Activities

 

 

Band is an elective class that provides musical training and performance opportunities for students. The opportunity to join band starts in the 5th grade, but the junior high accepts new students. Nearly every student can benefit from learning an instrument and playing in an ensemble. Students who participate in music score higher in math, science, and English. The act of practicing regularly, listening to others, and focusing on detail can help develop cognitive skills that show up in the classroom too. 

 

Chorus is designed to give each student a well-rounded and enriched music education. Students will learn things like proper vocal technique, music terminology, general music theory, and confidence in performing. There is no need for previous music experience. Students who come with a sincere commitment to singing and learning new things will do well. There are multiple opportunities for performances and competitions throughout the year.

 

The Eco-Meet is an environmental competition for junior high and high school students that is held in October. The competition is open to any school in the area and awards and plaques are given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Junior varsity teams are comprised of four students in 7th and 8th grades. Junior varsity topics include Illinois trees, mammals, rocks, waterfowl, freshwater fish, insects, minerals, bats, lizards, wild flowers, etc. Lake Shelbyville Project Office staff team up with Lake Land College professors and Environmental Science students to make this event a success.

 

Musical theatre is a theatrical performance that includes four major elements: songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. Being in a show is a big commitment, and as a parent, it often means a commitment on your part, too. Rehearsal schedules can be quite demanding. Remember, though, that the commitment is the point. Mounting a show is a huge endeavor, and rehearsal is required to make that happen! This year's production for the 2025-2026 school year is ________, directed by twenty year veteran, Donna Walls.

 

The Literary Club is a celebration of reading and a community for book-loving students who meet their independent reading goals. Through fun and creative events like Sip & Stay, StarBOOKS, and Books & Boba, students are rewarded for their reading achievements with time to relax, connect, and discover new books. The Literary Club encourages a lifelong love of reading in a fun and social setting.

 

Mustang Mindset is a student-led club dedicated to building a positive, inclusive school culture through kindness, gratitude, and social-emotional learning. Sponsored by our school guidance counselor, the club plans and leads activities such as Teacher Appreciation Week, Bus Driver Appreciation, and World Kindness Day. Members also create SEL videos, promote inclusive celebrations like Holidays Around the World, and look for creative ways to support and uplift our school community throughout the year. Mustang Mindset encourages students to lead with empathy, celebrate diversity, and be everyday difference-makers.

 

Mustang Outreach is a community service focused club dedicated to spreading kindness and making a positive impact in our school and community. Members participate in a variety of hands-on projects throughout the year such as sewing thoughtful gifts, collecting Christmas donations, and organizing food drives. Within the school, Mustang Outreach members read to younger students and lead thoughtful conversations about empathy and kindness. This club is all about compassion in action - Mustangs helping others with heart.

 

Pep Club is all about bringing school spirit to life! Open to enthusiastic students who love to cheer on their teams and celebrate school pride, this club helps plan and promote spirit weeks, pep rallies, theme nights, and student sections at athletic events. Whether it's making signs, locker stickers, dressing up in crazy outfits, or answering the cheer leaders, Pep Club members are the heart of Mustang pride.

 

IESA Scholar Bowl is a competitive academic team where students put their knowledge to the test in fast-paced quiz matches against other schools. Covering topics like literature, science, math, history, pop culture, and more, Scholar Bowl challenges students to think quickly and work as a team. Participants sharpen their recall skills, deepen their understanding of a wide range of subjects, and build confidence in a fun, competitive environment.

 

Members explore a variety of scientific topics through hands-on experiments, group projects, and interactive activities. Students look forward to the annual visit to EHS to watch chemistry students in the lab. Whether you're a budding scientist or just love asking more questions, the Science Club is the place to discover, learn, and have fun with friends who share your passion for science.

 

Qualified students are eligible to participate in any combination of up to three events.

IESA Speech categories include:

 

Individual Events:
• Solo Acting- A theatrical presentation by an individual student. 
• Poetry- One or more selections of poetry.
• Impromptu Speaking- An event in which a student is given eight minutes to prepare and deliver an original script. The student will be given two words or phrases from the judge and will choose one.
• Original Script- The student will present a speech which he or she has written. The speech may be a monologue, poetry, short story, essay, or presentation.
• Storytelling- The student will present a story from his/her own life experience, from folk literature, from his/her family's oral tradition, or from any other source.

 

Duet Events:
• Duet Acting- One or two humorous or serious selections. 
• Improv Duet Acting- The duet will be given two humorous prompts and one serious prompt.
• Original Script- The students will present a speech which they have written and must be a duet.

 

Small Group Events:
• Small Group Acting- A serious or humorous presentation by 3 to 5 performers characterizing three or more persons presenting one selection within a time limitation.
• Team Improv- The team comprising of 4 to 6 students will be given three different improvisation games to be played in 2 minute time intervals. The students must adhere to the spirit of the games assigned.

 

Chorale Presentation:
• Groups of nine to twenty members must present one or more selections within time a time limitation.

Your student council provides for student activities, serves as a training experience for both leaders and followers, promotes the common good, gives students a share in the management of school, develops high ideals of personal conduct, acts as a clearing house for student activities, seeks to interest students in school affairs and helps solve problems that may arise. Members of the student council are your representatives and have direct access to the school administration.

 

The Yearbook Club is responsible for creating the school's yearbook, a collection of photos, stories, and memories from the school year. This typically involves designing, editing, and producing the yearbook with the help from a club sponsor. Students can take photos of school events, write captions for photos, and edit content for accuracy and clarity. By participating in the Yearbook Club, students gain valuable skills in writing, photography, design, and teamwork.