These activities take place both during the regular school day (scheduled as classes) and after school. All require either auditions or permission of the instructor.

Musical literature from the Baroque period to Contemporary Music is performed. Varied activities of football games, marching band contests, parades, community performances, concerts, trips, county, district, regional and state events all provide the interested student with many opportunities to be a vital part of the school community. Membership in the Falcon Band is determined by yearly audition. This is an elective course (#1213) that is given 1 credit toward graduation requirements. Any students in grades 9-12 are eligible to audition. Rehearsals outside of the "school day" are required.

Director: Mr. Jonathan Pinkerton, Room 502

The Outdoor/Indoor Color guard is an extracurricular activity, which emphasizes the execution of movement through dance as well as the use of color guard equipment. Membership is determined by yearly audition. All rehearsals are held outside of the "school day". Any student in grades 9-12 is eligible to audition. Auditions will be held in May for the Outdoor Color Guard and December for the Indoor Color Guard.

Director: Mr. Jonathan Pinkerton, Room 502

Percussion ensemble is an extracurricular activity, which enhances the student's knowledge of the percussion activity by giving students an opportunity to further their musical skills and percussive techniques. Membership in the ensemble is determined by yearly audition. All rehearsals are held outside of the "school day". Any student in grades 9-12 is eligible to audition.

Director: Mr. Jonathan Pinkerton, Room 502

The Jazz Band is an extracurricular activity, which enhances the student's knowledge of the jazz idiom through listening and performance of many different styles and eras of Jazz music. Membership is determined by yearly audition. All rehearsals are held outside of the "school day". Any student in grades 9-12 is eligible to audition. Auditions will be held in September of each school year.

Director: Mr. Jonathan Pinkerton, Room 502

The Chorus is open to all students, grades 9-12. Chorus enhances students' group singing skills, performing music including Renaissance, Classical, Folk, Multi-Cultural, Musical Theatre, and Spirituals. The Chorus performs winter and spring concerts. Chorus is a 1-credit course and rehearses daily in room 501.

Director: Miss Elizabeth Colpo, Room 501

Concert Choir is a chamber choir selected by audition. Students currently in Chorus or Women's Select Choir are eligible to audition in March for their upcoming 10th-12th grade year. Music includes Renaissance, Classical, Folk, Multi-Cultural, Musical Theatre, Spirituals, Vocal Jazz, and Contemporary. The Concert Choir performs at the winter and spring concerts, Baccalaureate, Commencement, and extra gigs throughout the community. Auditioning for ACDA and PMEA Honor Choirs, including County, District, Regional, and All-State Choirs, is highly encouraged. Concert choir is a 1-credit course.

Director: Miss Elizabeth Colpo, Room 501

Women's Select Choir is a chamber choir selected by audition. Females currently in Chorus are eligible to audition in March for their upcoming 10th-12th grade year. Music includes Renaissance, Classical, Folk, Multi-cultural, Musical Theatre, Spirituals, Vocal Jazz, and Contemporary. The Women's Select Choir performs winter and spring concerts and extra gigs throughout the community. Women's Select Choir is a 1-credit course.

Director: Miss Elizabeth Colpo, Room 501

The Vocal Octet is selected by audition in September of each year. 10th-12th grade singers currently in Concert Choir are eligible to audition for this extra-curricular ensemble. The Vocal Octet provides members with the opportunity to perform vocal repertoire at an advanced artistic level. Repertoire and performance opportunities are similar to those of the Concert choir, but include extra gigs throughout the community. Octet members practice independently and are expected to come to weekly rehearsals prepared to create music at a high level.

Director: Miss Elizabeth Colpo, Room 501

Membership is open to all students, 9th through 12th grades: membership is determined by auditions, which are conducted yearly. The prerequisite for all members except for string students is course 1215. The orchestra and string orchestra provide the students with the opportunity to study and apply techniques that have been previously presented in ensembles, sections, and/or lessons. Musical literature from the Baroque to Contemporary periods, as well as popular music, is performed. String orchestra and orchestra members participate in Holiday and Spring Concerts, as well as the school musical, county, district, regional, and many other performance opportunities throughout the year. Grade 9-12.

Students will learn the basics of reporting, writing a lead, interviewing, and developing a story for newspaper, radio, and television. They will get hands-on experience writing, producing, shooting, and editing videotape "packages." Students will also learn how to write a press release and will explore the worlds of public relations and advertising.

