Student Clubs and Activities

There are more than 65 clubs, student publications, community service organizations, and music and performance ensembles at Hotchkiss. If we don’t have the club you’re looking for, start a new one!

Run by students of all class years, a sample of clubs and organizations include:

Clubs
Student Publications
Music Ensembles
Community Service Programs
Round Square
School Service Program
Student Government

Asian Society
The mission of the Asian Society is to introduce the Hotchkiss community to Asian culture. The group sponsors a variety of annual events including the Moon Cake Festival, a Lunar New Year celebration, an International Dinner (featuring dishes from around the world prepared by students representing their country), and guest speakers and performers. Membership and board positions in the Asian Society are open to the entire Hotchkiss community.
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Black and Hispanic Student Alliance (BaHSA)
BaHSA began as a multicultural support group that welcomed, and continues to welcome, all students, not only those who are African American and Hispanic. In passing years, the club has evolved into one that strives to maintain and express its inclusiveness within the community. Among other things, BaHSA considers it its mission to educate the community on ethnically diverse topics by sponsoring social events involving other multicultural groups from Hotchkiss as well as neighboring prep schools. Participation in BaHSA-sponsored events is open to all.
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Blue and White Society
One of the oldest campus organizations, the Blue and White Society is dedicated to promoting school spirit. Group members assist with orientation, sponsor seasonal pep rallies, and run Spirit Week.
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Blue Notes
This group of eight to ten male a cappella voices dates back to the 1940s. The group usually meets once a week and performs informal programs at school several times during the school year. Students must audition for the ensemble.
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Bluestockings
An organization started in 2001 to raise awareness of gender issues on campus, Bluestockings has raised money for women’s health issues, organized gatherings of girls of mixed age groups, and helped to collect and work with data of the Independent School Gender Project.
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Book Club
Each year, members of the club select a list of books to read and discuss. The club meets on average once a month, and all are welcome.
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Calliope
Named after the Greek muse for music, this all-girl a cappella group consists of eight to twelve singers. The group practices at least once a week and has performed on campus, as well as at events in New York City and Ireland.
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Chinese Club
The purpose of this club is to broaden the Hotchkiss community’s knowledge of Chinese language and culture. The club sponsors an annual dinner for the School, a Chinese table in the dining hall, and an annual Chinese speech contest.
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Christian Fellowship
This club is dedicated to nurturing the faith of Christian believers on campus as well as teaching other students who want to learn more about the Christian faith. The club ’s meetings are open to everyone.
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Dinner Club
The purpose of the Dinner Club is to gather in the spirit of good cooking, share recipes, and learn about meals. The club eats well, too!
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Drill Team
This coed group revs up the crowds at athletic games, pep rallies, and even morning assemblies with its synchronized stomping, clapping, snapping, and dancing, rhythmic moves and music created solely by the human body. Students in the group choreograph their own routines.
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French Club
The French Club involves students in casual French conversation through French tables in the dining hall and screenings of French films. The club also occasionally sponsors trips and special events that celebrate the French culture.
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Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA)
The primary purpose of the GSA is to educate the Hotchkiss community about issues of homophobia. This is accomplished in a variety of ways, including bringing speakers to campus and showing films. GSA meetings are informal, and their frequency largely depends on student interest each year.
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German Club
The German Club provides students with an opportunity to speak German and learn about German culture. Events include German films, a school-wide celebration of a German winter holiday, and German dinners.
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Gospel Choir
Founded in September 2001, the gospel choir consists of students, faculty, staff, and friends of the community. Under the musical direction of Michael Whitney Brown, the group practices once a week and performs at Hotchkiss and in the greater community. Auditions are held throughout the year.
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Habitat for Humanity
Students volunteer on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons to help build and paint shelters for local constituents. For the past four years, the group has also fundraised and organized a trip to a Habitat for Humanity National Collegiate Challenge site during spring break.
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Hillel
Hillel is the Jewish student organization that sponsors religious, educational, social, and cultural events in celebration of Jewish holidays, culture, and history. The organization has also sponsored field trips and speakers. Hillel arranges for students to attend synagogue services on the High Holy Days and on other holidays or Shabbat when there is sufficient interest. Hillel works closely with the food service to offer appropriate foods during holidays, especially Passover. All Hillel events are open to the entire Hotchkiss community.
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Hotchkiss Dramatic Association (HDA)
The HDA sponsors three major main stage productions each year, including a musical and occasionally a festival of Broadway hit songs. In the smaller Black Box Theater the HDA also produces more intimate plays for smaller casts, student-directed one-act plays, and acting workshops. The group provides many opportunities for students to try their hand at acting or learn the technical aspects of play production.
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Hotchkiss Political Union
This club is dedicated to bringing issues of national and political importance to Hotchkiss. Debates, talks, and information about elections are all sponsored by the Political Union, an intentionally bipartisan organization.
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Hotchkiss Television (HTV)
Members of HTV videotape campus events of widespread interest and edit them into news shows about the campus for the School. Students also serve as announcers and commentators in the film clips.
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Investment Club
The Investment Club aims to introduce young investors to the beginning principles of watching the stock market and maintaining online accounts. Each member of the group is responsible for research of particular companies and funds. The group also sponsors a field trip to the New York Stock Exchange.
