Academic Clubs

Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)

Advisor: Ms. Cathleen Collins

Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) provides opportunities for students to develop skills in the areas of vocational understanding, leadership development, civic consciousness, and social intelligence. DECA is an international association of high school and college students studying marketing, management, and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality and marketing sales and service. DECA provides leadership, career development and competitive event conferences, as well as scholarship opportunities. Always developing future leaders in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. Visit the following site for additional information njdeca.org

Essex County Math League

Advisors: Ms. Krista Delaura

The Essex County Mathematics League provides a challenging and stimulating opportunity for all high school mathematics students. The League is composed of teams of students from each level of mathematics starting with algebra up through and including trigonometry. The math problems are critical thinking in nature.

The meet is hosted by Caldwell College.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

Advisor: Ms. Susan Sherman

The Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) is a nationally recognized organization comprising of a quarter of a million high school and middle school students, college and university students, faculty, educators, administrators, and business professionals. It is open to students in the senior high school that are interested in Business as a career choice. The club will meet monthly and participate in competitions at the Regional, State, and National levels.

Iron Hills Math League

Advisors: Ms. Krista Delaura and Ms. Erica Falconieri

The Iron Hills Math League participates in relay math competitions in the Iron Hills Conference. There are three meets per year. At each meet two teams of five students each participate in four relays and one group problem solving session. Speed, accuracy, and teamwork are all vital! The competitions are held at various schools in the Iron Hills Conference.

Israel Club

Advisor: Ms. Beth Vaknin

The Israel Club promotes education about the culture and daily life of Israel and its effects on the world at large. The club meets approximately one time per month. The activities make students aware of the effects Israel has on their lives and the ongoing programs in Israel that serve to better humanity. This includes things like speakers, films, discussions, and celebrations. The club also implements 1 or 2 fundraisers during the year to benefit worthy causes in and for Israel. Membership is open to every West Essex student in the Senior High School. Any student who has an interest in learning about and helping Israel is welcome and encouraged to join the Israel Club!

Math Counts

Advisor: Ms. Linda Welfel

Math Counts is a club for 7th & 8th grade students who are interested in Math. It meets once a week from the end of October thru the beginning of February. The main objective is to prepare for a regional competition that takes place early in February.
Visit the official homepage of Math Counts

Mock Trial

Advisor: Ms. Beth Vaknin

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National Engineering Design Challenge

Advisor: Mr. Richard Bettini

This club runs and co-exists with the Robotics Club. It applies engineering principles to robotics competitions.

NJ Science Research - Chemistry

Advisor: Ms. Erica Elfenbein and Ms. Denise D'Meo

The Chemistry Research allows students with an interest in chemistry to conduct independent research outside of class. Students learn the research process, from identifying a problem/question, designing and carrying out the research, and finally presenting the findings at one of several science fairs held around the state. This activity can introduce students to the rigors of research and prepare them for studying science at the collegiate level. Students should have a strong interest in chemistry and be willing to devote their time to a long-term project.

NJ Science Research - Earth Science

Advisor: Ms. Jean Marie Zuhl

The Earth Science Research allows students with an interest in chemistry to conduct independent research outside of class. Students learn the research process, from identifying a problem/question, designing and carrying out the research, and finally presenting the findings. This activity can introduce students to the rigors of research and prepare them for studying science at the collegiate level. Students should have a strong interest in earth science and be willing to devote their time to a long-term project.

NJ Science Research - Physics

Advisor: Mr. Ryan Gupta

This club works in conjunction with Science Olympiad. Students will spend time researching, designing, and constructing a variety of physics-based projects including, but not limited to robots, balsa wood bridges, model airplanes, solar-cell cars, and hydrogen-cell cars. Our students compete in competitions against other high schools in New Jersey.

Robotics Club

Advisors: Mr. Bettini

The Robotics Club consists of students from grade levels 9-12 and competes in local and national robotic competitions .These competitions include The Panasonic Design Challenge, Vex First Robotics, MATE ( Marine Advanced Education Center ), and Underwater Robot.

