The staff at Gulf Coast High believes it is important for students to be involved in clubs and activities at the school. Below is a list of clubs and activities available to students. 

Some of the clubs and activities have websites that you can access to learn more about the organization. These links are provided to you for your convenience. When you click on one of these links, you leave the Collier County High School website. These sites are not under the control of Collier County Mountain High School or the Cobb County School System. Collier County High School is not responsible for the contents of any of these sites. 

Activities

Class Sponsors

Gulf Coast High School
Clubs

The Academic Team (Scholar Bowl)                                                            Ms. Voorhees 5-144
The Scholar Bowl Team will meet in room 5-144. Our meetings will be the first and fourth Wednesday of the month for an hour after school.  Announcements will be made and some practice meets occur throughout the county.  All students are welcome to practice and compete on a variety of topics including math, science, literature, current events, art, music etc.  Our main competitions occur during second semester when we compete with schools in both Lee and Collier counties.  More information?  Please email Martha Voorhees VoorheM1@collier.k12.fl.us

Culinary Club                                                                                       Chef Setera 4-107
The purpose of the club is to work in the community helping different hotels and restaurants and to be a part of the American Culinary Federation and National Restaurant Association. We will work to earn scholarships for the students and a position in the restaurant industry.    Having the opportunity  of learning more advanced cooking techniques with the focus on procedures, sanitation, competitions and teamwork. Functioning with positive attitudes to achieve the highest levels of learning.

DECA - Distributive Education Clubs of America                                  Mr. Schell  6-164
DECA is a group of marketing students. The mission of DECA is to enhance the co-curricular education of students with interests in marketing, management and entrepreneurship. DECA helps students develop skills and competence for marketing careers, build self-esteem, experience leadership and practice community experience. We have competitions based on our marketing knowledge, which we prepare for at our meetings. We also devote a large portion of our time to charities. We have trips to the Ft. Myers children's hospital planned, as well as several other community service activities. The club will sponsor student trips and help pay for trips to competition. Competitions happen at the school, regional, state and national levels, with this years nationals being held in CA. The club looks great on a resume for a job or college and it provides valuable experience for the business world. The club will meet the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month in room 6-164 at lunch.

DJ Club                                                                                                        Mr. Schell 6-164
The DJ club provides Gulf Coast's students with an opportunity to hear the music they love. The club plays music in the cafeteria at lunch, and at all school functions. The club will also play in the courtyard at lunch on Friday. The club works with school songs, and is available for other club's meetings and special functions. The club will meet on the last Wednesday of each month during lunch in room 6-164.

Drama Club                                                                                       Ms. LaVite     2-032
The Tiburon Drama Club is open to any GCHS student who is interested in any aspect of theatre. The club sponsors theatre competitions that culminate at Florida State Thespian Festival in Tampa during April.  This club is a perfect place to keep in touch with all the audition, show and special event dates -- staying in the know about what makes up GCHS Theatre!  Meetings are held after school on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month, with some meetings being adjusted due to school holidays. Always check the calendar on the callboard.  For more info: lavitesc@collier.k12.fl.us .

FEA- Future Educators of America                                      Mrs. Smith-Libbey 4-112
A national service organization for any student interested in a career in the field of education.  They focus on support of teachers at Gulf Coast High School and participate in district / state organization activities throughout the year.  We will meet every Tuesday during lunch in room 4-114.  For more info:  smithlch@collier.k12.fl.us

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes                                                Mrs. Lee 6-170                                 FCA is a student lead, interdenominational ministry.  The focus is to present to athletes and coaches, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church. It is open to any and all students, regardless of participation in an athletic organization.  Meetings are held every Thursday of every month in the Gym. leem1@collier.k12.fl.us

French Honor Society                                                                      Mrs. O’Neil 6-171
French Honor Society is group of students who have been selected for membership because of their academic excellence, leadership and interest in French activities.  Members must have an "A" average in French and a "B" average or better in all other subjects.  Activities include community service projects, tutoring, cultural celebrations and field trips

Gay/Straight Alliance                                                                      Mr. Thom Croce 5-235
The purpose of the GSA is to provide a safe place for gay, lesbian and straight students to meet in school; to offer opportunities to learn and teach about the challenges surrounding sexual orientation; and to build community spirit, mutual understanding and support among gay and lesbian students and their friends.