Instructor/advisor: Mr. Dan Mikula, Room 202

As a member of the Falcon Flash team, students learn the methods involved in writing factual accounts of school events. The students will also learn the techniques of interviewing, editorial writing, news analysis, column writing, newspaper layout, and production. A study of the ethics of journalism in American society is included in the course. Students must pre-register with the instructor prior to the official registration day.

Instructor/Advisor: Mrs. Lena Russell, Room 206

Creative writing demands the mastery of fundamental skills of structure and mechanics in basic written composition. Creative writing explores and defines the different literary genres and strives to develop in practical form the creative talents of its students. The emphasis of the course will be placed on development of individual style and the student's ability to develop ideas adequately. A pre-registration conference with the instructor is required.

This course may count as a humanities credit but does not satisfy the four-credit requirement for English. Grade 11-12.

Instructor/Advisor: Mrs. Karen Burk, Room 211

Students learn the practical application of the theory and techniques of yearbook production, resulting in the current year's FALCONAIRE. Students learn style and composition, picture cropping and arrangement, and organization of material. Students learn to use Photoshop. They also learn to design, create, and publish the school's yearbook online through use of the Taylor Publishing website. A pre-registration conference with the advisor is necessary.

A sense of responsibility and dedication are essential for the student to bring to this course, as the class continues into part of the summer.

This course may count as a humanities credit but does not satisfy the four-credit requirement for English. Grade 10-12.

The freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior class councils' main objective is to raise money for their respective classes. The funds are used to cover the expenses of the Junior-Senior Prom, Graduation, and other class projects.

Class of 2010

Class of 2011

Class of 2012

Class of 2013

The Chess Club of Lower Dauphin meets once a week from 2:35 PM-3:30 PM starting the beginning of September until the end of February. Any level of student ability is welcome with the students playing against each other. Although an "unofficial" win/loss record may be kept by individuals, the emphasis of the club is to play for fun while learning to improve one's chess game.

Advisor: Mr. David Dickson, Room 1004

The Lower Dauphin Drama Club will begin meeting in the 2009-10 school year. This club is designed to further the dramatic arts at Lower Dauphin High School. The club hopes to supplement the already existing stage performances (fall play and spring musical) with still more opportunities for time "on the boards." The Drama Club is looking for enthusiastic, fun-loving students. There is no requirement of talent, except to be willing to get up and let loose in front of a group of onlookers.

Advisor: Mr. Douglas Grove, Room 209

This club is for boys and girls interested in competing in the sports of powerlifting and weightlifting. Powerlifting competitions include bench press, deadlift and the squat. Weightlifting competitions include the snatch and the clean and jerk. Weightlifting is an Olympic sport. The club has had athletes in the Keystone State Games since 2007 and athletes have entered various other events throughout the year. The summer of 2009 is the first year that the club has taken athletes to the USA Weightlifting School Age National Competition in Gainesville, GA.

Advisor: Mr. Paul LaDuke, Weight Room

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is an organization made up of athletes, as well as non-athletes interested in Christian fellowship, service, and activities. Students meet Wednesday mornings in the High School Library from 7:00 to 7:30 A.M. Student leaders integrate discussions, guest speakers, studies, activities, etc. The FCA organizes various activities throughout the year, including See you at The Pole (a nationwide rally for school students to meet at the flagpole of their school to pray), Winterfest (a winter concert and open gym with free food and admission), Summerfest (a pool party with free food and activities during final exams), True Love Waits campaigns, etc. These activities are organized to promote awareness, fellowship among students, and service to the school community. FCA holds a Prayer & Praise time on Thursdays, 7:00-7:25 AM in the auditorium. This is a student led time of singing contemporary Christian music, reflection on a devotional topic and a time of meditation open to any student or staff member.

"La Societe Honoraire de Francais," was organized in 1949 and is sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French. Lower Dauphin is a member of the Susquehanna Chapter. Eligibility for membership requires a student to be enrolled in at least a French III level course; to have earned an A average in French, and to have exhibited qualities of good citizenship, character and leadership.

Advisor: Mrs. Jean Hynicker, Room 1002

The Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) creates a welcoming unity between all students, regardless of sexuality, by creating an awareness of human rights and equality. A safe space will be provided as well as an extended support system beyond the realms of meetings in addition to educating group members on past and current social issues. Presenters within the community will be asked to speak from time to time and how they contribute, relate or handle current issues. A field trip will occur during the school year to the local GSA conference where students will be able to discuss, relate, and/or socialize with other GSAs in the local area to further extend a support group.

