Student Clubs & Organizations

Invest in the "WE"

At the STEM Academy, students are expected to engage in meaningful ways and consider the value-added they bring to our school community.

Acting with kindness, integrity, interest, and intelligence, students are encouraged to accept challenges as opportunities, lend their talents, invest in the community, and be a driven team player.

Participating and collaboratively organizing a student club provides students with opportunities to grow as effective communicators and leaders. All students are encouraged to actively contribute to at least one student organization or club every year.

The Downingtown STEM Academy offers opportunities for all students to nurture their relational health and wellness needs. We embrace our diverse, collaborative culture, and invite all students, families, and staff to get involved. With over 40 student-led clubs/organizations running annually, celebrated special events, HSA-sponsored activities, well-attended Homecoming dances, Powder Puff games and proms, we have a good time!

Activity Fees and information

multi colored hands in the shape of a heart

Involvement in Student Clubs & Organization activities can enhance an individual’s relational experience and wellness. We support a collaborative culture both academically and socially. Our students have found value, synergy, and success when clubs team up on projects or events.
All students are encouraged to recognize the “value added” they can and do bring to our school community. Student interest and initiative drives our annual club offerings. Participation and leadership growth is encouraged in existing clubs, however, students may choose to start their own club with faculty support.

Got questions? Contact the STEM Academy's Dean of Academics & Student Life, Ms. Katherine Cole with questions.

In This Section

American Rocketry Challenge

American Rocketry Challenge

Faculty Advisor: Mr. Matt Hopson

Academic Team

Academic Team

Faculty Advisor:
Mr. Stephen DiRomualdo

Academic Team

"The Chester County Academic Competition provides an opportunity for students from 24 high schools to compete in a "college-bowl" format where students answer challenging questions from a variety of categories including literature, math, science, American and world history, geography, and contemporary events.

It is the mission of Chester County Academic Competition to promote lifelong learning, celebrate academic achievement and enhance self-confidence as members of a team by providing healthy yet challenging opportunities for high school students to develop both academic, social and personal skills.

Chester County Academic Competition

Aevidum

Aevidum

Faculty Advisor:
Mr. Timothy Patton

Aidan's Heart Foundation

Aidan's Heart Foundation

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Trish Strano

Art Club

Art Club

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Janette Romano

Best Buddies

Best Buddies

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Casey Miller

Biology Olympiad

Biology Olympiad

Faculty Advisor: Mr. Calvin Hays

USABO Overview

As the premiere biology competition for high school students in the United States, the USA Biolympiad (USABO) enriches the life science education of nearly 10,000 talented students annually. It provides the motivation, curricular resources, and skills training to take them beyond their classroom experience to the level of international competitiveness. Check out "What Is the USABO?" in the toolbar above for further information about the USABO.

After two rounds of challenging online exams, twenty Finalists are invited to a residential training program where they learn advanced biological concepts and exacting lab skills at the USABO National Finals. At the 2022 National Finals, Derek Chen, Lawrence Long, Greycen Ren, and Jason Wang earned the right as the USA Biolympiad Team to represent the USA at the 2022 International Biology Olympiad (IBO). The Team was honored in Washington DC by Congressman Dunn and Senator Rosen at fly-in event in their honor that included a tour of the Capitol.

Since CEE began administering the USABO, every member of the "USA Biolympiad Team" has medaled at the IBO. All four members of the USA Biolympiad Team in years 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2017 were awarded gold medals. The USA Biolympiad Team has achieved the coveted Number 1 position in the world in 2011 and 2013. The USA Biolympiad Team received 2 gold medals and 2 silver medals at the 2021 International Biology Olympiad Challenge II, Lisbon, Portugal. The 2023 International Biology Olympiad will be held in United Arab Emirates. Dates and location to follow.

blue and white bug with wings and the words stem change in blue and black

STEM C.H.A.N.G.E.

STEM C.H.A.N.G.E.

Faculty Advisor: Mr. John Ciotola

Chess Club

Chess Club

Faculty Advisor: Mr. Charles Namerow

Cradles to Crayons

Cradles to Crayons

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Kaylie Schmitt

The purpose of the STEM chapter is to raise awareness for the organization and grow the involvement in the community. Below is a brief overview and a direct link to the website.

