There are a variety of clubs, organizations, and programs in which students can get involved while at Cretin-Derham Hall. This directory contains a listing of those clubs, organizations, and programs, and it provides information on what each group does. In the event that you would like more information, please contact the faculty advisor that is listed. Membership requirements vary for different clubs, organizations, and programs.

For more information about a program, club, or organization (how to join, when the next meeting is, etc.) contact the faculty advisor that is listed. With most programs, clubs, or organizations, new members are always welcome, however, some do have an application process.

Mission Statement
Cretin-Derham Hall is a Catholic co-educational high school, co- sponsored by the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, committed to Christian values and academic excellence in grades nine through twelve. We will educate young men and women of diverse abilities, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds for opportunities in post-secondary education.

VALUES
Catholic A conscious focus on Judeo/ Christian traditions and gospel values and Catholic doctrine as understood, celebrated and lived in the Catholic Church. Within a community of faith, we explore our relationship with God through worship, prayer, study and service promoting the dignity of each individual to insure and care for the common good.

Academic The process of imparting an identified curriculum for the purpose of preparing students for opportunities in post-secondary education.

Leadership Provide an environment in which students learn about, develop and exercise the skills necessary to positively affect their community.

Community A body of diverse and inter-related individuals who support, care, and respect each other and seek to demonstrate these values in society.

Service A commitment to ministry within the church, school, and community at large to develop a sense of stewardship.

Diversity A conscious focus on and a shared responsibility to understand and respect the differences in abilities, religions, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds of the school community and society.

Equity A conscious focus on and a shared responsibility for the development of a gender fair environment.

Amnesty International Amnesty International is a group committed to supporting the human rights of people throughout the world: people imprisoned because of their religious beliefs, political attitudes, race, gender, sexual orientation, or, for no reason at all. The group meets each week and organizes a variety of human rights awareness actions throughout the year.
Contact: Ms. Lou Anne Tighe

Athletic Program * The Athletic Program sponsors fall, winter, and spring programs. Athletics are important for physical fitness and good health, for building life long friendships, and for achieving success with many people working together. Over 800 students participate in the Athletic Program.
 

Contact: Mr. John Janke

Band * Band is unique in that it is a performance group that is both a class and a co-curricular activity. The band is open to all students who have background with a band instrument (generally a minimum of 2-3 years experience). Band rehearses daily as well as has weekly lessons or sectionals. Performances throughout the year include three concerts, large group contest, solo/ ensemble
contest, pep band, marching for Homecoming and Military parades and other miscellaneous opportunities. A jazz band re-hearses
outside of school and performs at several events throughout the year. Band also provides opportunities for social inter-action,
developing friendships, gaining poise and experience in public performance, and success and accomplishments in a valuable, life long pursuit.
Contact: Ms. Donna Novey and Mr. Scott Fairweather

Campus Ministry The Campus Ministry Program at Cretin-Derham Hall offers students and faculty opportunities to explore and nurture their belief in the Sacred. Through liturgies, prayer services, retreats, and service projects, the Cretin-Derham Hall community cel-ebrates God's love for all creation and our joy in sharing that love with others. Campus Ministry allows students and faculty to deepen their faith not only through religious experiences, but also in leadership roles as music ministers, retreat group leaders, or other possible service opportunities.
Contact: Mr. Tim Teuber, Ms. Lou Anne Tighe, Mrs. Julie Quinn Kiernan, Fr. Philip Dreckman

Chamber Singers* Chamber Singers is a vocal performance group. An audition with the instructor is needed to join. Every member should enjoy singing and be willing to take risks.
Contact: Ms. Cynthia Mortensen

Cheerleading * Cheerleaders are school leaders in promoting positive school spirit through the athletics program. They attend many of the school's athletic events to help generate and promote crowd enthusiasm and participation. They often do service projects for the Development Office. Tryouts are held in spring. To be a member, a cheerleader must attend all practices and cheer at all required games. Captain and Co-Captain are voted into office by members of their squad. Practice is generally once or twice a week and the squad cheers usually twice per week. There is little or no time needed outside of the practice time. However, there is
considerable practice time that takes place during the summer months.
Contact: Ms. Ann Marie Froehle