Resources Offered for Gifted and Talented Education (Rogate)

Advisor: Ms. Valerie Robinson

ROGATE concentrates on an “awareness” of previously identified grade 7 students. Identification is based upon prior year eligibility and recent advanced proficient standardized test scores from 6th grade. Identified students are notified in October; membership is voluntary.

The purpose of this organization is to stimulate gifted and talented special activities for middle school students. ROGATE is a project of the National Talent Network, which offers programs in gifted and talented education. Developing personal research and communication skills, the opportunity to take the SAT and receiving copies of NEWS NET, an informal periodical, are among the options available to members. Seventh grade students participate in an academic lecture. Eighth graders are encouraged to attend a research skills workshop to prepare them for exposition in the spring.

Science Olympiad

Advisor: Mr. Ryan Gupta

The Science Olympiad Team consists of West Essex students who will compete against schools from around the state in a tournament held at NJIT or Princeton University. The tournament is a rigorous academic competition that consists of a series of individual and team events that students prepare for during the year. These challenging and motivational events are well balanced between the various science disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, computers, and technology. There is also a balance between events requiring knowledge of science facts, concepts, applications, problem solving, and project design.

Science Olympics

Advisor: Ms. Erica Elfenbein

NJ Chemistry Olympics is an academic competition sponsored by the Teacher Affiliate Group of the American Chemical Society. The competition takes place at New Jersey Institute of Technology in the spring. Teams prepare for their participation in research events, and general events. A background knowledge of Chemistry, time and dedication to prepare for events, willingness to have fun and learn more about the exciting world of Chemistry.

Spelling Bee

Advisor: Mr. Matthew Forte

The spelling Bee is a 7th and 8th grade event that takes place in the junior high. Students who pass a pre-test qualify to compete in the school’s Spelling Bee. The winner is determined through the Bee’s competition.

Student Council

Advisor: Ms. Andrea Mondadori

Student Council is comprised of students, teachers, and administrators. It will meet to discuss any aspect of the school and to make suggestions and/or recommendations to the Principal within the framework established by the student government constitution. Any teacher, student, or administrator is welcome to attend meetings.

Toastmasters

Advisor: Ms. Lisa Verga

Toastmasters is an international club that incorporates the arts of communication and leadership. It is no secret that having the ability to express information, one’s thoughts and feelings, to others are crucial in becoming successful in life. Able to actively participate in group discussions and decision-making situations can also play an important role in life. By participating in Toastmasters, students will learn the skills they need in order to successfully communicate with others. The club will help students to overcome fears of public speaking, to organize their thoughts and be able to present those ideas to others logically, and to actively listen and offer others suggestions to improve their speaking. In order to achieve these goals, students will participate in impromptu speeches, debates, group discussions, and informative speeches.

WEMS Book Club

Advisors: Mr. James Massa

The WEMS Book Clubs meets twice a month to discuss the concepts, themes, and character/real-life connections identified in a “club chosen” work of literature. Club members read the book independently and then meet for a “book chat”. Depending on the length of the novel, the group may decide to meet and discuss midway through the book, or meet and discuss after all of the members have completed the reading.

WESHS Book Club

Advisors:Ms. Zuppa

8th Grade Science Club

Advisor: Ms. Lauren Sommer

The 8th Grade Science Club allows students to explore how science is involved in our everyday lives. All 8th grade students are eligible to join and meetings are held in room 120 and last from 2:40 -3:40. There are two parts/semesters to the 8th grade science club. In the beginning of the school year, we formally train for the science Olympiad Competition that takes place at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in the spring. Students prepare for a variety of events depending on interests as well as research. The second half of the year is focused on exciting experiments and how science relates to our everyday lives. If you are interested in joining the science club contact Mrs. Sommer.

Fine and Performing Arts Clubs

Art Club

Advisor: Ms. Eileen Dormer

The Art Club is open to all high school students, whether they are enrolled in art or not. The Art Club provides art services to the school community, creating exhibitions, murals, posters, backdrops, and decorative help with special events.

Choirs

"MidKnights" Select Choir

Advisor: Ms. Donna Mateyka

"MidKnights" is the choir that performs at the Winter and Spring concerts and other events. Auditions for Select Choir are held in September. Membership is open to all Chorus students.

