Arts & Activities

Arts and Activities at DHS

Students can participate in many clubs and organizations at DeKalb High School (DHS). There are opportunities to explore a variety of interests, gain new skills, give back to the community and more.

Academics and Competitions

Chess Club gives students the ability to sharpen their chess skills at weekly meetings.
Math Team prepares students to compete in the DVC Tournament. Students learn different problem-solving strategies and techniques. Group work is strongly encouraged.
Scholastic Bowl is an IHSA-sponsored competitive activity.
Worldwide Youth in Sciences and Engineering (WYSE) Team members compete by taking an exam in their preferred area. Competition proceeds to the state level.

Art and Graphic Design

Art Club is for students who love art. Members explore a variety of art media and activities throughout the year. It’s a great place to meet new friends and share art experiences in a relaxed, after-school environment.
Graphics Club members work on projects for the school and district, including printing T-shirts, creating artwork and laying out designs.

Design and Production Skills

No Experience Needed is a club for students interested in learning skills involved in the trades such as mechanics, welding, electrical, carpentry and plumbing. Come learn a new skill – no experience needed.
Robotics Team is for future engineers, coders, gamers, photographers, graphic designers, business owners and people who just like to build things.
Shop Club is for students interested in projects that require planning, design and hands-on production. Members work with customers to understand needs, create designs, and produce and deliver the desired product. Most work takes place in the woods or metals shop and is supervised/advised by the industrial technology instructor.

Exploring Common Interests

Eco Buds is a learning organization for students interested in serving the environment, animals and the human community.
FFA is the largest student organization in the country. It provides opportunities for students interested in agriculture and leadership to participate in contests, conventions and workshops, as well as community involvement and travel.
Hip Hop Club
French Club is open to all students. It celebrates the culture of French-speaking countries with activities such as films, plays, concerts, dinners at French restaurants, meals prepared by students, art exhibits and holiday traditions.
K-Pop Club is a space for people who are into the genre and want to learn more about Korean culture. It’s a student-led group that meets weekly.
Spanish Club members must be in a Spanish class or have been in one in the past. Activities include “Day of the Dead” celebration, Christmas fiesta, dance demonstration, movie night and “Cinco de Mayo” celebration. Students aren’t required to speak Spanish at meetings.

Music and Color Guard

Band: Students enrolled in DHS band classes learn to play a wind or brass instrument or percussion.
Choir: Students enrolled in the DHS choir focus on singing techniques.
Color Guard is a group of students who add interest and excitement to marching band performances. Members perform at home football games, pep rallies, parades, competitions and trips. They dance, act and use flags, props, sabres and rifles. Rehearsals start in May for the fall season.
Orchestra: Students who enroll in DHS orchestra classes learn to play a stringed instrument.
Tri-M Music Honor Society is an international music honor society that recognizes students for academic and musical achievements, rewards them for accomplishments and service activities, and inspires other students to excel at music and leadership. Applications are due in September and an induction ceremony is held in October.

Support and Community-building

Black Student Union is a support group that promotes the success of all students through activities and outreach that respond to the interests and needs of the diverse DHS community.
Freshman Class
Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) is a student-run club that provides a safe place for students to meet, support each other, discuss issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, and work to end homophobia and transphobia. It provides a sense of community and a place for LBGTQ+ students and allies to build a social network where their identity is respected.
Junior Class organizes class activities to encourage a sense of class unity and promote school spirit. They also plan prom.
Principal’s Advisory is a group of 20-25 students who facilitate communication between students and the principal. The selection process requires students to write a short essay on how the school would benefit from them being in the group.
Senior Class encourages leadership in the senior class, promotes a sense of community, and organizes senior activities and the graduation ceremony.
Sophomore Class
Student Council is an organization focused on promoting school spirit and service to the school and community. It’s responsible for planning Homecoming Week, Winter Formal and Battle of the Barbs. Members attend workshops and training with other schools in the district and state.
Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) promotes student awareness of the consequences of driving under the influence. The group’s activities include Dead Day and DUI Day, events that remind students to make positive choices and celebrate safely.

Service and Leadership

Future Barb Teachers and Leaders (FBTL) is a club for students considering a career in education who want to make a positive difference in the school and community.
Key Club is a student service club sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of DeKalb. It focuses on community service projects. Our club is part of Key Club International, which sponsors many district, national and international events and conventions.
National Honor Society (NHS) members are selected by the National Honor Society Faculty Council based on academics (3.5 GPA or higher), character, leadership and service. Once a student is inducted into NHS, they must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 and complete 10 hours of volunteer/community service each semester.

Sports and Recreation

Bass Fishing Team/Fishing Club is an IHSA-sponsored team. Members participate in fishing outings, school tournaments and educational seminars, as well as competitions in the spring.
Intramurals is an opportunity for all students to socialize through different forms of athletics such as badminton, basketball and volleyball.
Outdoor Adventure Club offers students outdoor and wilderness-based recreation experiences that strengthen the DHS community, build relationships and enrich the individual. Activities connect students with the natural world and promote skills and fitness.

Theater, Public Speaking and Media Production

Auditorium Crew Club
Barb Broadcasting Network
Drama Club is for students interested in any aspect of theater: acting, building sets, making costumes, running a show or being a member of the musical pit. Members help produce shows, attend theater productions, play theater games and more. .
Forensics is an IHSA-sponsored activity that allows students to compete in public-speaking events, including humorous and dramatic skits, persuasive speaking, current events and stand-up comedy. Students choose the event that interests them and compete at tournaments against other high schools.
Plays and musicals provide students with performance opportunities. Students audition for upcoming productions at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Students learn different acting techniques, dance choreography and singing techniques, as well as how to work together as an ensemble. Students can also work behind the scenes building sets, creating props, sewing costumes and more.