Chess Team * Chess team meets Monday and Wednesday from 2: 30 -4: 30 p. m. Participation in tournaments is available for interested members.
Contact: Mr. Gary Busse

Chorus * Chorus is a class that is offered through the Fine Arts Department. No audition is necessary. Students should enjoy singing and be willing to take risks. Extra singing lessons are available outside of the normal class time. Various performances are part of the course.
Contact: Ms. Cynthia Mortensen

Christmas Food Drive The Christmas Food Drive plans, organizes, and conducts a food, clothing, and gift collection for the St. Paul branch of the Catholic Charities. Donations are accepted through homerooms during the first two weeks of December. The planning is done by the Student Council Service Committee.
Contact: Mrs. Mary Racine and S. Judith Kavanaugh

Close-Up This program increases civic awareness among young people. It allows students the opportunity to explore government in action. Close-Up believes that informed and active citizen participation in the democratic process is essential to a healthy community and a responsive government. Students at Cretin-Derham Hall are invited to participate in Close-Up. Students may
either sign up for the class (which meets everyday for one trimester), take it as an Independent Study (which meets once per
week), or just sign up for the trip to Washington, D. C. (four meetings prior to the trip are required). Membership is limited to
students in grades 11 or 12. One scholarship is available, based on need.
Contact: Mr. David Boisclair

Clown Ministry Clowns perform at nursing homes, parish festivals, day care centers, etc., anywhere there is a need for smiles and celebrations. Anyone with an interest in clowning is most welcome to join. No experience is necessary, just an interest in creating laughter. A brief training session is required which consists of an overview of what clown ministry is all about, sessions on make-up and costuming, and a plunge experience. The goal is to clown at least once a month, however, membership does not require that a student clown at all "adventures." Each clown is encouraged to clown as often as possible, but there are no requirements other than a Happy Heart and a bag of tricks to stay in the group.
Contact: Mrs. Charlotte Hennessy and Br. Michael Rivers

Color Guard * The Color Guard performs service to the school and community in a number of ways. It presents and retires the colors at school activities. It carries the colors in the Homecoming Parade. When the weather allows the flag to be raised, the Color Guard raises and lowers the colors for the school in the courtyard. Various schools, service organizations, scouting groups, Veterans organizations and others solicit Color Guard support at banquets and meetings where presentation of the colors is appropriate. The Color Guard also performs at JROTC formal ceremonies and parades, and the ceremonies of outside groups who make the request. All JROTC cadets are eligible to join the Color Guard regardless of age. Continuing membership is assured by reliable attendance
at training meetings and service activities. The Color Guard is lead by a Commander and an Executive Officer. Leadership
positions are earned through active participation in training meetings and service activities. Juniors or Seniors may be elected to
serve in the leadership positions within the Color Guard. Meetings are usually held every other Wednesday morning prior to the
late start. No time is required outside of the scheduled meetings, unless a cadet is assigned to perform at some activity. For each
scheduled activity, one to three hours may be required.
Contact: MSG Larry Smith

Crack Drill * The Crack Drill Squad performs at various school functions such as Diamond Promotions, Fall Review, Twilight Parade, and the Cadet Challenge with the other JROTC Units (Air Force, Army) in the state. Throughout the year, the team performs at schools in the Twin Cities as a method of recruiting students to Cretin-Derham Hall. A member must be a cadet (any grade level), show an interest and desire to perform exhibition drill. As a member cadets need to attend practice, show improvement, always be
conscious of appearance, and be able to work well with others. The positions of Drill Commander of Varsity Team, Assistant
Drill Commander and Senior Instructor for Junior Varsity Team are available. There are basically 3 four member boxes in the
drill formation, 2 end boxes and the center box. Members are assigned to these positions depending on their degree of proficiency,
with the center box requiring the most experience. The firing position is held by two members of the center box. The
position of Drill Commander is usually held by the most experienced senior member of the team. The Drill Commander for the
upcoming year is usually appointed by vote in late April. The Drill Team meets four days a week at 7: 00 -7: 30 a. m. in the gym.
Contact: MSG Larry Smith

