KHS Activity Groups

Kearney Public Schools believes extra-curricular activities are important elements in a student's educational experience. Because of the importance of these activities, Kearney Public Schools are committed to offering a variety of activities that are available to all students.

Kearney High School offers the seven Career & Technical Student Organizations endorsed by the Nebraska Department of Education as well as the five Activities sponsored by the Nebraska Schools Activities Association. Please click on the Activities listed below for specific information.

Career & Technical Student Organizations

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and business management. Members are charged with organizing several KHS fundraisers and events throughout the year to exercise the marketing and leadership skills learned in the classroom. Some examples of these are the management and operation of the Bearcat Corner, organization of the Powder Puff football tournament, and attendance of various state and national DECA leadership conferences. At these conferences, students are able to connect with other like-minded, young business professionals and gain both business knowledge and experiences. DECA offers students the opportunity to explore the business field as a career or simply develop their 21st century skills. Maximize Your Momentum with DECA!

Advisor: Rebecca Larson [email protected]
Fees: $20 to be an official member
Twitter: @KHSDECA and @bearcatcorner

Educators Rising

Ed-Rising is a career student organization that helps students develop the skills and gain the experience they need to teach in a classroom.

Advisor: Mackenzie Burnham [email protected]

FBLA
Future Business Leaders of America

Provides members with opportunities to explore careers in business and technology, take part in community service, develop leadership skills, prepare for college, and travel. Students focus on service projects including Adopt-A-Highway and Trick-or-Treat Food Drive. They also attend the Fall Leadership Conference and State Leadership Conference.

Advisors: Kaylei Becker [email protected] and Jackie Kalkwarf [email protected]
Fees: $20 to be an official member. Possibly more expenses if attending leadership conferences.
Website with Google Calendar: https://sites.google.com/a/kearneycats.com/fbla/
Social Media: @KearneyFBLA on Instagram and Facebook

FCCLA
Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America

Members participate in community service, participate in competitive events, and attend a variety of conferences. Competitive events can range from having a mock interview to making a nutrition plan for an athletic team to teaching elementary students how to deal with their emotions with art. Meetings take place once a month after school.
Advisor(s): Carol Kreutzer [email protected]
Fees: $25 to be a member and participate in district, state, and national events.
http://kearneyhighfccla.wixsite.com/kearneyhighfccla

Instagram: @kearneyfccla

Twitter: @kearneyfccla

FFA
Future Farmers of America

Members meet once a month and focus on careers related to agriculture. They also participate in a large variety of contests including livestock judging, vet science, and floral design. Students attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis and State Convention in Lincoln.

Advisor(s): Spencer Noble [email protected]
Sheridan Swotek [email protected]
Madison Marker [email protected]
Fees: $30 -includes a free t-shirt and free food at every meeting
Social Media: @Kearney_FFA on twitter
@KearneyFFA on Facebook
@Kearney.NE.FFA on Instagram

HOSA
Future Health Professionals

Members learn about the many opportunities in the medical field and gain experience by working blood drives. Health professionals speak to the students during HOSA Days and members attend the State Leadership Conference at UNMC. They also are in charge of the Holly Jolly Jog, a run before winter break, to promote healthy habits.
Advisor(s): Dave Brandt [email protected]

Fees: $25
Social Media: @BearcatHOSA on Twitter

JROTC

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps

Students learn about their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens while also developing teamwork and leadership skills, and self-discipline. Students will participate in community service activities, such as food, clothing, and blood drives, environmental clean up projects, and other activities to give back to their communities. All participating Students will be enthusiastically encouraged to complete high school and pursue some form or continuing education and will learn about military careers. To participate in any of the JROTC Co-Curricular activities, a student must also be scheduled in a JROTC course. There are no student fees associated with this program.

Instructor: Tim Ullman [email protected]

KHS JROTC Bearcat Battalion Homepage

Social Media:

SkillsUSA
Industrial Technology

Recommended for students who are interested in Robotics, Automotive, Construction, Drafting, Health Care Sciences, and more. Members attend the state conference in Grand Island and can participate in over 100 contests. Students meet around once a month and do various activities.
Advisor(s): Jeff Shield [email protected]
Andrew Moland [email protected]
Fees: $20 & must take Industrial Technology class

Nebraska School Activities Association

Choir

Freshmen students have the opportunity to take concert choir. Sophomores can participate in Chorale or POPS. Sophomore and junior girls can be a part of the Varsity girls choir (sapphire & gold, girls glee, concert choir). Concerts for all take place throughout the school year during the winter and spring.
Advisor(s): Clayton Moyer [email protected]

Band

"Enriching Lives Through Music!" That simple phrase sums up what the Kearney High School Band is all about. We strive, in everything that we do, to build a strong "family" atmosphere that emphasizes personal growth and achievement, group excellence, and service to our community.

