CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Big Brother/Big Sister group is composed of seniors selected to act as mentors.  They help the freshman make a smooth transition to high school life.  It provides each freshman with more confidence to begin the new school year.

Breakfast Club is a service based group that assists with many activities in the community.  Participants are able to earn their service hours while participating in a variety of events outside of school.

Campus Ministry plans school liturgies and prayer services as well as KAIROS and other student retreats.  Opportunities include lecturing and serving at school masses as well as training to be a Eucharistic Minister.

Chorus is open to anyone who enjoys singing and performing vocal music for annual concerts, competitions, school liturgies and outside school performances.  The group meets daily during homeroom.

Fall Play is a comedy production, which allows students to be involved in acting, preparing sets, costuming and the general production of a play.

Fine Arts Club is a group interested in the Arts and involved in activities in school and the community.  Projects include the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, Mother / Son Brunch, Father Daughter Dance, Art Gallery and Light Show.

French Club is open to anyone interested in French beyond the classroom experience.  Meetings are held before school.  The club plans several breakfasts during the year, as well as a club-wide family banquet in April.  Club activities include attending cultural performances, visits to the Chicago Art Institute, films, French foods, Mardi Grad celebration and the annual banquet.

French Honor Society is a non-affiliated group consisting of current French III, IV and V students.  Membership recognizes those students’ level of achievement in French study and their dedication to the language.  Induction of the third year students takes place at the annual French banquet in April.

Green Key Society promotes McNamara to prospective students.  The group is composed of upstanding sophomore, junior and senior boys and girls who serve as good role models for Bishop McNamara.  Member responsibilities include grade school nights, school & REP visits, placement test hospitality, Mornings at Mac, school tours, articles in the MACazine and interaction with prospective students.

Human Rights McNamara discusses the current world situations, violations of basic freedoms and what can be done to change the status quo.

Lettermen’s Club is a service / leadership club that thrives on helping those in need.  Although most of the service is within the school, the Lettermen have also been active in community service events as well as the Catholic League Leadership Conference at DeLasalle H.S.  Varsity letter winners are eligible to join.

Matchpoints is the name for Bishop McNamara’s Scholastic Bowl team, which competes, in academic contests against other schools.  The team competes in the South Chicago Metro Scholastic Bowl League, in several tournaments and in the I.H.S.A. Scholastic Bowl State Series.  The team is open to anyone interested.

Math Team participates in the ICTM Matt Competition at Parkland College in Champaign.  Students participate in a wide range of events including written, oral and team tests.  It is open to all students.

National Honor Society is a national organization reserved for upper classmen who maintain a 3.5 GPA and have leadership and service qualities. The students in the prestigious society are McNamara’s academic finest.

Pep Band and Concert Band provide opportunities for our musically talented students to play and provide enjoyment for all McNamara students and members of the community.  The groups play during games, Masses, concerts, competitions and community events.  Any student is welcome to play regardless of ability.  The group meets during homeroom.

School Musical tryouts are open to any student regardless of their vocal ability.  Each spring a major musical is performed for the public.  Due to the growth and popularity of the McNamara musicals, they are now performed off campus in a local theater.  Assistance is also needed with set design and production.

School Newspaper titled “The Blarney Stone” is published approximately 2 times per year.  Members in this group have the opportunity to develop writing, photography, interviewing, and publishing skills.  All areas of school life and interests are covered.  It is open to any student interested.

Spanish Club is for anyone interested in the Spanish language or culture (you do not have to be taking a Spanish class).  Activities are once a month during homeroom or after school.  There are fiestas, sock-hops, crafts, and good times!  Members receive t-shirts that are worn on select Spanish holidays.  The Club also raises funds for a day-care in Mexico.

Spanish National Honor Society is open to any 2nd, 3rd or 4th year student who has earned the right to join this national organization.  It is a service learning society, members are asked to use their talent in the language to assist in their community and a day-care / shelter in Mexico.

Student Council is an important leadership organization whose goal is to build a better McNamara.  The council serves as the liaison for the student body to the administration.  Student Council plays a major role in all of the events and decisions of our school.  Events include planning homecoming week, the talent show, the Red Cross Blood Drive, and many other service projects. 
 
Yearbook, called “The Shamrock” is student-produced and an extra-curricular production.  Nearly all work is done after school.  There are many aspects to yearbook production, including caption writing, articles, photography, design, and computer use.  While some planning meetings occur in the fall, the majority of the work is done second semester.  Students of all grade levels are welcome.

WYSE is an academic competition involving tests in a variety of subjects (specifically math & science).  W.Y.S.E. is geared towards juniors & seniors.