Dorothy Day On the first Saturday and third Sunday of every month, Cretin-Derham Hall students and faculty prepare and serve breakfast at the Dorothy Day Center in downtown St. Paul. Volunteers meet at the Center at 8:00 a. m. and are usually done by 10:00 a.m. Volunteers should sign up in Office 148 during the week preceding the serving date. Everyone is invited.
Contact: Mr. Rob Peick

Drama * The Theater Department produces a fall play, a Christmas children's play (geared toward students who have not yet acted in a play), a one act play for competition, a spring musical. Auditions, open to the entire student body, are held prior to each
production. Scripts are usually available in the Media Center a week prior to the auditions for preparation. Theater is an excellent way to enhance your creativity, meet new people, learn lifelong skills in communication, and have fun!
Contact: Mrs. Katie Kreitzer and Ms. Signe Albertson

Drama Club Drama Club is an opportunity to be involved in theater without having to audition for a play or to commit to after school rehearsals. Meetings are held once a week during AT time. The Drama Club attends local theater productions and art films in
the Twin Cities, helps out with aspects of the CDH theater productions, and shares in discussions about theater and improv. Members also help produce a student variety show if one is scheduled.
Contact: Mrs. Katie Krietzer and Ms. Ann Frances Gregg

Earth Service Corps The Earth Service Corps group does various projects around the school for recycling: cans, paper, glass, etc. They also sponsor occasional consciousness-raising events such as Earth Week, tree planting, and concerts. To join, all one needs is an interest in doing some little bit for the earth. An executive committee guides the activities of the club. Meetings take place every two weeks for the entire club.
Contact: Mr. Rob Peick and Mr. Steven Tacheny

G. S. A. (Gay, Straight Alliance) The Gay, Straight Alliance has been organized by and for students of Cretin-Derham Hall. Supporting the directives of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the purpose of the G. S. A. is to educate in order to address unjust discrimination and fear, and to ensure acceptance based on respect, compassion, and sensitivity to all students, especially those with a homosexual orientation (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2358).
Contact: Ms. Lou Anne Tighe

G. L. O. B. E. (Gay, Lesbian, Or Bi-Sexual, Etc.) G. L. O. B. E. is a student group that discusses issues that arise concerning sexual identity, spirituality, culture, and the church. Emphasizing that all are called to chastity, members meet for mutual support and friendship (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2359).
Contact: Ms. Lou Anne Tighe

Goodwill Ambassadors The Goodwill Ambassadors go to grade schools recruiting (sometimes speaking), act as host/ hostesses for visitors, help at the Open House and Placement Test, and partake in other public relations opportunities as they arise. To join, students may sign-up in homeroom before events take place, see Mrs. Groeller personally, or be recommended by teachers. They need to be positive, friendly, enthusiastic students.
Contact: Mrs. Mary Jo Groeller

Guidance Department Support Groups Alateen, After Care, Family Change Group, Friendship Group, Insights/ Challenge, Men's Concerned Person's Group/ Women's Concerned Person's Group, Recovery Group, Tobacco Free Teens and Women's Support Group are available through the Guidance Department.
Contact: Guidance Department

Honor Guard * The Honor Guard is a unique JROTC activity. They serve as escorts for VIP's, serve at Alumni Banquets, funerals and wakes for alumni/ alumnae and other appropriate events within the community. The Honor Guard is made up of twenty selected 11th and 12th graders within the JROTC program. This activity is controlled by a 12th grade member, the Honor Guard Commander, who is selected by the 12th grade members of the activity.
Contact: MSG Larry Smith

Improv Improvisation or "improv" is creating theater without the use of a written script. The CDH improv team practices twice a week using improv games and theater techniques to hone their comedic wit and timing. The improv group presents three performances throughout their season.
Contact: Mrs. Katie Krietzer and Ms. Ann Frances Gregg