We offer 3 concert bands, 2 jazz bands, pep band, chamber groups, theory courses, music contests, and an award-winning marching band. There is a group for every level and interest.

We believe that music is a universal language and the opportunity to express it should be given to all. Learning a musical instrument has proven time and time again in studies to improve so many areas of a person's life and is something that can be pursued one's whole life. We encourage you to be a part of the music and join or support the KHS band today!

Advisor(s):

Nathan LeFeber [email protected]

Rick Mitchell [email protected]

https://kearneybands.org/

https://www.facebook.com/bearcatband/

@bearcatband on twitter

Journalism

JOURNALISM - HSOC400
Grade Level: 9,10,11,12 ; Course Credit: 5 ; Prerequisite: None
This course introduces students to the world of news and mass communications. Major emphasis is placed on press history, the print process, copyediting, television, radio, and ethics. Students will learn about yellow journalism, major high school court cases, characteristics of news, and how to conduct an interview. Students wishing to work on the high school yearbook (LOG) or high school newspaper (ECHO) must complete this course.

JOURNALISM II - HSOC420
Grade Level:9 ; Course Credit: 5 ; Prerequisite: Journalism
This course continues the study of news and mass communication. Students will learn how to write headlines, leads, straight news writing, feature writing, editorial writing, column writing, sports writing, layout design and advertising. Topics also include: using a stylebook, conducting an interview, and ethics concerning tragedies. Careers in journalism will also be researched. Students wishing to work on the high school yearbook (LOG) or high school newspaper (ECHO) must complete this course.

Advisor(s): Chris Johnson [email protected]
Fees: $50

Play production (One-Act)

The One-Act play production is open to all students in grades 9-12. The season begins with a one-day camp in August and ends with the State competition in early December. Auditions for cast and crew take place in mid-September and rehearsals begin the first week of October. The NSAA State Play Production (One-Act) Tournament is in December and members have the opportunity to earn a varsity letter in Fine Arts. Those interested should contact head coach Michelle Bombeck at [email protected].

Speech Team

The speech team at Kearney High School is an event that begins with summer camp and ends with the State speech competition in mid-March. Events that students can participate in include platform events, acting events, and group events. Those interested should contact head coach Michelle Bombeck at [email protected].

KHS Competitive Theatrics (One-Act and Speech)

On our website at: https://sites.google.com/kearneycats.com/competitive-theatrics/home

KHS Activities

BassCats
Fishing Club

Kicks off in October with a BBQ and goes through the end of July, ending with the state competition. Members participate in tournaments throughout the season and equipment can be supplied if needed.

Book Club

Open to all students who love to read! One book is read per month and book discussions/activities take place monthly as well.
Advisor(s): Stefanie Green [email protected]

Bowling Club

All grade levels are welcome to join. The competitive team is made up of only 7 players, so not everyone is able to compete. Practices take place on Monday and Thursday after school and compete to qualify for state bowling in Lincoln. All coaches and sponsors are volunteers.
Advisor(s): Robbie Samuelson [email protected]
Fees/Requirements to join: $75 for expenses and uniform

Cat Pals

Members assist life skills students and help with the adaptive physical education class.
Advisor(s): Caley Nelsen [email protected]

Cheer

Practices are Monday from 3:45-5:45 and Wednesday from 3:45-4:45. The main cheer events are during football, volleyball, basketball, and wrestling competitions. They also volunteer during swim meets and work in the concession stand. Cheer camp takes place in early July and state cheer is in February.
Advisor(s): Ashley Bush [email protected]

