Clubs & Organizations
Bishop McNamara High School clubs and organizations are student-based school organizations, consisting of administration-approved organizations functioning with myriad of interests and functionality.
Each club or organization is composed of students with adults (usually Faculty, Staff or alumni volunteer) as advising figures to maintain the functionality of clubs.
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BMHS has over 50 clubs and organizations at school
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Clubs & Organizations range from honor societies, technical teams, specials interest groups and service organizations
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Extra-curricular activities provide students with opportunities to lead, participate and serve Bishop McNamara, area elementary schools, and community organizations
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Want to start a club? Contact Mr. Brian Brower
For more information on the different clubs and organizations, click on any link below:
Societies, Clubs and Organizations
- Cultural Organizations
- Faith and Service Organization
- Honor Societies
- Recreational Organizations
- Student Leadership
- Professional Organizations
- Student Publications
Cultural Organizations
Cultural Organizations
Bishop McNamara High School has a wide variety of Cultural Organizations to provide diverse opportunities and activities, increase personal knowledge, experience food, art, culture and global traditions for the student body.
- Anime Club
- Art Club
- ASL Club
- Black Cultural Alliance
- Filipino/Asian Pacific American Cultural Enlightenment (FACE) Club
- Latin American Student Organization
- My Hair, My Crown
- Social Activism Support (SAS)
- Step Team
Anime Club
Art Club
ASL Club
Black Cultural Alliance
Filipino/Asian Pacific American Cultural Enlightenment (FACE) Club
Latin American Student Organization
My Hair, My Crown
Social Activism Support (SAS)
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
Step Team
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
Faith and Service Organization
Bishop McNamara offers a variety of Service Organizations, dedicated to community service, religious expression, or social justice. Join with other students in activities and clubs providing a wide variety of service or aid to the BMHS community or beyond.
- Best Buddies
- Black Catholic History and Spirituality Club
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Human Life and Theology of the Body Club
- Life Information for Teens (L.I.F.T.)
- Teens in Action
- Vocations Club
- Social Justice Club
- Women's Empowerment Club
Best Buddies
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Moderator: Ms. Tierra Jolly
Black Catholic History and Spirituality Club
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
To see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. To lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. An inclusive club open to any Christian background or anyone interested in learning more about Christianity. Open to all athletes from any sport.
Moderators: Mr. Adam Greer and Mr. Kevin Clark
Human Life and Theology of the Body Club
Inspired by the Holy Family, the BMHS Human Life and Theology of the Body Club is a pro-life, pro-family student group that promotes God's plan for chastity, marriage, and human life, as of conception.
Moderator: Mr. McClain
Life Information for Teens (L.I.F.T.)
L.I.F.T. is a program that has two objectives: to educate 8th grade students about moral issues consistent with Catholic faith, and to allow you has high school juniors and seniors the opportunity for positive peer mentorship. The curriculum of the program consists of factual talks, real life testimonies, small group discussions, and activities about the fears of becoming a teenager, moral issues of drug/alcohol use, violence, abortion, and sex. Membership to LIFT is an application process that happens in the Spring semester.
Moderators: Ms. Amanda Saunders and Ms. Erika Sanneman
Teens in Action
Teens in Action is a Teen Leadership and Service Program of Camp Fire. Youth participating in Teens in Action engage in positive youth development activities that help them build assets and skills that last for a lifetime. Teens in Teens in Action participate in a variety of activities that engaged them in fun and meaningful activities. Examples include service to the homeless through programs for youth and families at local homeless shelters, Teen Driving Safety Programs (our award winning program for teens who create peer to peer programs to support driving safety), opportunities for formal leadership training through workshops at the local and national level.
Moderator: Mrs. Pezzuto
Vocations Club
Guided by the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Vocations Club assists McNamara students in identifying and being open to how God is calling them to serve him throughout their lives.