"KnightStars" Junior High School Jazz Choir

Advisor: Ms. Donna Mateyka

The KnightSounds is the jazz choir for the Junior High School. They perform at the Jazz Concert in May and other events as they become available. Auditions will be held in December.

"KnightTones" Senior High School Jazz Choir

Advisor: Mr. John Boronow

The KnightTones Jazz Choir meets after school and is open to students in the music department by audition. The KnightTones perform twice annually and have participated in the Knight of Jazz sponsored by WEMBA

Ladies Knight

Advisor: Mr. John Boronow

This is a select group open to music department women by audition. The Ladies Knight sings all a cappella music and meets Fridays after school. They usually perform twice a year.

Dance

Dance Team – Varsity

Advisors:Ms. Dana DelGrosso

An advanced tryout group that is composed of West Essex 9th-12th graders. Activities include performing for the community at local events, school pep assemblies, and Varsity football and basketball games. Dance combinations are learned by the advisor, guest choreographers, and by senior dancers within the context of original choreography, in addition to exploring the essential performance skills. West Essex Varsity Dance Team's season begins in August for private dance camp. In January all teams perform in an annual dance show. The season culminates with next school year’s team tryouts that take place in April.

Junior Varsity Dance Team - Middle school

Advisors: Ms. Dana DelGrosso

The JV dance team consists of 7th-9th graders who meet two days a week throughout the school year. This team is used for preparation for the tryout Varsity team. This group's activities include performing for the community at local events as wells as pep assemblies, JV football and basketball games, and the annual Dance show in January. West Essex Junior Varsity Dance Team starts in September and culminates in April/ May. Dancers going into 9th grade can tryout for the Varsity team in April.

Dance Program - MS

Advisors:Ms. Dana DelGrosso

This team is currently the JV team with 7th-9th graders. Please see Junior Varsity Dance Team description above.

Drama Club/Masquers

Advisor: John Boronow

 Masquers is the drama club for the high school. Masquers produce two shows a year that are open to all students. In addition to acting, there are many opportunities for lighting, sound, and stagecraft.

Intramurals

Advisors: Ms. Linda Vicari and Ms. Barbara Bruchac

The Junior High Intramural program is an activity designed to involve students who do not have the time to devote to a 7th and 8th grade team. The only requirement is a pair of sneakers. There is open gym on all Wednesdays for the year. Also tournaments in indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, and flag football will be held throughout the year.

Jazz Ensemble

Advisor:

The Jazz Band functions as a link to a genre of music that might not otherwise be performed. Jazz is the only true form of American music, and knowing that, it is important for students to have the opportunity to learn and play this music. The Jazz Band also practices diligently and performs in all types of local venues.

Jewelry Club

Advisor: Ms. Bethany Careri

Students will learn intricate beading patterns, analyze the color wheel to make jewelry appear more appealing, make beads out of various objects and learn wire forming techniques with the use of jewelers tools.

Middle School School Art Club

Advisors: Ms. Sheryl Tekel

Art Club members to attend all meetings and activities. Projects and activities include the set-up and design of displays and plan projects that focus on holidays and other special events. The Art Club provides artwork for appropriate school and community activities, including window painting with the Builder's Club.

Lighting Crew

Advisor:

 Lighting crew is the team that works specifically with any performances that are held in the high school auditorium. Working with a new state of the art computerized lighting system, members learn how to hang and set stage lights, as well as basic principles of stage lighting.

Music Activities - Band

Advisor: Mr. Russ Batsch

The West Essex Instrumental Music Department offers a number of extracurricular ensembles to help further your Instrumental Education. These ensembles include, Jazz Band, Brass Ensemble, Clarinet Choir, Flute Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Combo.

