Academic Challenge
Academic Challenge (formally known as WYSE) is a test-based competition hosted by the Physics Department and Pre-Engineering Program at Eastern Illinois University. Offered to high school students, subjects tested are biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering & graphics, English, mathematics and physics. More than 40 community colleges and universities in Illinois and Missouri provide sites for the tests, giving students the opportunity to compete against each other academically.
The tests are designed to present a challenge to the brightest high school students, and are presented in multiple-choice format. Students have 40 minutes to complete tests that range in length from 30 questions (computer science & math) to 80 questions (English). The test material is drawn from high school senior and college freshman curricula to present a bridge between secondary and higher education. Tests are written by teams of faculty members at colleges and universities all across the United States. Each team produces sets of tests that increase in level of difficulty in a progression from regional, to sectional, to state finals.
Students are usually recommended by teachers, but they can also join by qualifying with practice test scores.
Sponsors: Mrs. Emily Johnson and Mrs. Kristen Hogg
Art Club
Regardless of art background, all interested Central students are welcome to come create artwork after school. Art Club members are expected to promote the art program, and have a passion for the visual arts. As a member students will have the opportunity to make unique artwork outside of the art projects taught during school hours. This opportunity allows students that otherwise might miss out on art classes during the school day and students that already take art courses to have a chance to have another creative outlet. Students are expected to be respectful of each other and collaboratively work in groups, as well as work as an individual in our meeting times. Art Club meets 2-3 times a month. Meeting dates and times will be predetermined on the calendar each month on our google classroom page. After school we will create small to large scale art productions to display, wear, and hopefully inspire students and community members to see the value and passion we share for art here at Central!
Sponsor: Mrs. Christa Wessel
Chess Club
The vision of the Central Chess Club is to develop important leadership skills in our students while providing a fun and engaging atmosphere that encourages cooperation and friendship. The Chess Club is designed to nurture critical thought in young minds and foster a healthy sense of sportsmanship through competitive chess games played after school.
Sponsor : Mrs. Cathy Kohnen
Common Grounds Coffee House
Common Grounds is a business run within the school in order for students with disabilities to learn life, social, and work skills to gain experience for the future. It promotes social interaction between them and their general education, nondisabled peers. In addition, students of the general education population can volunteer to help aid and work with the disabled students. The coffee house is open for roughly one hour a day during the week on school days and takes volunteer applicants all throughout the school year.
Sponsor : Travis Gebke
Cougar Academy
Cougar Academy is a program scheduled in April each year and is designed to address the social/emotional aspects of transitioning to high school. On the day of the program, high school volunteers serve as mentors to 8th grade participants and they lead activities designed to discuss and prepare the 8th graders for some of the choices and decisions they may be faced with in high school. These mentors continue to foster relationships with the 8th graders throughout their freshmen year, serving as a source of support and guidance as they adjust to the next level of their education. Freshmen through seniors can apply to be Cougar Academy Mentors. Applications are available in February.
Sponsor : Mrs. Mara Koerkenmeier
Debate Club
Debate club meets to have engaging and sometimes loud group discussions on interesting and controversial topics. Our goals for you are to develop skills in communication, research, and evaluating information. We are a new club so we compete with each other for now. There are opportunities to travel and compete in tournaments in the future.
Sponsors: Mrs. Rachel Faust
ESports
Our Unified Esports League brings together Special Olympics Athletes and Unified Partners for fun and comradery while playing video games. Esports participants will scrimmage with one another as a team, but also compete individually. The selected video game will be Mario Kart, Rocket League, or Smash Bros. Matches will take place one day a week from 2:30-3:30. To sign up, listen for announcements in September for an interest meeting and/or reach out to one of the sponsors.
Sponsors: Mara Koerkenmeier, Gina Benhoff, and Crystalyn Huegen
FBLA
FBLA, otherwise known as the Future Business Leaders of America. The mission of FBLA is to bring success and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development responsibilities and programs. The purpose of FBLA is to provide, as an integral part of the instruction program, opportunities for students to develop vocational and career competencies and to promote civic and personal responsibilities. There are 2 main competitions per year, Area and State, along with the opportunity to compete at Nationals. Applications are available in August and September of each school year.
Sponsor: Ms. Morgan Keck
FCA
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is an interdenominational Christian sports ministry. Students meet/huddle to discuss their faith and how they can impact the world for God through athletics. This student-led organization typically meets on Thursdays during advisory twice a month. Any athlete can attend the meetings or activities. There is no cost associated with this organization.
Sponsors: Mr. Kevin Crask and Mr. Nathan Rueter
FFA
The National FFA organization is a student-lead, intracurricular agriculture organization. Our goal is to build students' knowledge of agriculture in and out of the classroom. We are focused on premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. Students will be given the chance to compete in events, attend leadership conferences, and explore careers in the agriculture field. By taking an agricultural class students qualify to be an FFA member.
Sponsor: Mrs. Harley Painter & Mr. Jeff Jacobs
HOSA
This organization educates students on healthcare related topics and network with others who are interested in healthcare. HOSA looks for ways to help benefit healthcare organizations and local community efforts related to causes or individuals dealing with medical situations. Blood drives and fundraisers for individuals in our area who are battling medical issues or raising funds for others in similar situations are organized through this club. Other goals include promoting leadership, compassion, and service.
You will be a member of HOSA by taking one of the Health Science Technology program course: Orientation to Health Science Technology and Health Science Technology I. Once a member you will be encouraged to help promote our events and you can sign up to compete at the Illinois State HOSA Conference.
