Experience growth beyond the classroom
At John Carroll, students have every opportunity to become confident, well-rounded leaders. Whether it’s developing a talent or being of service to others, students can experience growth beyond the classroom as they participate in an array of activities and clubs.
Have questions regarding clubs and student activities? Would you like to start a new club? Contact our Director of Student Activities:
Extracurricular offerings
With more than 40 different student-led clubs and activities, which will you choose? Or will you make a mark by starting a new club to add to the list?
Each year, clubs and activities reflect the diverse interests of our student body and allow students to grow together and develop meaningful life-long friendships. Students are welcome to propose new ideas for clubs and activities throughout the academic year.
Looking for honor societies?

Academic
Academic Team
The Academic Team is a group of students preparing for general knowledge trivia competitions with other schools. Group practices will increase a broad range of knowledge, foster a competitive spirit, and promote a desire to learn and improve.
Moderator:
Mrs. Woosley
Meeting Times:
Tuesdays, 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Location:
Room 124
Architecture, Engineering & Design Club
To provide a forum for students to experience the world of design, including architecture, engineering and related disciplines (mechanical, electrical, structural engineering; interior design; project management, etc.) including real world application, as well as college and career exploration.
Moderator:
Mrs. Collins
Meeting Times:
2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Location:
Architecture Studio, Room 117
Chess Club
New for the 2023–2024 school year! More information coming soon.
Moderator:
Mr. Kosmides
Meeting Times:
Location:
Envirothon
Envirothon is a county, state and national competition in which teams of five students answer questions in five major environmental science areas: aquatics, wildlife, soils, forestry and a fifth topic that changes every year. Our Envirothon Team is almost like a class because we meet every week to study all the information about the five topics that students will be tested on in the Harford County Envirothon Competition (usually in late April). We study the material through presentations, videos, games and hands-on outdoor experiences. The Envirothon Team also makes a presentation on the fifth topic (usually in February) in front of a panel of judges (this presentation is a part of the overall team score for the Harford County Envirothon Competition).
Moderator:
Dr. Baker
Meeting Times:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, 2:50–3:30 p.m.
Location:
Room 220
Finance Club
Investigation of financial markets, how finances are used, student involvement in mock finance activities.
Moderator:
Dr. Ketchum
Meeting Times:
Fridays, 3:00 p.m.
Location:
Room 216
Future Healthcare Workers of America
Lead by Natalie Gotzmann '25, FHCWA brings in guest speakers from various aspects of the healthcare industry to speak with students about their career, their background, their education and to answer questions students may have. The goal is to expose students to different career paths they may or may not have thought of, help them plan for their future, and begin to make connections in the healthcare industry.
Moderator:
Mrs. Adolph
Meeting Times:
First Thursday of the month, after school
Location:
Math Club
To prepare for Math League and AMC competitions by practicing unique and challenging math problems
Moderator:
Mrs. Kirkpatrick
Meeting Times:
Thursday after school until 3:45
Location:
Mock Trial Team
To teach students how actual courtroom trials work by active participation. Students take on the role of either witnesses or lawyers and present their side of the case in front of judges and attorneys. Students learn to critically think in planning the trial and on "their feet" during the actual trials. They learn how to advocate and improve their oral communication skills. Most importantly they learn the importance of teamwork. From a legal standpoint, students learn how trials work procedurally, learn the rules of evidence, and whatever substantive issue the case is about that particular year. The case alternates between Civil and Criminal Cases. Last year's case was a civil case that dealt with premises liability and wrongful death. In the past, cases have involved issues including assault, murder, larceny, and negligence
Moderator:
Mr. Connolly and Mrs. Galicki
Meeting Times:
Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Location:
Room 108
Moot Court Team
To teach students how the Appellate process works and study constitutional issues. Students learn how to present oral arguments before "the Supreme Court." Students learn critical thinking skills by learning about constitutional issues and how to advocate their position on appeals to judges. This is an activity that most if not all law students would participate in their second year of Law School.
Moderator:
Mr. Connolly
Meeting Times:
Daily in September & October
Location:
Room 108
Robotics Team
Advance student knowledge in robotics while building skills to work in a team in the VEX robotics competitions
Moderator:
Dr. Davidson
Meeting Times:
Tuesdays, 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Location:
Room 208
Science Olympiad Team
Competition in regional and state-wide Science Olympiad tournaments. Variety of student team events, physics, engineering, environmental science, cell biology, forensic science and many more.
Moderator:
Dr. Ketchum
Meeting Times:
Thursdays at 3:00 p.m., then student schedule in groups
Location:
Room 216
Speech & Debate Club
Participating in Speech & Debate gives students an improved perspective on the world around them. Students learn about important issues in politics, public policy and philosophy, and gain a better appreciation for the diverse perspectives that make up the public sphere. Students create factual/logical, ethical and emotional arguments to persuade others in the club that their "side" is correct using a formal debate format. Speech and Debate activities are challenging, competitive in nature, and require regular practice, coaching, dedication and hard work.