Music Activities - Chorus

Advisor: Ms. Donna Mateyka

Select Choir is a 7th/8th grade vocal ensemble for unchanged voices: soprano and alto. Students enrolled in band, chorus or orchestra may audition for Select Choir in September. Select Choir rehearses every Wednesday after school from September thru May. Select Choir performs for school concerts, music festivals, and community service events.
Jazz Choir
Jazz Choir is a 7th/8th grade vocal ensemble for all voice parts: soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone. Any student in 7th or 8th grade may audition for Jazz Choir in September. Jazz Choir rehearses every Tuesday after school from September thru December. Jazz Choir performs for the Winter Choral Concert and community service events.

Music Activites - Orchestra

Advisor: Mr. Alexandre Soares

Orchestra is an after school music program that provides students opportunity for performance in addition to the MS/SHS Orchestras. There are three ensembles: SHS String Ensemble (for students in the SHS); MS String Ensemble (for students in the MS); West Essex Chamber Orchestra. Participation in the groups is determined by audition and enrollment in the orchestral program is not a prerequisite. These groups perform a more varied repertoire ranging from the Baroque to the Contemporary.

Orchestra/Ensemble - MS/SHS

Advisor: Mr. Alexandre Soares

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Piano Club

Advisor: Ms. Donna Mateyka

Piano Club is open to all MS students who play the piano and who are interested in performing for school and community events as well as accompanying for the MS Choirs. Piano Club meets after school one Friday a month from September thru May in addition to concerts and other performances.

West Essex Marching Knights

Advisor: Mr. Russ Batsch

Click HERE to view the West Essex Marching Knights web site.

Stage Crew

Advisor: Mr. Lee Oberg

The Stage Crew is responsible for creating and manipulating the sets for our school drama production and school musical. Meeting after school, the crew builds and decorates the set during the two months prior to the performances. The running crew is then chosen from those who have been present and working during the building process. The running crew moves set pieces and props around the stage during the performances. After the performances, the crew is then responsible for the disassembling and storage of the set.

Winterguard

Advisor:

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Honor Societies

National Art Honor Society

Advisor: Ms. Eileen Dormer

This prestigious art honor society is nationally recognized by secondary schools, art schools, colleges, and universities. It is open by invitation only to those who have a minimum of an A- average in all art courses taken. Students must be enrolled in art. At our local chapter level, the NAHS raises funds for a scholarship for our members who are graduating with plans to major in art. In addition, the NAHS participates in community service projects such as the International Memory Portrait Project.

French Club/French Honor Society

Advisor: Ms. Ruth Bolger

The French Club meets once or twice a month and is open to all students. Some of the cultural activities include movies, music, current events, games, trips to NYC, and holiday celebrations. The club organizes a school-wide international dessert contest and holds several crêpe sales throughout the year.

Members of la Société Honoraire de Français are nominated after having completed 2 ½ years of French studies with an “A-” average in French and a “B” average overall. Other membership requirements include participation in language-related activities and a dedication to continue the study of French. The French, Italian, and Spanish Honor Societies hold their inductions in the spring of each year during an evening ceremony. The French Honor Society’s goals are to promote interest in the study of French, to reward high scholastic achievement, and to create enthusiasm for an understanding of francophone culture and civilization.

Italian Club/Italian Honor Society

Advisors: Ms. Lucia Bazzarelli and Ms. Anna Barbone

Membership to the Italian Honor Society is restricted to students enrolled in classes beyond the second year. Candidates must have achieved an average of 90% or above in Italian. Candidates must maintain a general scholarship average of 80% or above. There is an induction ceremony in the spring. In addition to joining the Italian Club, members offer tutoring to other students of Italian. All students in grades 9-12 are invited to join the Italian Club. There are diverse fun activities held throughout the year, such as dinners, parties, cultural games, listening to Italian music, and Italian movies when available. Elections are held in September. The members hold a yearly fundraiser.

Latin Club/Latin Honor Society

Advisor: Mr. Mark Ciabbaton

 To be inducted into the Latin Honor Society the students must earn an A- or better every quarter throughout their first two years of Latin study. The induction ceremony for the Latin Honor Society is held every Spring.

National Honor Society - SHS

Advisor: Dr. Barbara Cieremans

The purpose of this club is to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to promote worth leadership, to encourage the development of character, and service. Members will participate in peer tutoring, fundraising endeavors, charitable contributions, and multiple community service projects. To be a part of this society, you must have at least one semester at West Essex and be a member of the junior or senior class. You must also have a GPA of 3.75 or better. Eligibility is based upon character, leadership, and service.