Sponsor: Mrs. Stacey Boruff
Journalism Club
In Journalism Club, students get the opportunity to showcase what is happening at Central through journalistic writing and photography. Responsibilities include interviewing sponsors and/or students about a story, attending monthly meetings, taking pictures when applicable, writing a minimum of 1 article per month, and participating in the school newsletter. Attend the meeting at the beginning of the school year to get involved.
Sponsors: Mrs. Britni Hogg
Lifesavers
Peer Support, suicide and crisis-prevention team. The goal is to help teenagers cope healthfully with the challenges of drugs and alcohol, peer and other challenges they face.
Students must apply when applications become available near the beginning of the school year. A selection committee consisting of various staff members will choose those students who meet the requirements of the Lifesavers program. These students will be required to attend the Lifesavers training retreat to officially become part of the program.
Sponsors: Mrs. Lauren Langhauser and Ms. Trisha Lohman
National Honor Society
The National Honor Society chapter at Central Community High School was established in 1976. Each year, new members are selected during the spring semester after their fifth or seventh semester. Members must earn a 3.8 cumulative grade point average and must demonstrate and excel in the qualities of leadership, character, scholarship, and service throughout their high school career. Any member who does not live up to the standards that are expected may be subject to disciplinary actions or removal from the chapter.
Sponsor: Ms. Trisha Lohman
Musical
The Spring Musical at Central provides students with a comprehensive theater experience engaging them in acting, music-making, dance, set design, stagecraft, live sound, and lighting. Productions vary from classics (such as Oklahoma!) to modern masterpieces (Sister Act) to children's theater (Annie) and everything in between. Traditionally, the productions begin at the beginning of the Spring Semester, culminating in three performances in late March. Auditions are held between November and December.
Sponsors: Mrs. Lauren Langhauser and Mr. Brodie Ordaz
Pit Crew
The Pit Crew is our student pep club. Members of the Pit Crew organize a variety of School Spirit Activities throughout the school year.
Sponsor: Mr. Roger Freeze
Safe Space
Sponsor : Mrs. Rachel Faust
Safe Space is a student-led and student-organized club that aims to create a safe, welcoming, and accepting school environment for all students
Scholar Bowl
Scholar Bowl is an IHSA sanctioned, team academic competition in which two teams compete to answer questions from all areas of knowledge, including history, literature, science, fine arts, current events, popular culture, sports, and more. Sign-ups for Scholar Bowl occur in November.
Sponsor: Mrs. Stacy Schroeder
Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of science education. Science Olympiad clubs are designed to increase interest in STEM activities by providing opportunities to investigate different topics in science, thus creating a technologically-literate workforce and providing recognition for outstanding achievement by both students and teachers. These goals are achieved by participating in Science Olympiad tournaments, and incorporating Science Olympiad into our classroom curriculum.
Central High School has established a team of 20 students that work as a team as well as individuals to prepare for a fun filled day of science testing. These students are nominated by CHS staff members and then given the opportunity to decide if they would like to compete in these hands-on science competitions.
Sponsors : Ms. Karrie Kujawa and Mrs. Cathy Kohnen
Service Club
Cougars for the Community, the Central High School Service Club, offers students opportunities to complete volunteer work in the school and community. To be a part of Service Club, a student must complete and log 20 hours of community service in a school year. The community service can be done on an individual basis or as a part of a school-wide experience. In order to give students a variety of service hours, up to 10 hours can come from one type of activity. Service Club is an organization open to any freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior.
The purpose of Service Club is to assist students in becoming involved in community organizations and to start a network of projects to benefit our communities. Service Club is a student run organization with faculty advisers; therefore, the students select the activities to participate in each year. The students pick different projects to support; some of the ideas are for a large group of helpers, and others are activities an individual or smaller group can do to make the community a better place.
Sponsors: Mr. Greg Kruse, Mrs. Katie Florczyk, Mrs. Andrea Henry, Mrs. Ami Shanafelt, and Mrs. Gina Benhoff
Spanish Club
Spanish Club provides our members with an opportunity to participate in activities related to Spanish and Latin American culture, and use of the Spanish language. Club members also have the opportunity to participate in philanthropic activities that benefit our local community, and also countries in Central America and the Caribbean. Membership requires current or past enrollment in Spanish at Central, and a yearly dues payment.
Sponsor: Mrs. Kristin Rueter
Special Olympics
At Central, students have the option to become members of the special olympics advisory board. The purpose of the ambassador role and advisory board is to help plan and promote activities at Central that encourage inclusion and demonstrate the goals of the Illinois Special Olympics Program.
Sponsor: Mrs. Gina Benhoff
Student Council
The purpose of the student council is to give students an opportunity to develop leadership skills by organizing and carrying out school activities and service projects. In addition to planning events that contribute to school spirit and community welfare, the student council is the voice of the student body.
Student Council Representatives are elected each year by the voting members of the class.
Each class will elect 6 representatives on to the Student Council. Any student wishing to run as a representative of their class will need to obtain a student petition, secure 30 classmate’s signatures and 6 adult recommendation signatures. Each potential candidate will also submit a written statement of election intent. The election process will take place in April of each year. The election process for incoming freshman will take place in August of their Freshman year. These potential candidates will obtain a petition and secure 30 classmate signatures. Each prospective candidate will give a verbal speech to the freshman class prior to elections.
Sponsor: Mrs. Karrie Kujawa
Yearbook
Students collaborate together to create and design pages of the yearbook. Most of the work is done online, with occasional meetings to discuss progress. With the completion of assigned pages and selling one yearbook ad, the student receives that year’s yearbook free of charge.
Sponsors: Mrs. Jill Varel and Mrs. Rebecca Boeschen