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Isaak Walton Club
The objective of the club is to teach students as much about fishing as possible. The club is open to any level of fisherman, from the novice to the expert angler.
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Junior Bearcats
Junior Bearcats is a student-run, non-profit charity organization. Their motto is "Kids for Kids", with the mission of helping children worldwide by holding interschool fundraising events and on-campus activities for children from the local community. To date, funds raised in this manner have been donated to Tsunami relief victims, scholarships for girls in Vietnam, and "Room to Read" programs in Asia, among others.
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Knitting Club
The Knitting Club is open to knitters of all levels of ability. The group works on a variety of projects, aiming to improve skills and design techniques.
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Math Club
The main goal of this club is to promote excitement and appreciation for math at Hotchkiss. The Math Club welcomes everyone at any level of mathematical ability who is interested in problem solving, puzzles, and games. Math Club members train for and participate in regional and national math competitions. They also offer extra math help to students at specific times of the year.
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Outing Club
The Outing Club sponsors a variety of outdoor adventure day trips each year, including rock climbing, high ropes course, skiing, hiking, camping, canoeing, rafting, and caving. Moonlight (night) hikes and overnight trips are also planned when conditions are favorable.
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Polar Bear Club
Although everyone is welcome to join the Polar Bear Club on one or many excursions, only the very bravest and boldest actually take the plunge! That would be the plunge into our Lake Wononscopomuc during the chilly winter months. All excursions are lifeguard- supervised and are followed by hot chocolate and ice cream at our boathouse or at the nearby home of the head of school.
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Scuba Club
A course is offered each season in PADI certification. Lessons begin in the pool and, after class members gain experience, move to open water. The certification course in scuba diving also meets a term athletic requirement.
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Spanish Club
The Spanish Club gives students the opportunity to practice their Spanish and learn more about Hispanic culture. It also serves to help inform the School community about the Spanish-speaking world. The Spanish Club sponsors Spanish language tables at dinner and promotes Hispanic culture and the celebration of important Hispanic holidays.
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Speech and Debate Team
The Speech and Debate Team competes in interscholastic tournaments throughout New England, Canada, and overseas. Debate styles include parliamentary and cross-examination. Public speaking styles include after-dinner, persuasive, impromptu, and interpretive reading. The Team competes two Sundays per month on average, and meets every Tuesday and Thursday evening. Committed, consistently involved debaters are eligible for invitations to attend Model United Nations, Model Congress, and/or international public speaking tournaments.
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Student Health Organization
The members of the Student Health Organization work closely with the health services staff to provide outreach and education programs for the Hotchkiss community. These programs can focus on specific health issues such as HIV and AIDS, human relations and sexuality, nutrition, and alcohol, drug, and tobacco use and abuse; or they can be general discussion groups encouraging open and honest communication and peer discussion of relevant topics.
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St. Luke’s Society
The oldest club at Hotchkiss, St. Luke's was founded in 1892 to promote Christian fellowship, work, and service. Its members provide volunteer service in support of various charitable organizations and groups in need. Hotchkiss students give their time to the local soup kitchen, a school for learning disabled children, a home for the elderly, a Big Brother/Big Sister program, and other community outreach efforts. Approximately three-quarters of the student body participate in these activities each year. The St. Luke’s Society also encourages students to participate in the local Crop Walk each year.
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Students for Environmental Awareness (SEA)
The SEA is responsible for increasing the School’s awareness of issues relating to the environment. Toward this end, the group invites speakers to campus, sponsors an "Eco-Day" during which the community participates in a campus and community clean-up, runs the campus recycling program, and involves interested students in education programs at the various local elementary schools. In addition, members of the SEA help maintain nature trails in Beeslick Brook Woods and lead nature walks.
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Unity Through Rhythm (UTR)
UTR is a student-organized club dedicated to contemporary forms of expression and poetry. The club meets to discuss writing and performing and sponsors slam poetry events during the year.
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WKIS
The Hotchkiss radio station broadcasts six nights a week. All disc jockeys are students and faculty members, and programs range from classic rock to hip hop to country to world music.
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No Limits (Journal of Science)
This journal of science includes articles on various scientific issues and on research being done by Hotchkiss students.
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The Mischianza (Yearbook)
The prize-winning school yearbook has a large staff. Students may choose from a variety of responsibilities including writing, photography, editing, layout, and advertising.
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The Paper (Sports Magazine)
Published twice a year, this color award-winning magazine has sports and school spirit as its primary focus.
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The Record (Student Newspaper)
The student newspaper is produced approximately ten times each year. It circulates on campus and is sent to Hotchkiss alumni, parents, and grandparents who subscribe. Reporting opportunities include features, campus news, sports, editorials, and the arts.
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The Review (Arts Magazine)
The arts magazine of The Hotchkiss School is published once or twice a year and includes written work, artwork, and photographs by Hotchkiss students. A student board manages editorial and production responsibilities.
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The Whipping Post (Alternative Student Newspaper)
This alternative student newspaper is published approximately twice each year. This publication includes candid articles on problems (and solutions) of life at Hotchkiss.
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The Writing Block (Creative Writing Journal)
This literary journal is published several times a year and features creative writing by members of the Hotchkiss community. A joint student-faculty board manages editorial and production responsibilities.
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Musical Ensembles

