Students

Student Life

It's A Great Day to be a Gael

At Mount Saint Joseph, we strive to promote a supportive, inclusive environment and an eternal brotherhood. Experiences like Junior and Senior Retreats help students create bonds with their classmates that will last well beyond graduation. There are also ample opportunities to get involved on campus and continue to strengthen friendships and explore interests outside of the classroom. Students can choose from 50 unique clubs and activities and 17 interscholastic sports.

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Clubs & Activities

Mount Saint Joseph offers a wide variety of clubs, activities, and service opportunities in addition to our comprehensive academic program. Former President Brother James Kelly, C.F.X. often instructed, "Don't just be an 8:00 to 2:30 student. Find your niche and make The Mount your second home."

We invite you to find your niche in one (or several) of our many clubs and activities. If you wish to start your own club or organization, that is encouraged as well. Contact Mr. Jason Ader '03, Assistant Principal for Student Affairs & Programming, at jader@msjnet.edu to get started.

Student Organizations

List of 11 items.

Asian Student Union

Asian Student Union seeks to bring both Asian and non-Asian MSJ students alike to bond and enhance camaraderie through education and celebration of Asian Culture.

Moderator: Mr. Defino
Big Brother

The Big Brother Program pairs underclassmen with upperclassmen mentors to build friendships, share advice, and get involved in school life. Through fun activities and homeroom pairings, students connect, find support, and grow together. It’s all about making school feel welcoming and helping everyone succeed.

Moderator: Dr. Walker
Black Student Union

An affinity group for Black students that promotes equity, inclusion, and community at MSJ.

Moderator: Mr. Turner
HOLA (Hispanic Organization for Leadership & Achievement)

Latin American cultural affinity group. Members learn about and interact with cultural practices and perspectives from Latin America, including food, the arts, politics, etc. Members also will serve local and abroad Latin American communities through virtual and in-person service opportunities. This club is available for both Latin American and their allies.

Moderator: Ms. Schick
MSJ Connect

Through weekly activities, MSJ Connect brings students and the MSJ community together.

Moderator: Mrs. Kelley, Mr. Pope
National Honor Society

An organization that strives to recognize students in the four pillars of character, scholarship, leadership, and service. The students exemplify these pillars in the work that we do within our community.

Moderators: Ms. Gallagher, Mr. Felts
Rho Kappa Social Studies Honors Society

Open to Juniors and Seniors. Students are admitted to Rho Kappa for academic achievement in the Social Studies. Students are asked to participate in service activities and extracurricular field trips and guest speakers.

Moderator: Mr. Folmer
Student Ambassadors

The Student Ambassador Club provides students the opportunity to represent the Mount in a positive way, at various events throughout the year. Students work closely with the Admissions Office to assist in recruitment efforts.

Moderators: Mr. Hoffman, Mr. Eley
Student Council

Elected student leaders who plan activities, advocate for their peers, and serve MSJ in multiple capacities.

Moderators: Ms. Gallagher, Mr. Ader
The Student Section

Get ready to ignite school spirit like never before! Students are encouraged to join, show their MOJO school spirit by supporting their fellow classmates during athletics and activities.

Moderator: Dr. Walker
Wellness Club

Students explore the dimensions of wellness including social (planning activities, events, & field trips), physical (exercise, nutrition, & sleep), emotional (coping strategies & life skills), and intellectual (knowledge & resources). We will collaborate with and support other MSJ clubs and identify their connection to wellness.

Moderator: Mr. Murphy

Academic & Interscholastic

List of 18 items.

3D Modeling Club

Students learn the basics of 3D design using Blender so that they can create their own projects from scratch.

Moderators: Mr. Schmidt
ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering)

ACE is a team that competes against 10 other area high schools to design a construction project including CAD and engineering elements, with a focus on efficiency and renewable energy.

Moderator: Ms. Burnham
Bioexploation Club

Students perform experiments and explore careers in the life sciences and medicine. The club project for 2025 project is to raise fluorescent zebrafish!