Advisor: Mr. James Kalos, Room 210

The Japanese Culture Club meets once a month to share cultural activities such as: Manga, Anime, Origami, Chopstick Etiquette, etc. Students are expected to share their knowledge and interests with the group.

Advisor: Mrs. Carisa Wascovich, Room 701

The National Art Honor Society, sponsored by the National Art Education Association, offers artistically talented students the opportunity to further practice and share their art skills in the school and the community. Activities include service projects, community art projects, and field trips. Membership, upon recommendation of the student's high school art teacher, is based on good character, art class grade of 90% or better, and an interest in sharing their talent to benefit others.

Advisor: Mrs. Sally McKeever, Room 507

Membership into this society is to be considered an honor bestowed on students selected for their accomplishments in the field of English. We decided to create a chapter to provide recognition for past achievement, the nurturing of present interests, and encouragement for future success. NEHS is the organization for students who have experienced the power of literature, the pleasures of good writing, and the excitement of language studies. Attendance at LDHS for the equivalent of one semester:

• Completion of two semesters of English prior to induction (freshman may not apply until the start of their sophomore year).
• The achievement of a minimum overall and English grade point of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) prior to induction.
• Completion of the application process.
• Students must demonstrate an interest in the Language Arts. This will be verified by the members of the English Department.
• Members must log 30 NEHS credits per year are attained through participation in meetings and activities.

The National German Honor Society recognizes students who excel in their German studies. Membership is open to students beginning in grade 10 who have completed two years of German and who maintain the required grade level. Meetings of the NGHS will take place through the course of the school year.

The National Honor Society, sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, is a service organization made up of academically talented juniors and seniors. The society encourages these students to use their abilities to the benefit of the school and community.

The criteria for membership are a minimum 93% grade point average, approval by the faculty, and final recommendation by the Faculty Advisory Council on the basis of the student's demonstration of scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Membership selections are made in the spring followed by an induction ceremony in March. Monthly meetings are mandatory. To maintain membership, members must do a minimum of 40 hours per year community service and keep up their GPA.

The purpose of the Outdoor Club is to give students the opportunity to gain an appreciation of and enjoy the outdoors through a variety of activities. We have weekly meetings to discuss possible trips, activities, and fundraising. Throughout the year we will hike, camp, river raft, fish, boat, paintball, mountain bike, and participate in other outdoor activities. We encourage students who have experience in the outdoors and students with no experience at all. Not all members have to participate in all of the activities. We provide a variety of activities to encourage a variety of students.

The Lower Dauphin Ping Pong Club meets once a month for fun and refreshments. Usually a tournament is set up and games are played to 11. No ping pong experience is necessary.

The goal of the Science Club is to develop students' interest in science. This will be done by participating in projects and preparing for competitions. The main activity of the Science Club is to prepare for the Science Olympiad competition in the spring. Other activities will include but are not limited to in-school competitions, other inter-school competitions, and various other science awareness and educational activities.

Advisor: Mr. Tom Hanninen, Room 904

Science National Honor Society (SNHS) is for students who have attained an 87.5% or higher in honors level science classes and are currently enrolled in honors level science classes. Students are asked to join the society after their freshman year. The objectives of the SNHS are to encourage and recognize scientific and intellectual thought; advance the student's knowledge of classical and modern science; communicate with the scientific community; aid the civic community with its comprehension of science; and encourage students to participate in community service and in turn, encourage a dedication to the pursuit of scientific knowledge that benefits all of mankind. In addition to attendance at monthly meetings, members are expected to participate in the chapter's two ongoing projects ¨C Falcon Fright Night (science department's Haunted Hallway) and the Garden of Knowledge.

Lower Dauphin's Second Mile is part of one of the seven chapters of the Second Mile organization from across Pennsylvania. The Second Mile challenges young people to strive for excellence. These students are empowered through a call to community service which teaches students they can make a valuable contribution to their community. The Second Mile challenges young people to achieve their potential as individuals and community members by providing opportunities for them to develop positive life skills and self esteem. The Second Mile Leadership Institute, a conference dedicated to promoting youth leadership competencies, is held every two years. With encouragement, support, and a curriculum that promotes skill building and community service, Lower Dauphin teachers, guidance counselors and principals select a five member team that represents the diversity of our student body to attend and return with a concrete plan for improving school and/or community climate.