Green Club  website                                                                          Dr. Egana 5-234
Nature exists for all species, not just for us and we are not in charge of the Earth.  The Earth’s resources are limited, should not be wasted, and are not all for us. We should encourage Earth-sustaining forms of economic growth and discourage Earth degrading forms. Our success depends on learning how the Earth sustains itself and integrating such lessons from nature into the ways we think and act.

International Thespian Society                                                        Ms. LaVite      2-032
The International Thespian Society is a theatre honorary society that is open to any GCHS student who earns 10 thespian points through participation in the GCHS theatre extracurricular program.    Meetings are held during lunch on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month.  Some meetings will be adjusted because of school holidays.  Come check the calendar on the callboard.  For more info:  lavitesc@collier.k12.fl.us

The Italian Club                                                                                   Ms. Antonella Albano
The  purpose of the club is to promote the Italian language and culture through social and cultural activities open to all the students of Gulf Coast High School; to promote an appreciation of Italian culture, language, literature, food and music; to promote an understanding of the unique contributions Italians have made to this country; to support the Italian-American community  by sharing in one of the oldest and most captivating cultures in the world."

Key Club                                                                                             Ms. Cannon 4-101
Key Club is an international service organization for high school students sponsored by our local Kiwanis Club. Key Club stresses the importance of leadership and good citizenship through community service -- 75 hours of which are required for the Academic Scholars award through the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program.  The club meets every Friday at lunch

Lacrosse  Website                                                                                           Ms. Galiana
Gulf Coast Lacrosse is in its 4th year here at Gulf Coast.   The team consists of players that started 6 years ago when it had 3 schools included in the club known as “The Collier County Lacrosse Club”.  Please listen to announcements for sign up dates and meetings.  Gulf Coast Lacrosse is a club sport at this time, but is moving in the direction of becoming a varsity sport.

Marine Science Club                                                              Mrs. Smith-Libbey 4-112
Marine Science Club is an interest and academic club for students interested in the field of Marine Science.  Members will have the opportunity of learning more about the marine environment and its inhabitants and gain a better understanding of the dynamics of our oceans and their value and need for preservation.  Members may compete in knowledge bowls, volunteer in their community (Coastal Cleanup, Rookery Bay, etc. ) and participate in fun, extracurricular fieldtrips in order to experience and learn more about marine science.  We will meet Monday’s during lunch in room 4-114.  For more info:  smithlch@collier.k12.fl.us

Mock Trial                                                                                      Mr. Manento PO 304
P-304The Mock Trial Club is an academic club designed for students that have an interest in America’s legal system. A competitive team will eventually be formed by the club members, sponsor, and attorney coaches in order to participate in the Mock Trial competition, held at the Collier County courthouse.  Team members are asked to take on a role as either attorney or witness for the Prosecution/Plaintiff team, the Defense team, or both!    After roles are assigned, then students will begin to practice their skills to get ready to compete against other schools in Collier County.  It is up to you to convince Judge and Jury that your case is the best case.  Defend the accused or put the guilty behind bars.  Mock trial is your opportunity to experience the real meaning of the law.  Mock Trial is open to all students.

Model United Nations                                                                        Ms. Soulard 4-104
Experience the tension of negotiation as you represent a country in a world crisis.  Analyze your options - conflict or cooperation, war or peace.  Model United Nations takes a fresh look at global affairs.  Students participate in the SW Florida Model United Nations as they represent one of the world's 194 countries.

National Honor Society                                                                               (Mrs.Groendal)
The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since their beginnings in 1921 and 1929.
Four main purposes have guided chapters of NHS from the beginning: "To create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools.”
The Gulf Coast High School Chapter of The National Honor Society consists of juniors and seniors that have demonstrated these qualities.  Inductions are held each year for those students that have a current 3.9 Grade Point Average (GPA), 50 documented community service hours, and character demonstrated through a writing exercise and discipline records.  This year the GCHS National Honor Society will celebrate the induction of new members in November.
Meetings are held the first and third Thursday of each month.  Students are required to complete 15 hours of service each term and maintain a 3.9 GPA to stay active.