Moderator: Dr. Obniski
Business Club

Build and/or improve upon your resume and LinkedIn profile, hear from guest speakers, participate in externships (rising seniors), get assistance with job applications, watch relevant business videos, and participate in the school's Phonathon. 75% attendance is required. In the spring, the club will host four outside professionals to help seniors upgrade their resumes and practice interview skills.

Moderator: Mr. Sutton
College Ambassadors Club

This club is open to juniors and seniors interested in learning more about colleges and universities and assisting with our college representative visits program which takes place during the Fall. Members meet and greet college admissions counselors from colleges and universities when they arrive to our campus. Members promote attendance for the college presentations, help generate interest in college exploration, and provide student generated leadership in the college counseling program. Members who assist with our annual college fair in October are awarded service hours.

Moderators: Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. Johnson
CyberPatriot

CyberPatriot is the National Youth Cyber Education Program created by the Air & Space Forces Association. At the core of the program is the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, the nation's largest cyber defense competition that challenges teams of high school students to find and fix cybersecurity vulnerabilities in virtual operating systems. Using a proprietary competition system, teams are scored on how secure they make the system.

Moderator: Mrs. Bianco, Mr. Aikens
Engineering Club

Working in the MSJ innovation and STEM lab, students will engage with sustainability and environmentally focused projects from the design to build phases. Proposed 2022 projects include designing and building vertical gardens, a kinetic sculpture machine, and exploring sustainable energy sources.

Moderators: Mrs. Wagner, Mr. Schmidt
First Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Team

FTC is a robotics team that competes with other area groups. Students will design, build, and program robots. It requires great commitment.

Moderator: Mr. Rixham
It’s Academic

It's Academic is a trivia-based competition which participates in the Catholic League (5 meets per year). If you enjoy "Jeopardy!" and Trivial Pursuit, this is for you. The club is open to all students.

Moderator: Mr. Wichers
Maryland Math League

The Maryland Math League is a competitive mathematics organization that hosts annual math contests for students in Maryland, encouraging mathematical excellence and providing opportunities for participants to showcase their problem-solving skills.

Moderator: Ms. Gallagher
Mock Trial

Students learn and participate in simulated legal proceedings as part of the Maryland State MyLaw competition. Students learn the parts of a trial, the trial background, and compete against other teams from high schools in Baltimore City.

Moderator: Mr. Folmer, Dr. Walker
Model United Nations

Students participate in simulated conferences throughout the year, both on campus at other schools. Simulations are current events, historical, and fiction-based.

Moderator: Mr. Folmer, Ms. Slack
Personal Finance Challenge Team

The team competes in the Maryland Personal Finance Challenge and, if qualified, the National Challenge.

Moderator: Mr. Sutton
Speech and Debate

Interscholastic competition in debate and various dramatic and oratorical events with the Baltimore Catholic Forensics League.

Moderators: Mr. Hurley, Ms. Johnson
STEM Olympiad

Description coming soon.

Moderator: Mr. Ader
Sustainability Club

The Sustainability Club engages students in hands-on projects that promote environmental awareness and action both on campus and in the local community. Members take part in initiatives such as hydroponics, maintaining pollinator gardens, and beekeeping to support biodiversity and sustainable practices. Through these activities, the club fosters stewardship, teamwork, and a commitment to protecting the environment.

Moderators: Ms. Diacopolous, Mr. Arndt
World Language National Honors Societies (Spanish, French, and Italian)

These societies are for upperclassmen who are enrolled in a foreign language. Spanish National Honors Society students provide weekly tutoring for underclassmen and participate in service and cultural events.

Moderator: Mr. Higgins
World Languages Club

Students will meet in fellowship to explore language & culture through a focus on Historical Film. Particular focus will be given to Italian & French, but not exclusively. Film agenda will be set collectively. Other activities may also be explored given student interest, to include cuisine, informal spoken language practice through dialogue. Tutoring for underclassmen in French & Italian, especially with vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar drill, will also be available.

Moderator: Dr. Pease

Campus Ministry

List of 4 items.