Moderator: Mr. Justin McClain
Social Justice Club
Women's Empowerment Club
Honor Societies
Bishop McNamara High School has a wide selection of Honor Societies recognizing students in who achieve overall academic achievement, or those who achieve excellence in a department or program.
- American Sign Language Honor Society
- International Thespian Society Troupe
- Moreau Scholar Society
- Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society
- National English Honor Society (NEHS)
- National Honor Society
- National Honor Society for Dance Arts
- RHO KAPPA Social Studies Honor Society
- Science National Honor Society
- Tri-M Music Honor Society
American Sign Language Honor Society
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
International Thespian Society Troupe
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
Moreau Scholar Society
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
Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society
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
National English Honor Society (NEHS)
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
National Honor Society
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
National Honor Society for Dance Arts
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
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.
Science National Honor Society
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
Tri-M Music Honor Society
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
Recreational Organizations
Recreational Organizations
From hiking, skiing and rock climbing to wildlife, trivia and yoga, whatever activities Bishop McNamara High School students are interested in, they can find diverse opportunities to explore those interests. If they don't find something they're interested in, there's always the opportunity t show leadership in starting a new club or activity!
- Adventure Club
- Archery Club
- Chess Club
- Book Club
- Downward Dawgs Yoga Club
- God's Wonders of Wildlife Awesome Animal Appreciation (God's WOW, AAA) Club
- Karaoke Club
- Puzzle Time
- Quiz Bowl
- True Crime Club
Adventure Club
Archery Club
Chess Club
Book Club
Downward Dawgs Yoga Club
God's Wonders of Wildlife Awesome Animal Appreciation (God's WOW, AAA) Club
Karaoke Club
Puzzle Time
Quiz Bowl
True Crime Club
Student Leadership
Bishop McNamara wants all student to develop into leaders to transform the world. These are just a few opportunities for students to develop those leadership skills.
- McNamara Emerging Leader Training (MELT)
- Student Council
- Class Cabinets
- Student-Athlete Leadership Council
McNamara Emerging Leader Training (MELT)
Student Council
Class Cabinets
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
Student-Athlete Leadership Council
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
Professional Organizations
Bishop McNamara offers students a chance to explore future career opportunities in such areas as Business, Engineering, Law, Mathematics, Science, and Technology with our variety of Professional Clubs.
Join with other students in activities and clubs that help develop skill sets that will be applicable in a wide variety of professions. Click on any organization for more information.
- ACE Mentoring
- McNamara Redtails
- Mock Trial
- Music Production Club
- Pre-Med Club
- Science & Ecology Explorers Club
- The We Are All Educators (WAAE) Organization, Inc.
ACE Mentoring
The ACE Mentoring Club works with local professionals in the field of Architecture, Construction, and Engineering. Our mentors work with our students through hands-on projects, field trips, and guest speakers. The goal of the club is to inspire the students to pursue careers in design and construction. Seniors in the club are eligible for a college scholarship.
Moderator: Ms. Stacey Coney
McNamara Redtails
Mock Trial
In partnership with the Maryland State Bar Association and Maryland Judiciary, the Mock Trial program increases understanding of the law, court procedures and the legal system by allowing students to argue a novel criminal or civil court case each year. The program also increase proficiency in basic life skills such as listening, speaking, reading and reasoning; promote better communication and cooperation between the high school community and legal profession; and heighten appreciation for academic studies as well as career consciousness of law-related professions.
Moderator: Mr. Brian Brower
Music Production Club
Pre-Med Club
Science & Ecology Explorers Club
The Science and Ecology Explorers Club is for anyone interested in making the world a better place. Our typical activities include visiting a museum or natural area such as Jug Bay, Midterm Madness vegetarian soup sample give away, and quick science investigations or experiments. We also sell veggie and flower plants in the spring in order to raise funds for the various garden projects around campus.
Moderator: Mrs. Jan Steeger
The We Are All Educators (WAAE) Organization, Inc.
Student Publications
Bishop McNamara provides a great options for students to express their writing and photographic interests through student publications.
Fiction Writing Club
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