National Honor Society - Middle School

Advisor: Mr. T. Lancaster

Eighth grade students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher during the first six marking periods of junior high school are eligible for consideration on the basis of service, leadership, character and citizenship for NMS. Service is defined through the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit. Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others. The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others, and generally maintains a good and clean lifestyle. The student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic involvement, has a high regard for freedom, justice, and democracy, and demonstrates mature participation and responsibility through involvement with such activities as scouting, community organizations, and school clubs.

Spanish Club/Spanish Honor Society

Advisor: Ms. Kelly Henry

The Spanish Club is an extension of the cultural studies of Spanish classes. It provides students with a social outlet related to the Spanish language and the different cultures associated with Spanish speaking countries. Activities include dinners at various restaurants, movie viewings, salsa dancing lessons, food tasting, music sampling, and fundraisers.

Publications

Junior High Literary Magazine/Knightlights Magazine

Advisor: Ms. Susan Giordano

The purpose of this club is to motivate students to write poems, short stories, plays, songs, essays and to submit them for possible publication in the school literary magazine, as well as to enter the writing pieces in nationwide writing contests. Students are also encouraged to join as editors involved in the selection process, as well as editing all work submitted by the student body.

The Knightly News

Advisors:Mr. Jim Massa

The Knightly News is the school newspaper at the Junior High School. The newspaper staff creates and publishes between three and five publications each year. In addition to writers, the staff includes photographers, layout editors, technology experts, and artists. The Knightly News meets at least twice a month and has visited the newsroom of The Star Ledger.

Senior High Yearbook/Milestone

Advisor: Ms. Marjorie Jameson

Milestone Yearbook is the Senior High Yearbook.

Don't forget to order your, all color/ 300+ page, West Essex High School yearbook by January 2,2006. Code# 41776.2006. You can pay by credit card, money order or check to 'Jostens'. Orders can be made by Mail: ( Mailed orders must be recieved by 1/2/06 )
     Jostens
     One Looking Back Lane
     Ridgely, MD 21687 -2004    12/20/05

Seniors... the yearbook ad deadline is fast approaching. Collect your pictures over the vacation and bring them into lab 42. We will create a fabtacular ad for you. Hold on to the memories and place an ad of you and your friends. Parent ads , business ads and friend ads can be sent into room 42 at the senior high throughout January. 12/20/05

Middle School Literacy

Advisor: Mr. Jim Massa

The purpose of this club is to motivate students to write poems, short stories, plays, songs, essays and to submit them for possible publication in the school literary magazine, as well as to enter the writing pieces in nationwide writing contests.  Students are also encouraged to join as editors involved in the selection process, as well as editing all work submitted by the student body.

Roundtable

Advisor: Ms. Lynn Bailey

Roundtable meetings consist of workshopping student writing and evaluating student submissions, as well as laying out the magazine for publication and subsequent distribution.

Steppingstone

Advisor:Mr. Rick Fitzke

 The MS students produce the entire yearbook—Steppingstone. Students use software and digital images to construct the yearbook page by page. Club members count polls, send out mailings, make pages, take pictures, get business ads, design the layout of the book, and pick the cover.

Wessex Wire

Advisor: Ms. Anne Baney-Giampoala

The Wessex Wire is the student newspaper of West Essex High School. Students write, edit, and layout four issues a year.

Service Clubs

Character Education Club

Junior High School

MS Advisors: Ms. Theresa Imhoff and Ms. Janice Emering

The purpose of the Character Education Club is threefold. To BUILD CHARACTER by encouraging ethical thinking; To BUILD CONFIDENCE by motivating students to do their personal best; and To BUILD COMMUNITY by inspiring students at West Essex Junior High School to contribute to the world around them while honoring the diversity that makes our country great. “To always encourage students to treat people the way they would want to be treated.” (Character Education, Student Motto)

The Character Education Club is an organization for students in Grades 7 through 9. Club requirements include attendance at meetings during appropriate lunch periods and after school. Participation in at least one community service project is also encouraged.