Rise Up (Student-Led Prayer Group)

Open to all students, students gather together in the mornings for prayer, reflections, and conversation.

Moderators: Mrs. Abdo, Mr. Bonham
Ryken Service Club

The Ryken Service club aims to increase Mount Saint Joseph's service footprint inside and outside of the MSJ community. Students are dedicated to finding ways to serve our brothers and sisters in need. This club was initiated to serve the community of Irvington, to prepare lunches for My Brothers Keepe, and to pack food for an organization called called "Blessings in a Backpack." Those backpacks will be delivered to Beechfield Elementary School.

Moderators: Mrs. Abdo
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools (XBSS) Student Team

XBSS is an organization of student leaders who work to serve, guide, and enhance the faith community of MSJ in the spirit of the Xaverian Brothers. They dedicate themselves to carry on the Xaverian charism, stewardship, and ministry in our school community.

Moderators: Mrs. Abdo, Mr. Bonham, Mr. Hurley
Campus Ministry Student Team

Moderators: Mrs. Abdo, Mr. Bonham, Mr. Hurley

Hobbies & Interests

List of 21 items.

Anime Club

Students get together each week for spirited discussions, friendly debates, and anime screenings. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to anime, our community welcomes all. Discover your next favorite series with us!

Moderator: Dr. Walker
Board Games Club

A place to play card and board games with friends.

Moderators: Mr. Rogers
Bocce Club

Open to all, on our beautiful & improved bocce courts! Learn the game, strategies, & skill of Bocce.

Moderator: Dr. Pease
Boxing & Fitness Club

Students can enjoy fitness through the noble art of boxing! Practice on the punching bags and learn the strategies and discipline of boxing. There are also opportunities to meet pros and take field trips.

Moderator: Dr. Pease
Chess Club

Open to all students of various skill levels for casual or challenging chess matches and games.

Moderators: Mrs. Wichmann, Mrs. Bennett
Classic Film Club

Classic Film Club watches and critiques films that have stood the test of time.

Moderators: Mr. O'Donnell, Mr. Lambdin
Dungeons & Dragons Club

Dungeons and Dragons Club, where students of all levels can play D and D together – no experience necessary!

Moderator: Mr. Arndt
Fishing Club

The fishing club provides opportunities for all students, novice to expert, to get outside and go fishing. Our goal is to get students outside and enjoy the beauty of our natural resources.

Moderators: Mr. Townshend
Graphic Novel Book Club

Choose, read, and discuss graphic novels, manga, comic books, and related works.

Moderators: Mrs. Wichmann, Mrs. Bennett
Guitar Ensemble

Guitar Ensemble is a chamber group where students learn and perform in the classical guitar style as well as creating their own arrangements of popular music

Moderator: Mr. Royer
Intramural Sports

Intramural Sports is a way for MSJ students to come together to play a variety of sports & activities in a semi-competitive format. In the winter, we play football and soccer. In the spring, we play basketball.

Moderators: Mr. Schultheis, Mr. Bonham, Mr. Campbell
Investment Club

Participate in the Market Watch competition each fall and spring, win prizes, learn from student presentations on investing topics, guest speakers, etc.

Moderator: Mr. Sutton
Karate Club

The Karate Club's promotes excellence and camaraderie through demanding physical training. We practice a full-contact style known as Kyokushin. As part of the Phoenix Karate Association, we are connected to other Kyokushin dojos in the U.S. (2 of which are in Maryland) and MSJ students may train with them for free.

Photos and videos can be found at www.facebook.com/msjkarate.

Our FAQ letter can be found here.

Moderator: Mr. Kauffman
LEGO Club

Students will build pre-planned Lego structures and designing new master builds. Club members plan and vote on small and large scale projects, special events, and competitions.

Moderator: Ms. Long
Outdoor Adventure Club

The Outdoor Adventure Club sponsors outdoor adventure trips such as hiking, whitewater rafting and spelunking at various times throughout the year. In addition, members of the club participate in environmentally-related service or educational opportunities such as campus cleanups and attending guest speaker presentations.