Pottery Club                                                                                        Karen Harris
 For students who desire to learn about ceramics, work on clay sculptures, or for pottery students needing more time to work on class projects and create new ideas.  Bring a friend and an open mind.  Community work/hours are also available.     Meets every Wednesday, after school, 2:15 - 3:00  5-154  Mrs. Harris

Spanish Academic Team                                       Mrs. Gilliam 5-140 and Nora Voell  5-222     
Students on the Spanish Academic Team will take part in a three day competition yearly in Orlando at the Wyndham Orlando Resort on International Drive.  Students compete at the state level with 100 other Florida high schools.  Students are evaluated on essays, impromptu speeches, art, culture, declamations, and dramatic presentations. Practice is twice per week in room 5-140, beginning in November and ending in April. GCHS has been State Champion in 5A schools 5 out of the past 9 years! Try outs will be held in October, so see Profesora Ana Gilliam, SAT coach, in 5-140.  Try outs:  2 minute speech on a topic from New Page Temas Años Nones on website www.thefssc.org  Requirements:  Must take Spanish 2Honors or higher level course during the 2007-2008 school year

Spanish Club                                                                                                  Sra. Groendal
This club is open to anyone who is interested in exploring the Hispanic Culture.  During Hispanic Heritage month and during the school year, students can share their own Hispanic culture with others as well as learn from others. Students will participate in variety of school activities and community service. Members will meet the first and last Tuesday of every month.

Speech and Debate Team                                                                   Mrs.Layne 5-130
Any student can be on the Speech and Debate team. There are three types of events in which one might compete:  Student Congress (group debate); Debate (individual or team); and Forensics (speech).  Speech competitions include Extemporaneous Speaking, Original Oratory, and Interpretation.  The separate Interpretation events include Dramatic and Humorous (individual or duo).  All members are eligible to join the National Forensics League, an organization that can be helpful (scholarships, etc.) for students who are interested in any field of Communications.

Student Government                                                              Mr. Rockhold 5 - 230
The Student Government is an organization designed to develop student leadership, promote school activities, organize school-wide community service events, and spark class and school spirit.  We sponsor some major events like Homecoming, Adopt-A-Family, Leadership Trip to Disney, Prom, and much more.  Senior, Junior, Sophomore, and Freshmen officers are elected at the beginning of the school year.  Meetings are held every Tuesday during lunch in Room 5-230

SWAT                                                                                     Mr. Hale
SWAT (Student's Working Against Tobacco) is a student-led club aiming to teach children / young adults that tobacco companies are manipulating them into buying their products.  SWAT membership provides opportunities for youth to outreach into the community and expose the message of lies by the tobacco industry and the "truth" about tobacco and how it can affect lives.  Members can change attitudes of others and lead their generation into a tobacco free environment.

Video Club                                                                             Mrs. Lavite      2-032
The Video Club works as an extension of the News class.  We cover extra-curricular events that the school produces and create news packages that we feature on our Morning News program.  Members of the club also create projects for the administration, such as Holiday Videos that are shown to the entire school before Christmas, or the GC Video that highlighted course selection for the incoming Freshman.  The Video Club will also hold a Film Festival, sometime in April, where student produced film shorts will be viewed and judged. We will meet once a month, usually on Wednesday, but listen to the morning announcements for dates of meetings.                                         lavitesc@collier.k12.fl.us

Water Polo Club                                                                     Mr. Lawson 5-227
The purpose of the Gulf Coast Water Polo Club is to provide students an opportunity to learn the fundamentals, techniques, and strategies of the sport of water polo while having fun with other students.  The majority of each session will be spent playing water polo.
The club will meet every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 2:50 - 4:00 P.M. starting Tuesday, April 6, 2010 through Thursday, May 27, 2010.  Participants must have a current athletic physical dated May 27, 2009 or later--on file.  Lawsonha@collier.k12.fl.us

Winter Running Club                                                  Mr. Joe Manento PO 304
Winter Running Club “runs” from the Monday after Thanksgiving vacation until the first day of official Track & Field practice.  The club is open to all students regardless of participation in sports programs.  This club is designed to let students experience the joys and camaraderie associated with running.  We will meet and run on and off campus and participate in local 5k races.  Meeting times will be announced during the school year and may change daily and weekly due to locations of the run.    If interested, contact Mr. Manento.  manentjo@collier.k12.fl.us