Moderator:
Mrs. Galicki
Meeting Times:
Once a week and monthly competitions
Location:
Room 111
Faith & Ministry
Campus Ministry Prayer & Worship Leaders
Campus Ministry Student Prayer & Worship Leaders assist the John Carroll Community in the areas of prayer and worship. Liturgical Ministers serve at Masses as Lectors/Readers, Ministers of Holy Communion, Alter Servers, & Tech Crew (setting up and cleaning up Masses as well as running AV equipment during liturgies). Prayer leaders lead the John Carroll community in the daily prayer & pledge a well as prayer services throughout the year.
Moderator:
Mr. Goedeke
Meeting Times:
Initial training at the beginning of the year, then students are scheduled to serve at various Masses & Prayer Services throughout the year.
Location:
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Students express their Christian Faith in a team huddle format with their peers to discuss how sports, clubs and activities can be vehicles to strengthen our relationship with God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Allows for leadership building skills, opportunities to serve the greater community and grow in our faith.
Moderator:
Mrs. DeMennato
Meeting Times:
A Days, 2:55–3:30 p.m.
Location:
Room 310
Music Service Club
Provide Music Liturgy for all-school Masses. Come E-Days mod 7 for any student in the club who is not a member of the Chorus in the Chorus Room.
Moderator:
Mrs. Novak
Meeting Times:
TBD
Location:
TBD
Peer Ministry
Peer Ministers are young people committed to helping others by uplifting the dignity of each person and promoting the mission of our School. They are open to the presence of God in their lives and walk with their peers to help them see the dignity within by sharing their time and God-given gifts. There is no "cookie cutter" Peer Minister. As Saint Paul describes in the first letter to the Corinthians, "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone" (1 Cor. 12:4-6). Admittance into this group is by application only.
Moderator:
Mr. Goedeke
Meeting Times:
Once a cycle
Location:
Campus Ministry Events
Arts & Design
Art Club
A space for students to explore a variety of different art forms, strengthen current skills and connect with their peers through art.
Moderator:
Bart
Meeting Times:
TBD
Location:
TBD
Color Guard Club
Color Guard is a marching arts activity that incorporates the use of flags, prop rifles, prop sabres and other props with drama, dance and interpretive movement to enhance musical performance, elicit emotion and engage audiences in storytelling.
Moderator:
Mr. Nocket
Meeting Times:
Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Location:
Band Room & The Glen
Film Club
Film Club is designed to give students the opportunity to view and enjoy quality films after school.
Moderator:
Mr. Schick
Meeting Times:
Atleast once a month, 3:00-3:30 p.m. for meetings, 3:00-5:00 p.m. for screenings
Location:
Room 121 (Fine Arts Wing)
International Thespian Society (ITS)
The troupe is the honors component of the school’s theatre program. Its purpose shall be the advancement of standards of excellence in theatre. More specifically, the troupe will encourage students to attain a better mastery of the theatre arts and will reward those who achieve it with induction into the troupe. Thespians achieving honor ranks and scholar distinctions shall receive recognition of their exemplary accomplishments.
Moderator:
Mrs. Parrish
Meeting Times:
ITS Officers meet E Days during lunch mods, troupe meetings monthly on designated Fridays after school
Location:
Chorus Room
Marching Band
Students who are not enrolled in band class but who would like to participate in the marching band may join as club members. We attend all home football games and do 2 Christmas parades.
Moderator:
Mrs. Novak
Meeting Times:
Meet daily for a class time as well as a week-long band camp
Location:
Patriot Productions
New for the 2023–2024 school year! Patriot Productions is a digital media club that focuses on capturing school events for social media and communications using still and video cameras — and possibly a drone! Our members are passionate about photography and videography, and are eager to use their skills to capture exciting moments and showcase the School's activities in an innovative way. We aim to combine creative storytelling with technology to create dynamic visuals that capture the spirit of the School. Through our work, we strive to create a lasting record of school events and promote the School.
Moderator:
Mrs. Gay
Meeting Times:
Thursdays, 3:00 p.m.
Location:
Room 101
Photography Club
Develop students' skills as photographers, engage with new editing programs, and learn to work with other organizations in the school.
Moderator:
Mrs. Hall
Meeting Times:
2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month, 2:50-3:40 p.m.
Location:
Room 305
Pinnacle Magazine
The purpose of the club is to produce the school's literary magazine which includes student submissions in photography, art, poetry, and prose. Submission call through email.
Moderator:
Mrs. Hall
Meeting Times:
Spring, for selection and order of work
Location:
Room 305
Pit Orchestra
Pit orchestra is a group of student-musicians who put their music-playing skills to the test and learn to accompany live theatrical performances.
