Academic Activities
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
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.
Special Factors: Students must wear professional attire and attend weekend retreats in November and March.
Parent Participation: None
Known Conflicts: Saturday mornings due to tournaments
Outspoken - Poetry Club
Sponsor: Alyssa Strzalka
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season dates: Year round
Weekly schedule: Biweekly lunch meetings
Cost: None
Special factors: Possible performance readings
Parent participation: None
Known conflicts: None
Ratio Academic Journal
Sponsor: Luke Regan
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season dates: Year round
Weekly schedule: Coordinated with Mr. Regan
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: Gerard Cruz
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
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.
WYSE
Sponsor: Luke Regan
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.
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: Steve Thonn
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
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Year-Round
Weekly Schedule: Lunch Wednesday lunches in Room 1012
Cost: None
Purpose: Provide 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 watercoloring, bullet journalling, card making, mixed media, embroidery, and more!
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
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
Participants: Unlimited
Season Dates: Year-round
Weekly Schedule: Every other week on Wednesdays at lunch
Cost: None
Service Project Club
Sponsors: Eric Bowling
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
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. Retreat in August. Participation in student activities and spiritual life at Wheaton Academy expected regularly.
Cost: Approximately $80-100 for various items and activities
Special Factors: None
Known Conflicts: None
Mission Statement: To learn and practice Kingdom leadership in the context of our campus, local, and global communities. Learn more about Project LEAD here.
Student Council
Sponsors: Jim Holtrop, Lauren Spitler
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
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
Participants: 14-18. Participants are chosen by application and audition in the spring of the previous year
Open to: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: August retreat; active during the entire school year
Weekly Schedule: 2-hour evening rehearsals; 7:15 a.m. on days when playing in chapel
Cost: Approximately $50 for various items and activities
Special Factors: None
Parent Participation: Parents are encouraged to attend a year-end dinner and pray regularly for the team
Known Conflicts: None
Media
Video Club
Sponsor: Matt Hockett
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: August-June
Weekly Schedule: Lunch meeting once a month for training and to discuss details of schedule; opportunities throughout the week to produce events (chapels, TV reports, sporting 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
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
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: none
Climbing Club
Sponsor: Luke Regan
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
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Dependent on weather
Weekly Schedule: Biweekly meetings
Cost: None
Special Factors: Personal fishing equipment required.
Gaming Club
Sponsor: David Rivera
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Year-round
Weekly Schedule: Mondays at lunch in Library to play video gamer; 1 night per month to play board games TBD; 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
Participants: Unlimited
Open to: Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Season Dates: Fall & Spring
Weekly Schedule: Tuesday nights, some Saturdays
Cost: $90
Special Factors: Students need to apply for IL FOID card
World Cultures
Kairos
Sponsors: Davona Reynolds, Charity Moon
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