Requirements to join: Tryout
Social Media: @kearneyhighcheer on Instagram

Class Officer

The mission of the KHS Class Officers is to celebrate the achievements and milestones of the students at Kearney High School with a goal of creating unity within each class and ultimately in the student body. Freshmen and sophomore members assist with Honors Night and graduation, as well as activities throughout the year like the annual We Love Kearney High week. As a junior, planning prom is the main task of a class officer. They are required to pick the pre-prom meal and post-prom activities. For seniors, planning graduation is the main task. They also the choose class song, motto, flower, etc., read a pre-written speech to the graduates during the ceremony, and read the names of the graduates.
Advisor(s): Stefanie Green (9th & 10th) [email protected]; Alison Klein (11th) [email protected]; Katie Brodine (12th) [email protected]
Requirements: Chosen to be a class officer by classmates and approved by teachers

DAFY
Drug and Alcohol-Free Youth

A positive way for members to get involved and help spread positive influences to younger students throughout Kearney Public Schools. Students get to dress up in costumes and travel around to elementary schools to do fun activities.
Advisor(s): Robbie Samuelson [email protected]
Caley Nelsen [email protected]

Dance Catz

Practices take place on Tuesday nights and Thursday mornings before school. Football and basketball are the main events that are danced for. They also volunteer in the concession stands and work with different organizations in the community. The Universal Dance Association (UDA) dance camp takes place at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
Advisor(s): Meggie Rusher [email protected]
Requirements to join: Tryout
Social Media: @dancecatz on Instagram
https://khsdancecatz.wixsite.com/team

ECHO
School Magazine

ECHO (NEWSPAPER) - HSOC410
Grade Level: 10, 11,12 ; Course Credit: 20 ; Prerequisite: Journalism II
Students produce the newspaper by completing assigned stories and magazine pages on or before the set deadlines during the entire school year. Students will publish three issues during the first semester and three issues during the second semester. Responsibilities include: advertising sales, writing stories, writing headlines, writing captions and developing page layouts. Students also work together to select publication dates and deadlines for each issue, create and design page layouts, and make sure students are completing their assignments on or before the deadline. Students will work with InDesign and Photoshop during the year. Some out-of-class time may be required.
Advisor(s): Chris Johnson [email protected]

FCA
Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Members gather twice a month on Mondays to discuss how bible stories and verses connect to the leadership on athletic teams.
Advisor(s): Natalie Madsen [email protected]
Social Media: @Kearney_FCA on twitter

GSA
Gender Sexuality Alliance

The club is to help and listen to LGBT+ students. Help them figure out how to come out to those around them. Members also attend the PRIDE parade and some students participate in the Drag show that is put on by QSA at UNK.

K-Club
Varsity Letter Club

Varsity athletes volunteer around the community and participate in service projects.
Advisor(s): Scott Steinbrook [email protected]
Lerrin Rowe [email protected]
Fees/Requirements to join: Must be a member of a varsity athletic team or varsity letter winner.

Key Club

Service organization that partners with Kiwanis Club. Volunteers serve around the school and community with events like SOCKtober (collecting goods for the homeless shelter), trick-or-treat for canned foods, Good Fellows, and the Kearney Parks and Rec Easter Egg Hunt.

Advisor: Dave Brandt [email protected]

Fees: $15- helps fund service projects

LOG Yearbook

LOG (YEARBOOK)- HSOC405
Grade Level: 10, 11,12 ; Course Credit: 20 ; Prerequisite: Journalism II
Students produce the yearbook by completing assigned spreads/pages on or before set deadlines during the entire school year. Responsibilities include: advertising sales, yearbook sales, organizing and editing yearbook pages, creating layouts, making photo assignments and writing body copy, headlines and captions to comply with the LOG stylebook guidelines. Students also work together to develop and implement a theme, plan the yearbook ladder, and organize and supervise the production of the yearbook to assure all spreads are handed in on or before deadlines. Students will also use Photoshop during the year. Some out-of-class time may be required.
Advisor(s): Chris Johnson [email protected]
Fees/Requirements: Must take journalism before requesting the course.

Mock Trial

Members look at court cases that have been created by lawyers around Nebraska. Try-outs are held at the beginning of the school year and teams are announced by the second / third week of school. Students are given a role (attorney or witness) and must create an argument and case theory for both sides of the case (defense and prosecution). Students will go to competitions where they will present their cases as if they are in an actual trial against opposing schools. The competitions are held in an courtroom (within our competition region) with active and retired lawyers and judges serving as judges for the competitions.