It's More Than a Cause, It's a Kid

Our three step model provides kids with the essentials they need, free of charge. This enables us to engage communities that have, connecting them with communities that need.

New and nearly new children’s items are collected through grassroots community drives and corporate donations.
Donations are then processed and packaged by volunteers in our warehouse, The Giving Factory.
Packages from The Giving Factory are distributed to local disadvantaged children through our collaborative network of diverse service partners.

Cradles to Crayon

Days for Girls

Days for Girls

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Maritza Matulka

Downingtown Speech & Debate Team

Downingtown Speech & Debate Team

Faculty Advisor: Mr. Brad Horstmann

Who We Are

The National Speech & Debate Association was created in 1925 to provide recognition and support for students participating in speech and debate activities. While our organization has evolved over the decades, our mission is more relevant today than ever before. We connect, support, and inspire a diverse community committed to empowering students through competitive speech and debate.

Speech and Debate

Future Business Leaders of America

Future Business Leaders of America

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Mary Beth Tomlinson

Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA) is the largest business Career and Technical Student Organization in the world. Each year, FBLA helps over 230,000 members prepare for careers in business.

MISSION:

FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.

FBLA

German Club & German National Honor Society

German Club & German National Honor Society

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Lyndsay Wallen

What is the history of the German National Honor Society?

Delta Epsilon Phi (ΔΕΦ) National Honor Society for High School Students of German recognizes the outstanding academic achievement of learners of German. The organization was founded in 1968 by Käthe Wilson at Coral Gables High School (FL), a devoted AATG member, to reward scholastic achievement in the study of German and to promote interest in the study of German language, literature, and civilization.

What are the requirements to be in the German National Honor Society?

For induction, a student must have completed at least three semesters of German classes, with a 3.6 GPA on a 4.0 scale, calculated on a cumulative basis for all semesters. The student must also have at least a 3.0 GPA in other classes, although this prerequisite varies by school.

GNHS

Girl Up

Girl Up

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Holly Sokira-Smith

GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance)

GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance)

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Christine Flickinger

Health and Medicine Club

Health and Medicine Club

Faculty Advisor: Dr. M. Schwartz

H.Y.P.E.: Healthy Youth Positive Energy

H.Y.P.E.: Healthy Youth Positive Energy

Faculty Advisors: Ms. Lorena Sevi

STEM YMAA: Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's

STEM YMAA: Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sue Carrier

Key Club

Key Club

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Megan Dunn

Le Cercle Francais

Le Cercle Francais

Faculty Advisor: Mme. Ann Bosch

Model UN

Model UN

Faculty Advisor: Mr. Chris Elder

STEM Quizbowl

STEM Quizbowl

Faculty Advisor: Mr. Stephen DiRomualdo

NHS

NHS

Faculty Advisor: D r. Bryan Long

National STEM Honor Society

National STEM Honor Society

Faculty Advisor: Mr. Dylan Rasinski and Mr. Sean Harvey

Science Olympiad

Science Olympiad

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Kaylie Schmitt

Founded in 1984, Science Olympiad is the premier team STEM competition in the nation, providing standards-based challenges to 6,000 teams at 425 tournaments in all 50 states. 2023 Rules Released 9/6/22, followed by fall workshops and national Workshop Wednesdays showcasing innovative content. Become a member through your State Chapter to play, study using 46 event pages for Div B and Div C, and check out prep materials from our SO Store plus official kits from Ward's Science. For your own Science Olympiad experience, check out MYSO for free Lesson Plans and STEM career videos on our SOTV YouTube page!

SO

SWE Next

SWE Next

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Christine Dinger

Spanish Club & Spanish Honor Society

Spanish Club & Spanish Honor Society

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Laura Brown

Service For Animals

Service For Animals

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Jocelyn Long

Pinky Swear Pack

Pinky Swear Pack

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Christen Davenport

DECA

DECA

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Tara Woomer

STEM TV

STEM TV

Faculty Advisor: Mr. Mike Marron

STEM TV is a morning news show that hosts daily segments all year long. The club started production in 2011, growing each year and adding on numerous events. Members can anchor and host in front of the camera, either for the regular morning news, or a segment of their own making. For those who prefer not to be on camera, positions such as sound and transitions are available.