The Hotchkiss Chorus
Comprised of approximately 45 singers (including a small number of faculty members and faculty spouses most years), the Chorus rehearses twice a week, just before Study Hall. The Chorus typically presents a Festival of Lessons & Carols in early December and a spring concert in May, usually featuring a choral work. Past performances include Mozart’s Requiem and Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah. The Chorus is open to any interested student; it is possible to obtain one-half credit for the year’s work.
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The Chamber Choir
The Choir is a smaller, select ensemble, although all members must participate in the Chorus. Numbering from 15 to 20 voices, the Choir performs a wide range of repertoire both on and off campus. Students receive one course credit for the year’s work. New students are welcome to sign up for the course, but must audition for the Choir in September.
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Music Lessons as an Extracurricular Activity
In addition to music instruction for which students may receive academic credit, students may also sign up for private lessons as an extracurricular activity. This usually involves one lesson per week and involves a fee beyond regular tuition. A music contract is mailed to parents before each semester begins and must be returned to the School before the lessons begin. Once a student has begun his or her lessons, there is no rebate should the student decide to discontinue the lessons. Music lesson fees are posted on the student’s term bill. If students elect to receive credit for lessons, the tuition charge for the lessons is waived.
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Hotchkiss students, staff, and faculty members are heavily involved in community service for charities and organizations that are both local and global. Some examples of community service:

