Activities and Clubs You Should Join at NSHS!

North Scott High School students have plenty of opportunities available to them. This school emphasizes involvement—through activities, clubs, sports, and classes—as a key part of student success now and after high school. Explore a few of the many activities and clubs here at NSHS below.

Choir

Maddie Norin, a member of North Scott Choirs since 7th grade, shared her experience in choir. “Singing was always a passion for me, and I get to express it through choir,” said Maddie. At North Scott, choir allows students to express their love for music in a nurturing and involved environment. The North Scott Singers are currently preparing six pieces of music to perform at the Midwest American Choral Directors Association Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The convention is a huge opportunity for these students; they spend ample time outside of class to prepare for it, along with rehearsals, to be more confident in their hard work. Other opportunities throughout the year include auditions for All-State and Jazz Choir. Overall, choir is such a fun experience that works your brain while also enhancing your social life. Many students would benefit from the NS choir program. 

Band

Band allows students to express themselves artistically through music. Currently, the Concert and Symphonic Bands have been rehearsing music for the All-Iowa Concert Band Festival, which they will attend on Tuesday, February 17th, at Central DeWitt High School. Band students work hard to produce beautiful music as a group, and the directors always support students through that process. Outside of the regular bands, students can audition for Jazz Bands and the Funk Band, Night School. The North Scott Bands are an incredibly inviting and familial environment, creating close friendships for many of its students. As someone who has been involved in the North Scott Band program for six years, I would highly recommend that others join. Creating music and building friendships in band have been some of the highlights of my experience as a Lancer. 

Orchestra

Joshua Kane, a senior in Orchestra, shared his experience and love for the orchestra program. “It’s pretty chill, the teachers are nice, and we play good music,” said Joshua. Right now, the JV and Varsity Orchestras are getting ready for their concert later this month. Even though they have many concerts, class never feels crammed or stressful. Instead, it is fun to practice music with peers. Orchestra starts at 7:45. If students enjoy playing instruments and need something to do first thing in the morning, they should join Orchestra!

FBLA

Mrs. Oltman shared the following about FBLA. FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) meets during Friday club periods when our schedule allows. The club focuses on building teamwork, collaboration, communication, and networking skills. This year, they received a grant to install a vending machine at the R.I.C., and members used their target market skills to survey students about preferred snacks and price points. Proceeds from the vending machine help cover student membership fees and transportation to and from events. 

In October, they took approximately 20 students to the JA Stock Market Challenge at St. Ambrose University, where one team placed 4th out of more than 78 teams. Next month, a group of business students and FBLA members will travel to Augustana College to compete in a marketing competition. Anyone interested in joining FBLA should reach out to Mrs. Oltman or Mr. Greenwood. 

FCCLA

Parker Herrington is a Student Leader in FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America). “FCCLA has given me the opportunity and experiences to grow upon my leadership skills as well as gain great relationships,” said Parker. Members have the chance to attend many field trips, including the Iowa State fashion show and the district meetings. Members also have the opportunity to participate in baking and many other activities. Reach out to any of the following student leaders for more information: Parker Herrington (pherrington@nslancers.org), Brayden Serrano (bserrano@nslancers.org), Haidyn Koberg (hkoberg@nslancers.org), and Charlotte Bauer (chbauer@nslancers.org).

Service Club

Ryann Peterson, an active leader in the Service Club, has helped serve her community through the club during high school. “Service Club has allowed me to help my community and grow as a person,” Ryann said. The North Scott High School Service Club gives students a chance to make a difference in their community. Service Club is an incredible learning and leadership-building opportunity. Participating in events such as the Student Hunger Drive and the Dance Marathon allows students to develop the soft skills needed throughout the rest of their lives. This year's co-presidents are seniors Mallory Deutmeyer, Ryann Petersen, and Emma Zrostlik. To learn more about the club, come to their meetings every Tuesday at 3:15 in room B8! 

Student Government

The Student Government is an organization that promotes school spirit while advocating for the student body. Members plan pep assemblies and theme days, create advocacy committees, and take part in many other initiatives that support the school community. Through these experiences, students develop valuable skills such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and creativity. The club meets every Monday at 3:15 in Mrs. Sambdman’s classroom (C10). Students interested in being the voice of something bigger than themselves and making a meaningful impact at school are encouraged to join. Please reach out to executive board members Vivian McGee (vimcgee@nslancers.org), Charlotte Madden (cmadden@nslancers.org), Grady Kirst (grkirst@nslancers.org), Nora Davis (nodavis@nslancers.org), Maddie Norin (manorin@nslancers.org), or the club advisor, Mrs. Sambdman (jennifer.sambdman@north-scott.k12.ia.us), for more information.

Beyond these options, North Scott provides countless opportunities for students to get involved. Pushing yourself to explore new interests can lead to meaningful experiences. High school is the perfect time to find where you truly belong.