Sustainability Advancement Society (SAS)

Sustainability Advancement Society (SAS)

Faculty Advisor: Mr. Michael Podlesney

TSA

TSA

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Jocelyn Long

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national organization of students engaged in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Watch this video to learn more.

Student Members
Open to students enrolled in or who have completed technology and education courses, TSA’s membership includes more than 250,000 middle and high school students across the United States. TSA is supported by educators, parents, and business leaders who believe in the need for a technologically literate society. Members learn through exciting competitive events, leadership opportunities, and much more. A wide range of activities makes TSA a positive experience for every student.

TSA

TEDx

TEDx

Faculty Advisor: D r. Eric Bown

Morgan's Message

Additional STEM Academy Student Life Clubs and Organizations

Additional Clubs & Organizations

Additional Clubs & Organizations

mailto:ksalhi@dasd.org

Name of Club	Meeting Time	Faculty Advisor	Club Purpose
American Red Cross Club	Advisory/L&L	Mr. Calvin Hays	The purpose of the Downingtown STEM Academy Red Cross Club is to promote humanitarian service, leadership development, and community engagement by involving students in projects aligned with the mission of the American Red Cross.
Basketball Club	Advisory	Ms. Lorena Sevi	The purpose of Basketball Club is to give STEM Students a platform to exercise and have fun during advisory periods through playing basketball.
Asian Student Alliance	Advisory	Ms. Kirsten Snyder	We aim to provide a safe and creative community for all students of Asian descent at STEM.
Innovation Club	Advisory/L&L	Dr. Eric Brown	To bring and guide NASA and related competitions throughout STEM Academy students.
Chemistry Club	Advisory	Mr. Calvin Hays	Chemistry Club is for anyone interested in chemistry! We will do a variety of chemistry-related things, including developing chemistry demonstrations for elementary students.
FTAD (Formula Theory and Design)	Advisory	Ms. Christine Dinger	To teach students about CFD, CAD, and cultivate entrepreneurship skills through RC Car Racing
STEM Dems	Advisory	Dr. Susan Carrier	An extension of the existing organization High School Democrats of PA, this club is where high school students will be able to advocate for local democratic politics through volunteering, educational opportunities, and in school/outside school events.
*Math Olympiad*	Advisory	Ms. Tara Woomer	We aim to spread the passion of math at STEM through closely training and mentoring a wide community of math enthusiasts, while giving them the opportunity to participate in math competitions and olypmiads.
STEM Mock Trial Club	Before/After School; L&L	Ms. Alanna Hibbs	To learn, practice, and perform legal defense/prosecution strategies through afterschool meetings and competitions.
Movie Magic Club	Advisory	Ms. Alyssa Sherlock	Movie Magic Club is a place to build a community of filmmakers by exchanging ideas, sharing techniques, and talking about movie magic!
Muslim Student Association	Advisory	Ms. Kaoutar Salhi	Muslim Student Association is a student-led club open to all students that builds community and cultural understanding of islam through discussion, crafts, guest speakers, and events throughout the school year.
*STEM Studio Arts Club*	Advisory	Ms. Janette Romano	Our club strives to ensure that all students have the ability to incorporate art into their education through student-centered visual art activities, lessons, games and, community collaborations.
Physics Club	Advisory	Dr. Eric Brown	In Physics Club, we run experiments relating to content in class or anything members are curious about.
Rooted Christian Club	Advisory	Mr. Brian Lloyd	Rooted is a place for students to grow and solidify themselves in their faith while in a school setting.
*Scientista*	Advisory	Dr. Amanda Austin	We are a women in Science club that goes to the middle schools to do experiments and explore careers in STEM.
STEM Academy Science Research Club	Before/After School	Mr. J. Nick Dimino	To provide students with opportunities to develop their scientific research skills, and earn recognition for student researchers via competition in local and national science fairs.
*Beyond the Whisk Cooking Club*	Advisory	Mr. Shane Austin	Beyond the Whisk is a volunteer based baking club where we share our love for baking and cooking, bring people together to create fun treats, and give back to the community through service and outreach.
