain or shine, we’ll have a great time!
Parent Participation: WA faculty/staff chaperones include Sean McCallum (parent, visual arts faculty), Bart Gregersen (parent, student services), Joe Jones (parent, production manager), Daniel Smith (math faculty), and David Rivera (social studies faculty, international student college counselor)
Purpose and Campout Culture: Our effort to build a Kingdom Community at Wheaton Academy is rooted in our desire to see each student have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. I will continue to emphasize conduct that is appropriate for building one another up, encourages discipleship between grade levels and emphasizes student leadership through appropriate thoughts, actions and attitudes. This includes issues regarding safety both physically and emotionally, appropriate language and topics of discussion. Join with me in encouraging your kids to capitalize on this special time together for building and practicing Kingdom Community culture at Wheaton Academy. We also place great value in what we refer to as “Mature Culture” at Wheaton Academy and lean into our expectations that students conduct themselves accordingly throughout the weekend.
Maroon Platoon
Sponsor: Leah Rinker
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Determined by the Athletic calendar during the fall, winter, and spring seasons
Weekly Schedule: Evening games
Cost: None, optional clothing items
Purpose: Students lead cheers and arrange for dress-up themes at home games.
Stitch Club
Sponsor: Autumn Ratliff (Kyra Patterson will help as well)
Purpose: To allow students a creative outlet and to learn how to crochet, knit, or cross stitch
Participants: Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior girls
Weekly Schedule: Wednesdays during lunch in Room 207 (Miss Ratliff’s Room)
Cost: Cost of materials (some materials will be provided)
Experience needed: Basic to no experience and no maximum of students
Trap Team
Sponsor: Ken Ellis
Description: The trap team shoots clay pigeons thrown from a machine. The gun of choice is a 12-gauge shotgun. In addition to shooting trap, we shoot Skeet, sporting clays and 5 stand. We shoot at Saint Charles Sportsmen’s Club in Elburn. This sport is perfect to hone any hand eye sport, baseball, tennis, basketball.
Participants: 15
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Eight weeks in the Fall & eight weeks in the Spring
Weekly Schedule: Tuesday 6pm, Saturdays at noon
Cost: The cost to become a shooting member at the Club is $100. Each time we shoot there is an $11 fee for the clays and use of the machines. Students must supply the gun and ammo (school guns may be used for a limited time). Shirts and/vests are extra but not necessary.
Special Factors: Students must have an FOID card or show proof of application. It is also strongly recommended that both parents have the FOID card as well.
World Cultures
Kairos
Sponsors: Davona Reynolds, Charity Moon
Description: Kairos is a weekly meeting for our international student community where we celebrate our diversity in cultures and develop meaningful relationships. During Kairos we enjoy good food, fellowship, and fun activities. It is a great place to make new friends, and learn more about our international student community.
Participants: International students and friends
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: September-May
Weekly Schedule: Tuesday evenings, 5:00-7:00 p.m.; regular attendance encouraged to build relationships; occasional Kairos events as determined by Kairos calendar.
Cost: None
Special Factors: None
Parent Participation: Transportation needed to and from Kairos meetings and events
Known Conflicts: None
Spanish Ministry | Sin Paredes
Sponsor: Christian Rivera
Participants: Spanish students
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Year-round, including possible summer opportunities
Weekly Schedule: Thursdays during lunch and other appointed times according to ministry area: Tutoring Ministry, Christian Education Ministry, Ministry Worship Team, and Team Guatemala.
Cost: None
Special Factors: Using the Spanish language in our community.
Parent Participation: Transportation to and from school and any event or ministry location
Known Conflicts: None
Spanish Club
Sponsor: Christian Rivera
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Year-round
Weekly Schedule: TBD
Cost: None
Special Factors: None