Clubs & Organizations

The Anime Club views and discusses works of Japanese animation and foreign cinema. After viewings, the club meets to discuss the films, focusing on literary themes and cultural traditions presented.

Moderator: Ms. Jessica Brown

Art club meets weekly for students to discuss art and artists they admire and to do art projects for fun.  All students are welcome--there is no need to be enrolled in an art class to join.

Moderator: Ms. Kathryn Heneghan

Moderator: Ms. Phyllis Ballenger

The Black Cultural Alliance serves to empower, encourage and enlighten all people, while taking special interest in the history of the African Diaspora and its impact on the world as it is today.

Moderator: Mr. Mason-Callaway

This is a student-led group and everyone is welcome to join to celebrate and experience Asian and Pacific-American culture and intercultural exchange .

Moderator: Mr. Charles Shryock

Moderator: Ms. Cassandra O'Mahoney

During our time together we learn about ways to take care of our hair, textures, styles, and care of various hair types. and different ways we can style it.  

Moderator: Ms. Jaleshea Cobbs

Bishop McNmara’s SAS Club is meant to foster a safe and caring environment in which students can discuss the current issues for the LGBTQ community both socially and culturally in today’s society. The club strives to fulfill and support Holy Cross’s mission to be a Christ-centered community, which values diversity. The meetings will discuss a variety of topics such as the value of diversity and inclusivity, labels, and stereotypes. All are invited, and members are encouraged to help one another develop a greater understanding of one another and create a sense of acceptance and respect.

Moderator: Ms. Jessica Brown

The Step Team is a group of students who share a common interest in stepping and dancing. Through this, we are bonded together and make one family who supports and pushes each other to become the best steppers we could possibly be.  The Step Team plans to carry on the tradition that has been going on for years. We plan to create and introduce an open and non-judgmental space for anyone interested in stepping. Our end goal is to not only be better steppers, but to have a sense of family amongst each other.

Moderator: Ms. Percilla Wills

The ASL Honor Society is an opportunity for ASL students to gain recognition for high academic achievement in their study of ASL. Recognition takes the form of honor cords, the Alice Cogswell Medal, or the Laurent Clerc Medal. In addition to high academic achievement, members of the ASLHS are required to perform community service in their local Deaf community (if available) which enhances ASL skills in addition to developing character and citizenship. The ASL Honor Society also provides scholarships and hosts the annual ASL literature competition for students. The ASLHS also provides mini-grants for ASL teachers.

Moderator: Mrs. Phyllis Ballenger

The International Thespian Society Troupe consists of those “theatre students" maintaining an overall commitment to theatre activities beyond performing in specific productions. The organization also serves as the Theatre Honor Society whose members will be recognized for their achievements. Thespians plan and carry out all aspects of the Bishop McNamara theatre department's St. Genesius Awards' Ceremony.

Moderator: Mrs. Mitchell-Donahue

The Moreau Scholar Society is a service organization made up of students who are Moreau and Moreau Merit Scholars. Bishop McNamara High School proudly sponsors the Moreau Scholarship Program to recognize the academic achievement of outstanding Catholic students. The scholarships are based on the results of the Moreau Scholarship Examination administered by Bishop McNamara High School in January, offering the top scholars full and partial tuition scholarships. For more on the Moreau Scholarship, go to Scholarships. Events include the autumn induction ceremony and the Je-parody challenge.

Moderator: Ms. Kim Weaver

The Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society offers recognition to exemplary students who have excelled in mathematics. The society exists to increase interest and awareness in mathematics and its relation to real world events and occupations, and to nurture a positive attitude toward mathematics and problem solving.

Moderator: Ms. Linda Corley

The National English Honor Society (NEHS), founded and sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, is the only international organization exclusively for high school students and faculty who, in the field of English, merit special note for past and current accomplishments. Individual high schools are invited to petition for a local chapter, through which individuals may be inducted into Society membership. Immediate benefits of affiliation include international recognition, scholarship eligibility, and opportunities for international networking with others who share enthusiasm for, and accomplishment in, the language arts. Eventually NEHS will hold conferences and provide ways to link NEHS with other honor societies and with organizations related to the field of English.

Moderator: Ms. Kameron Dreher

The National Honor Society is an organization of students who have been selected for membership because they have exhibited excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, character and service. Members are required to continue their service to the school and community. Activities include peer tutoring, the Christmas toy drive, induction ceremonies and receptions, and the Father/Daughter Dance. The Society sponsors bake sales on the evenings of report card distribution to help fund the Father/Daughter Dance.

Moderator: Ms. Teresa Robinson

NHSDA exists to promote and honor outstanding artistic achievement in dance, outstanding academic achievement,to encourage young dance artists to be leaders in their community and to foster an appreciation for dance as a true art form and one worthy of recognition and prestige.

