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 9 items.

Big Brother

Moderator: Dr. Walker
Black Student Union

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

Moderators: 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
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 the MSJ school community in various 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 17 items.

3D Modeling Club

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
Biology Exploration Club

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 a team that competes against hundreds of teams nationwide.

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. Past and current projects include designing and building vertical gardens, a kinetic sculpture machine, and exploring sustainable energy sources.

Moderators: Mrs. Wagner, Mr. Schmidt
First Tech Challenge 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 (Quiz Bowl Competition)

It's Academic is a trivia-based competition which participates in the Catholic League (5 meets per year) and weekend tournaments. If you enjoy "Jeopardy!" and Trivial Pursuit, this is for you. The club is open to all students and meets every Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:30 in Room 4.

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

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

A group which looks to educate students on sustainability initiatives and takes on sustainability projects at MSJ.

Moderators: Ms. Diacopolous, Mr. Arndt
World Languages Club

Students will meet in fellowship to explore language & culture. This year we will begin with study of beginner German language, using "German is Fun." We will complement this with foreign language historical film around WWI & WWII. 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. All are welcome, refreshments will be served.

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, Mr. Hurley
Ryken Service Club

To increase Mount Saint Joseph's service footprint inside and outside of the MSJ community. The Ryken Club is dedicated to finding ways to serve our brothers and sisters in need, but in a particular way, it was initiated to serve the community of Irvington. to prepare lunches for My Brothers Keeper 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, Mr. Bonham, Mr. Hurley
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

Description coming soon.

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

Hobbies & Interests

List of 22 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

MSJ Bocce Club is open to all on the MSJ campus, on our beautiful, new tournament-grade courts! Plan for the current and future glory of MSJ Bocce while having great fun, fellowship, study of game, exercise, practice technique and precision, exploring culture through sport.

Moderator: Dr. Pease
Boxing Club

Moderator: Dr. Pease
Chess Club

Open to all students of various skill levels for casual or challenging chess matches and tournaments, as well as checkers and backgammon 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

Open to all students with any level of D and D experience. We play many different campaigns/sessions during the school year.

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, Mr. Vicchio
Graphic Novel Book Club

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

Moderators: Mrs. Wichmann, Mrs. Bennett
Guitar Ensemble

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. Bonham, Mr. Campbell
Investment Club

Participate in the Market Watch competition each fall and spring, win prizes (free lunch), 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

Moderator: Ms. Long
Outdoor Adventure Club

The Outdoor Adventure Club sponsors outdoor adventure trips such as hiking, whitewater rafting and caving 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
Pickleball Club

Description coming soon.

Moderator:
Roundnet Club

After school matches and MIAA competitions.

Moderators: Mr. Bianco
Sports Medicine

Discussion and enrichment on topics related to sports medicine and sport psychology.

Moderators: Mr. Amir
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 / 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: Super Smash Bros. Deluxe, Mario-Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 3, Brawlhalla, Rocket League, and Chess.

Moderator: Ms. Schick
Weightlifting Club

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

Moderator: Mr. Schmidt

Fine Arts

List of 8 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 big band and jazz combo style pieces. Students learn advanced technique on their instrument, music theory concepts and improvisation.

Moderator: Mr. Royer
Musical Chairs (Chamber Music)

Musical Chairs is an opportunity for any students that play an instrument to play together. Students develop arrangements to play a variety of music from Beethoven to Star Wars to Coldplay.

Moderators: Dr. Obniski, Mr. Royer
Pep Band

The Pep Band performs at all Home Football Games and select Basketball Games. Students that are interested in playing but are not enrolled in the band class may still play at the 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.

Moderator: Mrs. Stender

Student Media and Publications

List of 4 items.

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
Student Media Productions

Student Media is the encompassing name for the media that students will be publishing online. The Quill is the online student newspaper of Mount Saint Joseph HS. Students write, record videos, do live broadcasts, and publish material for the MSJ community. They are also responsible for live homeroom broadcasts and live sporting event broadcasting. They also help out with the production of the live homeroom quiz games. In addition, students report school news, happenings, interviews, and information on social media as part of @InstaGaelNews on IG.

Moderator: Mr. Schultheis
The Carpenter

Creative writing including the opportunity to lay out the student literary magazine.

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

Create the yearbook.

Moderators: Mr. Gibbons, Mrs. Connolly