Mock Trial Sponsors:

Matthew Richardson - [email protected]

Rebecca Larson - [email protected]

NAHS
National Art Honor Society

Open to all students who are interested in art and love doing projects. The group meets every first and third Tuesday after school.
Advisor: Charlotte Dvorak [email protected]
Fees: $30 to pay for supplies
Social Media: @NAHSKearneyHigh on twitter and @NAHSKearneyhigh on instagram

National Honor Society

This is an organization that recognizes students for their outstanding achievements in scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Student must be a junior or senior to apply and must have at least a 3.85 GPA. The induction ceremony takes place in April of every year. Seniors must complete 40 hours of volunteer service to wear a NHS honor stole at graduation.
Advisor(s): William Wagner [email protected]
Fees/Requirements to join: 3.85 GPA and turn in an application

Orchestra

“Music can change the world”, said Ludwig Van Beethoven, and we at Kearney High School strive to continue musical excellence in Orchestra. Students who play string instruments or are wanting to learn are encouraged to join Orchestra. We invite anyone wishing to grow in their musical skills on strings to join us! We have three ensembles which include:
The Concert Orchestra, which is open to Freshmen and new players.
The Symphonic Orchestra, which is comprised of all 10th-12th graders.
Camerata is our select auditioned group where students play advanced repertoire.
Advisor(s):
Sadie Uhing [email protected]
Facebook: Kearney Public Schools Orchestra
Instagram: kpsorchestra

Photography

Students are required to go to after-school activities and take photos of the events, activities, projects, etc. All photos taken are used for the school yearbook (The LOG) and the school newspaper (The ECHO).
Advisor(s): Chris Johnson [email protected]

Publications Photography

PUBLICATIONS PHOTOGRAPHY - HSOC415
Grade Level: 10,11,12 ; Course Credit: 5 ; Prerequisite: None
The publications photography course is designed for students who have prior experience operating a digital camera and equipment. Students must be able to work independently, be responsible for expensive camera equipment and understand the value of the equipment. Students are required to take photos during the day when they are in the class. Students MUST take photos at one school event outside of the school day each week (weeknights or weekends) and be able to drive to the events in the community. Students will also read photography articles and watch photography videos each week and complete the assignment that accompanies each. Responsibilities include: taking assigned photographs at events, downloading the photographs to the server in a timely manner, labeling the photographs correctly and editing photographs for the yearbook and newspaper. Out-of-class time is expected to be successful in this class.
Advisor(s): Chris Johnson [email protected]

Student Council

Members are elected by classmates and hold a position on the council for one school year and have the opportunity to be re-elected. Council members are in charge of organizing school dances, blood drives, movie on the football field, and are the leaders of the school.
Advisor(s): Andy Chadek [email protected]
Fees/Requirements: Elected by classmates every school year
Social Media: @KHSstuco_ on twitter

Thespians

The KHS Thespian Troupe is an honor society that recognizes and rewards excellence among the participants in the theatre arts program, and induction as a Thespian is the first of many honors that may be given to active students. The Kearney High School Thespian Troupe #1811 is in association with the International Thespian Society (ITS). As Thespians, students may attend state and national events, including the International Thespian Festival, with workshops, college and scholarship auditions, as well as opportunities to showcase and receive assessment on tech and performance skills.

Link to information about the International Thespian Society and the point system:

https://www.schooltheatre.org/internationalthespiansociety/home https://www.schooltheatre.org/internationalthespiansociety/troupedirectors/thespianpointsystem

Advisor: Vicky DeWald [email protected]

KHS Theatre Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kearneytheatre

Thespian Troupe #1811 Twitter: @1811Troupe

Instagram account: khs_thespians1811

Google Classroom KHS Thespian Troupe #1811 join code: uxle3z2

Student Ambassador

Ambassadors introduce new students and families to Kearney High. They give tours, help with Freshmen Orientation, assist with Honors Night, welcome new students and show them to classes. Ambassadors are nominated by teachers or staff their freshman year. KHS Ambassadors must have at least a 2.5 G.P.A., have excellent attendance, be involved in at least one school organization/club or sport, have no behavior referrals, and be considered a good role model to peers. Ambassadors are nominated by teachers and acceptance is contingent upon meeting the above requirements.

Advisor: Crystal Zimmerman [email protected]

Tri-M Music Honors Society

A national organization for middle and high schools through the National Association for Music Education (NAME). Talents are shared through community service projects and students build skills useful for school and beyond.
Advisor(s): Rick Mitchell [email protected]
Requirements: Earn points at honor festivals