Moderator: Mr. McDivitt
Roundnet Club

After school matches and MIAA competitions.

Moderators: Mr. Mailloux and Mr. Aikens
Sports Medicine

Members are exposed to the world of sports medicine through hands-on educational activities and learn from expert guest speakers in the field.

Moderators: Mr. Defino, Mr. Young
Stars & Stripes Club

Stars and Stripes Club is open to all students. The Stars and Stripes Club members will have the opportunity to support veterans, active duty military and their families. The Stars and Stripes Club supports all branches of service and is not a political club.

Moderator: Ms. Davis
Student Alumni Association

Off campus visits to network with alumni, planning and attending events, spreading MSJ spirit throughout campus, assist the Development team, learn about current alumni traditions and what is means to be a Mount Saint Joseph alumnus.

Moderators: Mrs. Morano
Video Game Club (VGC)/ Esports

Video Game Club provides students an opportunity to play video games together after school. Students can play couch co-op or multiplayer games, such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, other Nintendo Switch games, and even try out some retro systems, such as PS2 and N64!

Esports is a competitive, virtual gaming league hosted by High School Esports League. Students can compete in a variety of single-player and co-op games against other high school esports teams across the region. Tournament winners are eligible for prizes and scholarships. Fall Major Games: Brawlhalla, 10-min Chess, Rocket League.

Moderator: Ms. Schick
Weight Lifting Club

Gives students a time and place to get familiar with a weight room. All skill levels welcome!

Moderator: Mr. Schmidt, Mr. Johnson

Fine Arts

List of 7 items.

A Cappella

MSJ A Cappella is a student singing group performing a variety of songs and music styles entirely a cappella, i.e., just vocal harmony. Students have performed at both campus and outside events, including concerts, charity events, and over the radio.

Moderator: Mr. Hurley
Choir & Choir Band

Open to all student musicians (vocalists and instrumentalists) looking to be integral members to the music ministry at school Masses and prayer services. Additionally, students in choir/choir band will perform in two full-scale concerts (1 per semester) with the opportunity to perform in a few chamber concerts and recitals offered throughout the year.

Moderators: Mr. Hurley
Drama Club

The Drama Club presents two productions every year. The drama club presents a play in the fall and a musical in the spring. No former drama experience is necessary for students to participate. Students simply need to attend the auditions in order to become part of the club.

Moderators: Mr. Hartsfield, Mr. Hurley
Jazz Band

Jazz Band is an ensemble that meets after school and performs popular song in a big band or jazz combo style. Students learn advanced technique on their instrument, music theory concepts and improvisation.

Moderator: Mr. Royer
Pep Band

The pep band performs at the basketball games much like the marching band does for football games.

Moderator: Mr. Royer
Pit Band

A Broadway-style pit band that accompanies MSJ's musical productions

Moderator: Mr. Royer
Stage and Tech Crew

Members of the stage crew handle the behind-the-scenes tasks that are necessary for putting on theatrical performances and concerts.

Moderator: Mr. Hartsfield

Student Media and Publications

List of 4 items.

MSJTV & Student Media

Students are responsible for broadcasting our Homeroom program (Tower Views), broadcasting varsity sports on YouTube, creating short-form and long-form social media content for our YouTube and Instragram channels (@MSJTV). Students also write and create material for our online newspaper - reporting on school news, happenings, and interviews. They also help out with the production of the live homeroom quiz games.

Moderator: Mr. Schultheis
Student Marketing Team

The Student Marketing Team will learn the fundamentals of marketing and help promote the school. This team helps run the @msjstudents social media accounts and will also be gaining experience in writing, design, photography, and videography.

Moderators: Ms. Kirchenheiter, Mr. Gray
The Carpenter

Editing, designing, and publishing Mount Saint Joseph's literary magazine, The Carpenter.

Moderator: Ms. Long, Mr. Foti
The Tower Yearbook

Create the yearbook.

Moderators: Mr. Gibbons, Mrs. Connolly