• The NDEO Student Chapter provides students interested in dance and dance arts education the chance to:
• Organize performance opportunities for students
• Implement mentorship programs with incoming freshmen or local middle school aged dance students
• Make connections with community organizations to offer dance workshops or classes
• Administer the National Honor Society for Dance Arts program
• Raise money to benefit local dance initiatives and charity programs
• Sponsor guest teaching artists and other enrichment activities
• Host professional and career development networking events with the NDEO state affiliate and other professional local organizations
• Provide social opportunities for intellectual and creative exchange of ideas

Moderator: Ms. Bartholomew

RHO KAPPA Social Studies Honor Society is the only national organization for high school juniors and seniors that recognizes excellence in the field of Social Studies. RHO KAPPA provides national recognition and opportunities for exploration in the social studies. The mission and purpose of this organization is to promote scholarship and to recognize academic excellence in social studies in secondary school environments and the community, to provide through its local chapters opportunities for exploration in the social studies in secondary school environments and the community, to encourage interest in, understanding of, and appreciation for the social studies.

The Science National Honor Society acknowledges those students who have shown excellence in the field of science and have been recognized for their achievements. Members are encouraged to recognize scientific and intellectual thought, to advance their knowledge of classical and modern science, and to participate in community service and in turn, be dedicated to the pursuit of scientific knowledge that benefits all humankind. Members of the SNHS assist with the organization of "Mustangs Go Pink", which is the annual event to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Students must complete an application to be considered for membership.

Moderator: Ms. Kazimer

The purpose of the Tri-M Music Honor Society is to promote the McNamara instrumental and vocal music program and increase student appreciation for music. The chapter helps with the organization and promotion of all school events as well as planning events and trips for the school community. Membership criteria include continued participation in the instrumental or vocal music program with an “A" average, an overall “B" or above average in all other courses and a demonstrated desire and effort to excel in the music program. Society members assist at all McNamara musical events. Other activities may include concert trips to the University of Maryland, Kennedy Center, etc. Fundraising may be done to support after school programs featuring speakers/guest artists.

Moderator: Mrs. Amos-Hardy

The Adventure Club takes trips to go skiing and snowboarding, rock climbing, and hiking.

Moderator: Mr. Hunter Gallagher

Moderator: Ms. Brenda Stephens

The BMHS Book Club is a student-led group who enjoys reading and discussing books across different genres.

Moderator: Mr. Adam Greer

Our club meets weekly for 30-45 minutes to practice yoga together, with the goal of increasing flexibility and strength, while reducing stress.

Moderator: Ms. Susanne Mendiola

Students will learn about - and be introduced to - various types of wildlife, in order to foster education about their role in the natural world.

Moderator: Mr. Justin McClain

The Karaoke Club is designed to let students to enjoy virtual social-emotional happiness and support good causes with fundraising programs.

Moderator: Ms. Samadara Jayarathne

Quiz Bowl is an academic trivia club designed to practice answering questions on a wide variety of subjects in a competitive setting.

Moderator: Mr. Billy Sunday

This club will explore real-life crime cases and investigate the theories behind them.

Moderator: Ms. Kameron Dreher

MELT stands for McNamara Emerging Leadership Training. It is a leadership training program for rising juniors and seniors during the summer that exists to aid in the formation of leaders who will serve the school and their communities. 

Moderators: Ms. Amanda Saunders and Mr. Samuel Hardwick

The purpose of the Student Council is to promote a sense of leadership among students. Its mission is to encourage the involvement and participation of students in all social, political and recreational aspects of the school.

Moderator: Mr. Brower

Each grade level has its own elected Class Officers who participate in Student Council meetings, as well as meet regularly with their supporting and representative Class Cabinet to fundraise for their class, plan and execute class events, and work to promote school spirit within their class

12th Grade Moderator: Ms. Laura Keller

11th Grade Moderators: Mr. Armani Mason-Callaway and Mr. Darrell Holloman

10th Grade Moderator: Ms. Janay Middelton

9th Grade Moderator: Ms. Jaleshea Cobbs

The Student-Athlete Leadership Council strives to support the entire school community through interactive athletic events, school spirit, community service, and leadership activities that will impact the school community. Student-Athlete leadership council members will model the ideals of the Holy Cross tradition and exemplify what it is to be a Bishop McNamara student-athlete.

Moderator: Mr. Martin Keithline

Fiction Writing Club will take inspiration from our favorite fiction pieces (novels, poems, protest, screenplays, etc.) and create our own works of art. We will spend time sharing our writing and offering feedback to ultimately participate in the Scholastic Art & Writing Award Contest.

Moderator: Ms. Alicia Oglesby

Moderator: Mr. Shawn Dougherty