Intramural Basketball League The Intramural Basketball League provides intramural basketball competition in the winter months. There are two different leagues, a 9th and 10th grade league, and an 11th and 12th grade league. Play is 4 on 4. The games consist of two 15 minute halves. Teams can have up to six players. There is a cost of $6 per person to join. There are no tryouts, however, players cannot join a team if they are on a winter sports team at Cretin-Derham Hall. Games are usually held every Saturday (Jan.-Feb.) with playoffs the first week in March. The position of team captain is given to the person who forms the team.
Contact: Mr. Mark Syman 7

JROTC * The JROTC Program is a national program authorized by Congress and conducted by the Department of the Army in cooperation with educational institutions. The JROTC Program is designed to provide meaningful instruction of benefit to all students
and of value to young citizens. Its mission is "to motivate young people to be better Americans." Using the military model, the
Military Department Staff is able to effectively develop the leadership skills of all cadets. JROTC is not intended to be a source
of manpower for the United States Armed Forces. Many high schools throughout the United States are part of a long list of
schools that want to include the JROTC Program as an optional part of their educational experience. Cretin-Derham Hall is
fortunate to be among the more than 850 high schools that offer this popular program to tudents.
Contact: LTC Steve Dahlgren

Lasallian Youth In the spirit of St. John Baptist de La salle, the mission of Lasallian Youth is to create a community of believers gathered in faith to share the love of God through service. The Lasallian Youth groups at CDH will meet periodically to process service experi-ences and to share these experiences in the context of prayer and celebrations. Projects with other area Catholic High Schools are a possibility.
Contact: Brother Mike Rivers

Literary Magazine The Literary Magazine staff reads entries that are submitted for publication in Kaleidoscope, the literary magazine, chooses what gets published, and puts the magazine together. An interest in creative writing is suggested for membership. Meetings are usually held once a week from November to March.
Contact: Mrs. Mamie Fabel

Math Department: Organized Help Sessions Organized math help sessions are available before school (Monday -Friday, 7:15-7:45 a. m.) and after school (Monday -Thursday, 2:40-3:30 p. m.). The sessions before school are staffed by National Honor Society Seniors. The sessions are geared to provide help and support for 9th grade Algebra I students of all levels. The sessions after school are staffed by math teachers on a rotational schedule. The sessions are geared to help students catch up on missed material (absent students), make-up tests or quizzes, work in groups, or practice for tests.
Contact: Mr. Brian Lundell and Mrs. Cindy Craighead

Math Team * Got Math? If you do, the Math Team is an ideal way for students to enhance their Math skills and compete in competitions too!
Contact: Mr. Chad Loeffler

Minnesota Business Venture Ever wonder what the business world is really like? Minnesota Business Venture is an ideal way for students to learn more about the world outside the classroom and meet some of the people who make Minnesota business tick. This unique week-long session brings together students, teachers, and business leaders from all over Minnesota. Students will gain valuable insights into the private enterprise system by using a computer to manage simulated companies and enjoying one-on-one interaction with business people.
Contact: Br. Alphonsus Martel

Mission to Chicago The mission trip to Chicago spends 4-5 days at a Catholic Worker House on the South side of Chicago. The house is a shelter for Central American refugees. To go on the trip, applications are accepted usually two months before the trip and are limited to members of the 12th grade class.
Contact: Mr. Mark Syman

Mock Trial * Mock Trial prepares for trial and competes with other teams from the area in a courtroom setting. Attorney coaches provide technical expertise and advise the team. There is a meeting in mid-November for interested students. Membership requirements include the desire to be a witness or attorney, and the ability to commit to practices and competition events.
Contact: Mr. Thomas Luhman  

Musical Ministry Group The Musical Ministry Group invites students who are willing to share their musical gifts to join. The group welcomes anyone who enjoys singing and is willing to learn new music. The group also invites a wide variety of instrumentalists, and highly encourages piano and guitar players. One of the main purposes of this group is to strengthen the faith and worship of the Cretin-Derham Hall community.
Contact: Mrs. Julie Quinn Kiernan

National Honor Society * Members for National Honor Society are chosen once a year. Characteristics needed to be considered for National Honor Society membership are: Scholarship (3.75 cummulative G. P. A. or above), leadership, character, and service. The steps in the selection process are:

1. Each 11th grader who has a CGPA of 3.75 or above is eligible for membership.
2. The faculty review the list of eligible members based on CGPA and recommend students for membership.
3. Students are asked to complete a "Student Information Sheet" indicating their involvement in co-curricular activities, leadership positions, community activities, recognition and awards. These forms are to be returned by a certain deadline. Copies of these information forms are given to the Faculty Council which consists of five faculty members appointed by the Associate Principal. New NHS members are selected by a majority vote of the faculty and Faculty Council on the basis of evidence of scholarship, leadership, service and character.
4. It should be remembered that students may not apply for membership. Membership is an
honor bestowed upon a select group of students by the Faculty Council on behalf of the school faculty. (National Honor Society Handbook, page 23). New members will be notified by mail and inducted at a special ceremony in May. A meeting is held once a month, and 75 hours of service are required (students may not use volunteer hours they do for Spectrum or for any other group).

Newspaper * The Newspaper staff meets, plans, and publishes The Chronicle four times per year. To join, students need to have an interest in some form of journalism, writing, reporting, cartooning, photography, typing, and "go-fering". Newspaper staff positions are available. A full staff meeting is held every time a paper is published, along with sectional meetings and conferences with individual writers or workers. Looks great on your resume!
Contact: S. Mary Richard Raduenz

P. R. I. D. E. -People Realizing Individual Dreams Exist The P. R. I. D. E. Group is made up of faculty, students, and parents. The group works to foster an appreciation for and an under-standing of the many cultures represented in the Cretin-Derham Hall community. The group invites all students to be involved in multi-cultural programs and training. The Minnesota Independent School Fund Diversity Project assists the committee with its programs.
Contact: Mr. Isreal Moses

Quiz Bowl/ Knowledge Bowl Team * Quiz Bowl is an academic competition team that participates in various academic competitions with other high school teams. A majority of the competition involves rapid-fire questions dealing with intellectual and trivial matters. Membership is open to any student. Practices are held four times per week, however it is possible to work around a student's schedule. Quiz Bowl meets are usually on Thursday evenings, Knowledge Bowl meets are on Mondays or Tuesdays, and the team has weekend competi-tions.
Contact: Mr. Kevin Brennan and Mr. Terence Sinclair-Woods

Raider Rifle Club * This shooting program offers individuals a chance to learn to shoot or improve their shooting skills with a pellet or .22 caliber rifle. The fifteen step NRA Marksmanship Qualification Course that offers a chance to compete for certificates and medals is used. To join, one must complete a two hour gun safety class given after school. Shooting time is after school from 3:15-4:15 p. m.
Contact: MSG Larry Smith

Respect Life Team The Respect Life Team is a group committed to actively supporting the pro-life message, especially directed at peers. Team members meet to organize educational opportunities for the school and to support those teenagers who chose life. The goal of the Respect Life Team is not only to state beliefs but also, through action, to make a difference. This group will meet during Activity Time.
Contact: Mr. Tim Teuber

Rifle Team * The Rifle Team consists of the best shooters in the school. The Varsity team is made up of the best four shooters. The Junior Varsity team consists of six additional shooters. Each team has a Co-Captain with one of the Senior members serving as the Rifle Team Captain. Tryouts for the team are in October or as a position opens up on the team. Practice is at least once each week for Varsity members, and twice each week for the Junior Varsity. Matches normally take place during the months of January-March.
Contact: MSG Larry Smith

Science Olympics The Science Olympics Team competes against other schools in scientific challenge type competitions. To be a member, a desire to explore science and a willingness to make a significant time commitment are needed.
Contact: Mr. Kurian Cherucheril

Speech Team * The Cretin-Derham Hall Speech Team offers an opportunity for students to gain experience in public address and oral interpretation by competing at eight to twelve tournaments and invitationals, as well as regional and state competition. The season runs from January through May. Students choose from thirteen different categories ranging from Storytelling and Great Speeches to Discussion and Informative Speaking. Speech Team members enhance their public speaking skills while having an opportunity to win trophies, awards and ribbons. Students are honored at an end-of-the-year awards night. An informational meeting is held each fall and all students are invited to join!
Contact: Ms. Dawn Harrison