STEM Hacks	Advisory	Mr. Matt Krause	We will teach members about how a hackathon/buildathon works, equip members with basic coding and cad skills, incorporate fun engineering challenges, and attempt to host a hackathon and buildathon to motivate participation with other schools.
*USACO (USA Computing Olympiad)*	Advisory/L&L	Mr. Matt Krause	The USACO Club helps students develop competitive programming, algorithmic thinking, and problem-solving skills through collaborative practice and preparation for the USA Computing Olympiad.
Photography Club	Advisory	Ms. Amelia Baxter	The Photography Club's mission is to inspire self expression and creativity by exploring the art of photography. We strive to help grow skills, share unique perspectives, and use photography to capture the world around us.
Ski & Snowboard Club	Advisory	Mr. Stephen DiRomualdo	The Ski and Snowboard club aims to introduce an appreciation of winter sports and the winter landscape by taking trips to different mountains throughout the season.
Speed Cube Club	Advisory	Mr. Christopher Gross	To help students learn more about the world of speedcubing and motivate them to keep practicing while competitng.
Stocks & Investments Club	Advisory	Mr. Buck Jones	Stocks and Investments Club focuses on learning as well as improvement of financial IQ in order to grow as a community of intelligent investors.
Strength & Fitness Club	Advisory	Mr. Darren Wasser	The purpose of this club is to inform teens of lifting, calisthenics, and other athletic interests by using our club time to research and then perform our learnings. Club leaders will lead the group with helping them start their research in their area of interest. Things like exercise form, having a healthy lifestyle, nutrition, motivation, and companionship will all be a part of our club's main goal to help teens start their own fitness journey.
Student Council	Before/After School	Mr. Brad Horstmann and Ms. Kaylia Austin	We work to voice the wants of the student body to plan school-wide events. We organize events that promote school spirit and unity.
Table Top Games Club	Advisory/After school	Mr. Kyle Hanbicki	A place to socialize and connect with students over tabletop games.
Law and Policy Society	Meets Before/After School	Mr. Mike Podlesney	The Law and Policy Society is a peer-led justice program. It empowers high school students to I will be educating my peers about legal processes such as Environmental Law all the way to FERPA and have them present to the club as well. I will have legal professionals come in and connect with kids and educate them on their fields We will also create policy briefs/proposals on topics we are interested in. This will open up a way for networking for the highschoolers so they can gain internship and education opportunities.
*STEM Outdoors Club*	Advisory	Mr. Mark Wheeler	To provide students with opportunities to get more involved with the outdoors.
Starry Stories	Advisory	Ms. Meghan Yates	Starry Stories hosts many reading and writing workshops for elementary school students at local schools and libraries to foster interest in reading and writing.
Success In Numbers	Before/After School; Advisory	Ms. Megan Wolf and Mr. Ryan Dobson	Tutor math to middle school students.
Yearbook	Before/After School	Ms. Megan Dunn & Ms. Janette Romano	Student meet and create a yearbook of memories for the entire student body.
STEM Psychology Club	Advisory	Mr. Sean Harvey	Our mission is to explore psychology beyond the classroom through engaging activities, real-world applications, competitions, and hands-on experiences that help students understand the science behind human behavior.
Fishing Club/STEMFishers	Advisory	Mr. Christopher McGeehan	To introduce students both experienced and inexperienced to the joys of fishing.
Making Connections	After School	Mr. Justin Brown	The purpose of the club is to make connections between African American teens and local law enforcement through ongoing community based activity.
*Black Student Union*	Advisory	Ms. Sara Brosious	To study, research and celebrate African-American History, identity and culture.
*Conservative Club*	Advisory	Dr. Bryan Long	Our purpose is to talk about conservative ideas, have an opinion opinion about everything in the government, talk about upcoming candidates.
*3 Tiny Bones*	Advisory	Ms. Sara Brosious	To destigmatize hearing loss and educating communities on healthy hearing to create a more inclusive society.
UNICEF	Advisory	Dr. Bryan Long	UNICEF's mission is to raise awareness for helping kids in third world countries by educating, advocating, fundraising, and building community.