BaHSA and Bluestockings
BaHSA and Bluestockings co-sponsor a relationship between Hotchkiss and Touchstone, a residential treatment facility for female juvenile offenders. The program provides the residents with an opportunity to tell their stories and use writing as a means of healing. Bluestockings is also involved in educating and fundraising for breast cancer research.
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The Classes of 2006 and 2007
The Classes of 2006 and 2007 have organized an annual community service day at the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House in New York City, working with senior citizens and cleaning Head Start classrooms.
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The Fund for Global Understanding
The Fund for Global Understanding provides up to $70,000 a year in grants to support students with summer community service travel.
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The Gay-Straight Alliance
The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) sends interested students and faculty members to the annual New York City AIDS walk.
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Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is involved with the local Salisbury chapter of the organization and helps to build and repair houses locally. For the past four years, the group has also participated in the Habitat for Humanity National Collegiate Challenge during spring break.
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Hotchkiss Dramatic Association
Hotchkiss Dramatic Association (HDA) supports local charities—including the Salisbury Visiting Nurses Association, Northwest Coalition Against AIDS, and Women’s Support Services—with proceeds from ticket sales from its major productions.
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The Hotchkiss Blood Drive
The Hotchkiss Blood Drive is an annual effort to help the American Red Cross with its blood supply. Faculty, staff, and students may contribute blood and/or time to help run the blood drive each spring.
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The Hotchkiss Swimathon
The Hotchkiss Swimathon is an annual event that raises money for the Northwest Connecticut Special Olympics swimming team.
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Math Club
Math Club works with local elementary school children on math puzzles and games.
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The Prep Class
The Prep Class sponsors an annual skating party for local elementary school children.
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St. Luke’s Society
St. Luke’s Society organizes community service at local day care centers, elementary schools, and Noble Horizons, a senior center.
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Students Supporting Survivorship
Students Supporting Survivorship joins with other local organizations to plan and promote an annual Bike-a-Thon for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, devoted to supporting cancer survivors and their families.
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The Upper Mid Class
The upper mid class has initiated a volunteer program with Camp Hill Village, a residential program in Copake, NY for adults with mental disabilities.
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Round Square

Round Square is an international association of over 50 schools that seek to promote the principles of internationalism, democracy, environmental awareness, adventure, leadership, and service. A particular emphasis is placed on student initiative in projects that positively impact communities both near and far.

Students are eligible for short-term exchanges with other Round Square schools, and faculty and student representatives participate in an annual conference to share project ideas. Hotchkiss has sent delegations to conferences in Germany, South Africa, Massachusetts, Australia, Scotland, and India and students have contributed to service projects in Honduras, Guatemala, South Africa, and Tanzania. In addition, our students and teachers have gone on exchange to Australia, Botswana, Germany, and South Africa and Hotchkiss annually receives exchange students from a number of countries.

For more information, see International Programs or visit the Round Square website.

School Service Program

In 1983 Hotchkiss initiated a School Service Program designed to involve students in the day-to-day operation of the School. Through this program students contribute to the community by assisting in such areas as the post office, the library, or the recycling program, or by guiding admission tours. All students contribute approximately 90 minutes a week for one semester each year. New students are assigned positions in the program, and returning students have the opportunity to request particular assignments.
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Student Government

Student-Faculty Council (Stu-Fac)
The Student-Faculty Council is composed of the presidents of the School, the presidents of the senior, upper mid, lower mid, and prep classes (there are two presidents for each class, and they serve one-year terms), one elected representative from each dorm, and five faculty members (at least three of whom are dormitory faculty) elected by the faculty for two-year terms. In addition, the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, and the deans of the classes all serve ex officio. Chaired by the School presidents and the director of student activities, the council was established in recognition of the fact that in a boarding school community there are many important issues of concern to both students and faculty. The council is responsible for making recommendations to the full faculty not only on questions which relate specifically to the quality of student life, but also on those related to the general welfare of the School community. In addition, the council has direct responsibility for granting or denying charters to student organizations that represent the School.
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