We have joined with Community Kids from Roseland to include service activities such as cooking for soup kitchens, workings with the elderly, clothing and toy drives, and other services as requested and appropriate. In addition, fundraising projects will take place during the school year and donations will be made to selected organizations.


Senior High School

SHS Advisors: Ms. Heather Hemmer and Ms. Elizabeth Ricafort

 The Character Club is an organization for students in grades 10-12. The purpose of the club is to promote the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. The club meets the first Tuesday of every month after school. Club requirements include attendance at meetings and participation in service and fundraising projects such as collecting sports equipment and other requested items for our troops, lollipop sales, care grams, etc. Club members are also required to give a presentation on their chosen character pillar at one of the meetings.

Key Club

MS Advisors: Ms. Donna Mateyka and Ms. Jo-Ann Crawford
SHS Advisors: Ms. Jody Dolce

Official Key Club Website

The Key Club is a national organization of Grade 9-12 students who participate in a variety of service activities to benefit their schools and communities. The organization is sponsored by Kiwanis Clubs internationally. The Caldwell-West Essex Kiwanis Club sponsors both the Key Clubs at the High School and at the Junior High.

To become a member of the club, you must be recommended by one of your teachers. Club requirements include attendance at meetings after school and participation in at least one service activity. The club has a variety of fundraising projects during the year that you will be asked to support. Local projects and activities are decided by the members of the club. The club members visit local nursing homes and hospitals. Each Spring the new officers and members attend the Key Club Convention in the Poconos with over a thousand other "Key Clubbers" from New Jersey. In June the club sponsors "kiss a senior good-bye.:

Key Club meets once a month to accomplish the following: Introduce service activities to students, such as:
- Student volunteers for Studio 56 activities for North Caldwell Recreation Department.
- Making sandwiches for soup kitchens.
- Volunteering at Children’s Specialized Hospital.
Raise money for charities by having fund-raisers and awareness programs including:
- Autism Awareness Campaign in April.
- Bake Sales to benefit Children’s Specialized Hospital and Rett Syndrome Research.
- Collecting money for UNICEF.
Introduce students to community service in high school and beyond, including:
- Kiwanis Ice-Cream Socials.
- Key Leader Programs.
- Fall Rally at Great Adventure.

Key Club/Builders Club

Advisors: Ms. Donna Mateyka and Ms. Jo-Ann Crawford

The Builder’s Club is a national organization of middle school students who learn leadership skills and who participate in a variety of service activities to benefit their schools and communities. This organization is internationally sponsored by the Kiwanis Clubs. The Caldwell West Essex Kiwanis Club is our local sponsor. Builder’s Club meets the third Thursday of every month from September thru May.

Peer Leadership

Advisor: Mr. Anthony Emering

Peer Leaders assist the administration in a number of functions. They act as ambassadors at school activities such as back to school night, and Eighth and ninth grade orientation programs They also represent the school at county-based programs.

Students Against Detructive Decisions (SADD)

Advisor: Ms. Elizabeth Ricafort

The SADD mission is to provide students with the best prevention and intervention tools possible to deal with the issues of underage drinking, drug use, violence, and other destructive decisions. SADD endorses a firm "No Use" message related to the use of alcohol and other drugs. SADD highlights prevention of all destructive behaviors and attitudes that are harmful to young people, including underage drinking, substance abuse, impaired driving, violence, and suicide. SADD is a nationally recognized organization and more information can be found at www.sadd.org. SADD meets the first Tuesday of every month after school in Room 731 in the Senior High School. West Essex SADD educates the membership and spreads our message to the student body each month. New members are always welcome!

West Essex Coalition for the Active Restoration of the Environment (WE CARE)

Advisors: Ms. Jean Marie Zuhl

WE CARE, West Essex Coalition for the Active Restoration of the Environment, is a service and learning organization dedicated to promoting school-wide and community environmental awareness. Club members promote responsible use of resources through activities such as the school-wide recycling program. WE CARE members are empowered to put their ideas into practice through fund raising, club stewardship, and educational activities.