Moderator:
Mrs. Parrish
Meeting Times:
Weekdays 4:00-7:00 p.m, some weekend rehearsals
Location:
Auditorium
Set & Tech Crew
Set and tech crews support the Fall and Spring Musical productions
Moderator:
Mrs. Parrish & Mr. Lake
Meeting Times:
1-2 times per week in Oct-Nov & Feb-Mar; & all tech week rehearsals and performances, Typically weekdays 4:00-7:00 p.m; some weekend rehearsals required; & attendance at weekend performances is mandatory for participation
Location:
Auditorium
The Patriot Newspaper
The mission of the club is to produce the student newspaper. Sections for this year will include News, Features, Perspectives, Entertainment and Sports.
Moderator:
Mrs. Hall
Meeting Times:
Online and in-person, as needed
Location:
Room 305
Theatre Productions
Students get to experience theatre from audition to performance. Students develop skills in singing, dancing and acting while having lots of fun.
Moderator:
Mr. Hensley and Mrs. Parrish
Meeting Times:
Typically weekdays 4:00-7:00 p.m; some weekend rehearsals required
Location:
Auditorium
Fitness & Outdoors
Morgan's Message
Thee purpose of Morgan’s Message is to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. We discuss how important mental health is, specifically in athletics, and how to deal with/help others who are struggling.
Moderator:
Laura Seifert
Meeting Times:
D Days, 2:15–2:45 p.m.
Location:
TBD
Mountain Bike Club
To get students to interact with each other in nature while biking.
Moderator:
Mr. Grzanna
Meeting Times:
Announced Trips
Location:
Ping Pong Club
New for the 2023–2024 school year! More information coming soon.
Moderator:
Mr. Orndorff
Meeting Times:
Location:
Planting with Patriots
Exploring and enjoying the natural world with specific emphasis on plants, their characteristics, their value and cultures.
Moderator:
Ms. Cochran
Meeting Times:
Tuesdays, 3:00 p.m.
Location:
Room 204
Ski Club
To give students an experience outside of the classroom, and allowing them to come together through the sport of skiing and snowboarding.
Moderator:
Mr. Maynard
Meeting Times:
TBD
Location:
Learning Commons or Patriot Cafe
Weightlifting Club
The club is for any student, including athletes in the off-season, who wants to learn how to properly lift weights, develop their fitness and build self-confidence among a positive group. All are welcome!
Moderator:
Ms. Schultz
Meeting Times:
Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Location:
Brown Fitness Center
Zumba Club
This fun dance fitness combines high energy and uplifting Latin music with easy-to-follow moves. Zumba promotes a healthy heart, a healthy dose of aerobic activity, and a fun, exciting way to build and tone muscle, improve cardio, promote flexibility, and decrease stress.
Moderator:
Mrs. Pinargotte
Meeting Times:
Fridays, 3:00-3:30 p.m. (except on D days & early dismissals)
Location:
Service & Activism
Black Student Union
The Black Student Union is a vibrant, empowering club that celebrates and uplifts student achievement. Through engaging discussions, events and activities, we strive to create a safe and inclusive space where students can connect, support one another, advocate for social justice issues, and foster culture awareness.
Moderator:
Mrs. Crawford
Meeting Times:
D Days, 2:20–2:50 p.m.
Location:
Room 304
Global Culture Club
Returning for the 2023–2024 school year! More information coming soon.
Moderator:
Mr. Grzanna
Meeting Times:
Location:
One Love
To encourage daily conversations about relationships and gain an understanding of the 10 signs. We do this by sharing the ways the 10 signs may show up in life, and by engaging the community through education, activation and fundraising.
Moderator:
Mrs. Giuffrida & Ms. Kerr
Meeting Times:
TBD
Location:
TBD
Patriots 4 Kids
To lift the spirits of children in Upper Chesapeake Pediatrics Unit through service projects.
Moderator:
Mrs. Everett
Meeting Times:
Mondays
Location:
TBD
Student Government Association
The SGA has a few basic missions: (1) serving as student leaders (2) planning and implementing class and school wide events (3) meeting with administration regarding school concerns
Moderator:
Mrs. Hall and Dr. Davidson
Meeting Times:
General Meetings: E Days @ 7:15 a.m, SGA/Admin Meetings: E Days 2nd Lunch
Location:
Room 305
Student Philanthropy Club
The Student Philanthropy Club at John Carroll aims to introduce and grow a culture of philanthropy and increase giving activity among the student body. This is accomplished by students participating in various activities throughout the year and they play an active role in helping us thank our donors for supporting their education and future.
Moderator:
Mrs. Susan Roarty
Meeting Times:
TBD
Location:
Advancement Office
Women's Empowerment Club
To empower both female and male students to their fullest potential.
Moderator:
Mrs. Adolph
Meeting Times:
Twice a month
Location: