6410 South Dante Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
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Student Life

Do you want to build a robot? Do play-by-play reporting for a live telecast of a football game? Play chess competitively? Perform your favorite monologue in front of a packed house? At Mount Carmel, you can participate in a whole range of activities that will enrich your high school experience. 

Student Activities Mission

We strongly believe that the key to success as a student is involvement. We encourage every student to invest himself in at least one extracurricular activity, although most choose to take advantage of multiple opportunities.
Whether your interests are athletic, cultural, societal, academic, artistic, or service-oriented, Mount Carmel offers programs that will match your passion. Read more about the clubs and activities that will help shape your high school experience below.

Academic Success Groups and Honor Societies

List of 4 items.

  • Honors Cohort

    Moderated by: Mr. Dominic Scheuring, dscheuring@mchs.org

    By invitation-only, the Honors Cohort engages students who have exceptional grades, high entrance exam scores and good grade school attendance. Prospective members apply in the form of written responses to open ended prompts. Accepted freshmen join the ranks of admitted sophomores, juniors and seniors to participate in a variety of enrichment activities. These activities include field trips that span the disciplines of the arts and sciences.
  • National Honor Society

    Moderated by: Mrs. Jennifer Smola, jsmola@mchs.org

    National Honor Society is an invite-only group that is open to second trimester juniors that have a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.82 and must take at least one honors/AP course. Students who are invited complete an application process of a resume, essay, recommendation letters, and a clean discipline record. NHS members act as role models for other students. In addition to their strong academic records, our chapter members are leaders in many student organizations, and serve our school and community through many activities throughout the school year.
  • Scholastic Bowl

    Moderated by: Mr. Dan Burke '98, dburke@mchs.org

    Scholastic Bowl is a team trivia competition spanning all areas of knowledge. Conference meets are held on most Tuesdays. Practices occur 2 times a week.
  • Speech Team

    Moderated by Mr. KC Perlberg, kcperlberg@mchs.org

    The Speech team meets 1-2 times a week preparing to participate in IHSA events like debate, poetry and improv. Speech is an area that helps students in every aspect of their lives.

Career and Leadership Clubs

List of 6 items.

  • BIZ Club

    Moderated by: Mr. Brendan Conroy, bconroy@mchs.org

    This hands-on introductory business program allows select juniors and seniors to explore basic business skills and knowledge through monthly immersive experiences and presentations led by successful Mount Carmel alumni and other MC constituents from a variety of fields.
  • First Responders Club

    Moderated by: Mr. John O'Connor (H) joconnor@mchs.org

    So many MC alums and current students have family members that are first responders. MC could partner/model the FFROA and introduce our students to a career in becoming a First Responder. This organization would also have semi-annual events to fundraise for the First Responders Scholarship. Meet current and retired first responders that share their experiences with students about the reality of these respected professions. Future First Responders of America (ffroa.org)
  • Peer Leaders

    Moderated by: Mrs. Kristina Luster, kluster@mchs.org

    The Mount Carmel Peer Leader Program was created as a school wide initiative to build community while acting as a means to develop student leadership in upper classmen, mentor underclassmen and new students, and act as the face of Mount Carmel when it comes to admission and recruitment events. Juniors and seniors are eligible to apply.
  • Student Council

    Moderated by: Mr. Brooks Nevrly, bnevrly@mchs.org

    Student council meets every week. Members plan spirit events, school dances, dress down days, and fundraisers for school. Members also listen to the student body and bring concerns to administration.
  • Student Government

    Moderated by: Mr. Brooks Nevrly, bnevrly@mchs.org

    Student Government oversees Student Council. The elected President and Vide President support class volunteers in their mission to serve the school community. Elections for senior leadership are held each spring.
  • Together Helping Each Other (T.H.E Club)

    Moderated by: Mrs. Emma Norise, enorise@mchs.org

    Together Helping Each Other (T.H.E. Club) is a student-led organization dedicated to fostering a spirit of community, compassion, and collaboration within Mount Carmel. The club’s mission is simple: to create an environment where students support each other, engage in acts of kindness, and work together to address the needs of our peers and the broader community. Whether it's through volunteer projects, fundraising for local charities, or organizing school-wide initiatives, T.H.E. Club aims to make a positive impact by helping others and promoting inclusivity. As a member of T.H.E. Club, you'll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded students who share a passion for service, leadership, and making a difference. Together, we can create lasting change and build a school culture rooted in empathy, teamwork, and mutual respect. Join us and be part of a movement that’s making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time!

Language and Cultural Clubs

List of 3 items.

  • Brothers from the Mount (BFM)

    Moderated by: Mr. Julius Henry and Mrs. Emma Norise, jhenry@mchs.org and enorise@mchs.org

    BFM focuses on providing an inclusive safe space for students to build community and understanding and promotes inclusivity. The club gives voices to students who would like to bring up topics that are not generally talked about in school and fosters an environment in which all students listen to each other grievances. All are welcome to join!
  • Multicultural Club

    Moderated by: Mrs. Jennifer Davis, jdavis@mchs.org

    The Multicultural Club encourages acceptance and respect for various cultures and ethnicities. Understanding cultural diversity is a crucial aspect of education, and we will strive to enhance awareness and appreciation for individuals from different backgrounds.
  • Spanish Club

    Moderated by: Mrs. Valerie Beavers, vbeavers@mchs.org

    The Spanish Club is a group of diverse students who may or may not be students in a Spanish class. Members work to educate the greater Mount Carmel community about culture, traditions and challenges of individuals living in Spanish speaking countries. The club is mission and service oriented; members have collected toiletries for shelters servicing refugees/migrants, and supported student service projects that worked to improve the lives of others. Additionally, the group plans and executes special food events that students and staff can enjoy. The club also goes on trips to places such as museums, and restaurants that bring greater awareness of Spanish and Latino culture.

Media and Publication Clubs

List of 3 items.

  • Caravan Media Group

    Moderated by: Ms. Ellie Menke, emenke@mchs.org

    Caravan Media Group is a student-focused media and broadcasting group. Students meet and organize broadcast crews for various MC events. Meeting frequency varies, but there are many opportunities to assist with broadcasts throughout the year.

    Students focus on work as:
    • broadcasters
    • producers
    • camera men
    • photographers
    • editors
    • and more!
  • Honors Film Cohort

    Moderated by: Mr. KC Perlberg, kcperlberg@mchs.org
  • The Merchant

    Moderated by: Mr. Tim Baffoe '00, tbaffoe@mchs.org

    The Merchant is Mount Carmel's satirical newspaper published twice a trimester; meetings are on Zoom multiple times leading up to each issue. The club helps members gain an appreciation of and understand of how to create satire and satirical content and to expand the audience of The Caravan, Mount Carmel's student newspaper.

Mission and Service Clubs

List of 5 items.

  • Caravan Connection

    Moderated by: Ms. Margaret Joyce, mjoyce@mchs.org

    Caravan Connection is a group of Mount Carmel students along with Ray Graham training center. The group pairs up to participate in Special Olympics Unified, an inclusive program that integrates students with both traditional and diverse learning needs on sports teams for training and competition
  • Confirmation Preparation

    Overseen by: Mr. John Stimler, jstimler@mchs.org

    Mount Carmel High School offers after school Confirmation preparation courses for students interested in being confirmed. These classes are held every other year.
  • Environmental Club

    Moderated by: Mr. Matt Petrich, mpetrich@mchs.org

    The Environmental Club explores ways to make Mount Carmel more "green" and implement Laudato SI' at the local level. This club also attends student conferences on climate action.
  • First Communion Preparation

    Overseen by: Mr. John Stimler, jstimler@mchs.org

    Mount Carmel High School offers after school First Communion preparation courses for students interested in receiving their First Holy Communion. These classes are held every year.
  • Liturgical Choir

    Overseen by: John Stimler and KC Perlberg jstimler@mchs.org and kcperlberg@mchs.org

Performing and Visual Arts Clubs

List of 2 items.

Science, Technology, Art and Mathematics Clubs

List of 4 items.

  • Anime Club

    Moderated by: Mr. Jamel Williams, jwilliams@mchs.org

    This club enjoys watching and discussing anime and occasionally has Super Smash Bros tournaments.
  • Medical Enrichment Club

    Moderated by: Mrs. Emma Norise, enorise@mchs.org

    The Medical Enrichment Club is a dynamic and engaging space for students of Mount Carmel who are interested in pursuing careers in healthcare and medicine. Our club offers a unique opportunity to explore various aspects of the medical field through hands-on learning, expert guest speakers, discussions on current medical advancements, and interactive activities. 
  • Robotics

    Moderated by: Mr. Caribee Collier (H), ccollier@mchs.org

    Caravan Robotics participates in VEX robotics. "VEX Robotics is educational robotics for everyone." Beyond science and engineering principles, VEX encourages creativity, teamwork, leadership, and problem solving among groups." The group typically meets Tuesdays through Thursdays after school.
  • STEM Cohort

    Overseen by: Mr. Caribee Collier (H), ccollier@mchs.org

    Students become eligible during their sophomore year. Once accepted into the Cohort, students begin work toward fulfilling the requirements to be recognized at Graduation as STEM Scholars. 
    • Student collaborate in research and competition
    • Students gain scientific, mathematical and technological literacy from exposure to both academia and industry
    • Students engage in skills in problem solving, critical analysis and creative thinking.
    • Students take additional electives class (5 years of math or science) in a STEM area, complete additional STEM related projects, participate in STEM related clubs, and attend field trips.
    Students must maintain a B in their STEM classes and take a math or science elective (5 math or science classes over the course of their 4 years.)

Sport and Social Clubs

List of 7 items.

  • Chess

    Moderated by: Dr. Jon Berry (H), jberry@mchs.org

    This is both a Chess Club (open to all students, regardless of skill level) and a competitive Chess Team, that competes in chess matches against other Chicago private (mostly Catholic) high schools, as well as in a sectional and state competition. Open Chess is available on Mondays and Thursdays after school.
  • Culinary Club

    Moderated by: Mr. John O'Connor (H) and Ms. Erin Cronin, joconnor@mchs.org and ecronin@mchs.org

    The Culinary Club introduces students to the culinary arts. Students work in conjunction with Country House Staff (Mount Carmel's food service provider) and learn the importance of kitchen safety and sanitation prior to learning how to cook basic meals.

    It is the goal of the Culinary Club to have MC students prepare meals for purchase during lunch periods for the general student body and faculty. 
  • Fight Night - Intramural Boxing

    Moderated by the MC Fathers' Club

    Fight Night is an over 40-year tradition at MC. Fight Night introduces participants to the fundamentals of the sport of boxing in a safe and competitive environment. Students partake in a boxing tournament (by weight class) and the championship bouts are held during the historic MC Fight Night sponsored by the MC Father's Club. Fight Night emphasizes conditional, mental and physical fortitude all in a controlled highly competitive environment.
  • Pickleball

    Moderated by: Mr. John O'Connor (H), joconnor@mchs.org

    Pickleball is fun, social and friendly! The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game. Club members are fortunate to utilize the brand new courts at nearby Jackson Park.

    This club offers an alternative to competative IHSA sports while keeping students physically active.
  • Sailing

    Moderated by: Mr. Tim Baffoe '00, tbaffoe@mchs.org

    Caravan Sailing gives sailors of any experience level lessons and practices on how to sail. The group meets once a week on Saturdays during the fall and spring seasons at Jackson Park Yacht Club. 
  • Student Trainers

    Overseen by: Phil Segroves (H) and Joe Qualter, psegroves@mchs.org and jqualter@mchs.org
  • Tailgate Sports Club

    Moderated by: Mr. John O'Connor (H), joconnor@mchs.org

    Informal organization that allows students to partake in traditional "tailgate" sports in a competitive nature. Students will be introduced to bean bags, spikeball, 16" softball and games of chance in a competitive environment.
For a full list of the extracurricular athletic programs that Mount Carmel offers, please visit the athletics page.



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