Spiritual Teams The Spiritual Teams offer students of each grade level an opportunity to participate in the planning and implementation of spiritual events for their class including class Masses and retreats. To join, sign up in Campus Ministry and attend Spiritual Team meetings held during Activity Time.
Contact: Mr. Tim Teuber

Student Council * The Student Council is the official voice of the Cretin-Derham Hall student body to the school administration and the faculty. The Student Council works in three areas:

1. Advocacy to insure that the school is meeting the needs of the student body and to help solve any problems that students may encounter;
2. Representation to represent the student's point of view to the
school administration and faculty;
3. Governance to insure that Cretin-Derham Hall maintains student life programs that are
of the highest quality and to recommend opportunities and activities that will expand a student's knowledge and development.

Student Council Student Life Committee * The Student Life Committee is responsible for the planning, promotion, and execution of the following projects: birthday recognition, all-school assemblies, Student Handbook review, academic letters, and the Student Recognition Program. The Student Life Committee also works closely with the following clubs, organizations, and programs to assist them when neces-sary: Close-Up, Literary Magazine, National Honor Society, Science Olympics, and Yearbook. To be on the committee, there is an application process and only a limited number of students from each class is allowed.
Contact: Mr. Tom Luhman and Mrs. Angie Keske

Student Council Activities Committee * The Activities Committee is responsible for the planning, promotion, and the execution of the following projects: all dances, Homecoming "Purple Reign" Week, Chill Out Week, 9th grade Lock-In, Talent Show, Prom, Christmas Decorating, Lunch Time Entertainment, Santa Pictures, Freshman Fall Welcome, Pepfests, promoting school pride. To be on the committee, there is an application process and only a limited number of students from each class is allowed.
Contact: Ms. Stephanie Aumann and Ms. Willow Sweeney

Student Council Frosh Force * The Frosh Force provides the 9th grade Class a chance to get involved with CDH
activities. The group will help out at various activities and including 9th grade lock in, 9th grade retreat, and Welcome dance,
as well as plan events for their class in conjunction with the Activities Committee. An application will need to be filled out to
join Frosh Force.
Contact: Mrs. Nicole Klug and Mrs. Theresa Haider

Student Council Service Committee * The Service Committee is responsible for assisting and promoting the following projects and programs: food drives, toy drives, mission collections, Hat-n-Mittens, Bloodmobile, and Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels. To be on the committee, there is an application process and only a limited number of students from each class is allowed.
Contact: Mrs. Mary Racine and S. Judith Kavanaugh

Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels The Meals on Wheels program, begun in 1970, has served the traditional Thanksgiving meal to thousands of poor residents of the Twin Cities. Over the years many Cretin-Derham Hall parents and students have volunteered to deliver these Thanksgiving dinners. Volunteers come early on Thanksgiving Day to the cafeteria to pack boxes of dinners. The boxes are packed according to the number of persons for each household receiving the dinners. Meanwhile, volunteer drivers arrive and volunteers load the boxes for each route.
Contact: Mrs. Patricia Marzolf

Urban Plunge Urban Plunge is an experience in which Cretin-Derham Hall students and faculty experience the urban culture from the inside out, that is, from the experience of those who are in need and being served by our social programs! All students who are
interested are encouraged to participate in an Urban Plunge experience. The Urban Plunge experiences will take place both in St.
Paul and Minneapolis at a variety of social service sites. Cretin-Derham Hall students and faculty are very active in doing
service for others. It is equally important to develop an understanding and appreciation for those who are being served. As
understanding increases, the ability to respond to the needs of others will be enhanced.
Contact: Mr. Mick Humbert

Yearbook * The Yearbook staff produces the printed yearbook Gemini for the school. Students who want to be on the yearbook staff must take the yearbook journalism course that is offered during Trimesters I and II. These students must go through an application process before signing up for the course. The membership requirements include: strong computer skills and/ or interest; willingness to put in time after school and on weekends; and the recommendation of an English teacher. Positions available include: co-editor, business manager, section editors (academics, sports, activities, underclassmen, seniors, mini-mag). Editors are usually
chosen from those students who are on the staff for a second year.
Contact: Ms. Amy Bellus 11