The Ski Club provides the student body with an opportunity to learn, perfect and enjoy the sport of skiing and snowboarding. The club travels to Ski Roundtop on Thursdays for six trips during the months of January and February. All the costs for equipment rentals, lift tickets, lessons, and transportation are the responsibility of the student. Students purchase a Night Club Card, which is a night season pass. This pass allows students to ski as many times as they can on any night for the entire season.

Advisor: Mr. Michael James, Room 505

The Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica is also known as the Spanish National Honor Society. This honor society was organized in 1953. The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese sponsor the Society. Lower Dauphin High School's chapter is called the Sevilla Chapter. The purpose of the Society is to recognize high achievement in Spanish and Portuguese by students of secondary schools and to promote continuity of interest in Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian studies. Students must be enrolled in Spanish classes for more than two years. Students who have maintained an honor average in the study of Spanish for a minimum of three semesters, and who have exhibited outstanding character and leadership qualities, as attested to by their various teachers, are eligible for membership.

The Spring Musical is an excellent opportunity for Lower Dauphin students to demonstrate their talents. Student involvement ranges from acting, singing, dancing, and playing in the pit orchestra, to assisting with set designs and staging. Student auditions take place in early winter and the production is scheduled for March 4-6, 2010.

Crewmembers are expected to help construct and paint sets for the annual musical production. Members must be available for rehearsals and performances at least the two weeks before performances. Responsibilities include preparing the stage for performances, placing and moving sets and curtains and other chores that may be needed during performances.

Advisor: Mr. Steve Kistler

The L.D. Chapter of S.A.D.D. provides leadership within the school community to reinforce the concept that destructive decisions have a negative impact on students. The Chapter has participated in educational awareness programs such as the Applebee Pond Puppets, which involved skits performed for elementary school age children, the Sticker Shock Program, and Prom Promise.

The Student Council is a representative organization of and for the student body of Lower Dauphin High School. Student Council undertakes several activities such as the canned food drive, teacher appreciation breakfast and Homecoming festivities. Homecoming activities include the powder puff football game, spirit week and the Homecoming Dance. In addition to these activities, Student Council has organized the Mark French Benefit Dodgeball Tournament. Because of these events and others, the Student Council is a philanthropic association that works with numerous organizations both inside and outside of the school for the betterment of the school and community in general.

Learn what goes on behind the scenes at school plays and musicals. Tech crew creates the lighting design and runs sound for the stage. Learn how to run a soundboard and/or a light board along with other sound and lighting equipment. Members must be available for rehearsals and performances at least two weeks before performances. Any high school student may be a member.

Advisor: Mr. Michael James, Room 505

The Thespian Society promotes the development of theatrical interests among the student body. Thespian Society members participate in the fall play, the annual musical and various other extracurricular theater related activities.

Advisor: Mr. Kevin Strawser

The Lower Dauphin Chapter of the N.M.H.S. provides exceptional music students with the opportunity to advance the music program in the school.

Membership criteria includes: a "B" average in all classes, an "A" average in all music classes, member in good standing in at least one Lower Dauphin High School ensemble, recommendation and approval by the music faculty on the basis of demonstration of excellent character, leadership, service, cooperation, and musicianship in addition to an audition or report. Meetings are conducted monthly.

The VolunTEEN club promotes the involvement of students in many school and community service activities. Membership is open to all students in grades 9-12. Meetings are conducted the first Friday of each month at 7:00 AM in the school library.

The Lower Dauphin Young Democrats Club is open to any students interested in discussing issues that impact our lives as citizens. Members will have the opportunity to express their opinions as well as to listen to the opinions of others, involving those of the media. We will learn to identify bias and spin in order to be able to objectively understand the positions of all players in the political process. Students will also have the opportunity to become involved in campaigns by volunteering their time at various levels. This club is open to anyone with an open mind who is interested in the workings of our government.

The Teen Republicans is an organization made up of students interested in government and our political system. The club meets on a regular basis to discuss personal and political ideation. Students are encouraged to express their own personal and political opinions on the topics that are discussed. The clubs also gets involved in political campaigns. Members have a chance to volunteer their time at the local, state, and national level. Everyone is welcome regardless of political affiliation. The club is open to all students in grades 9-12.

Advisor: Mr. Nathan Espenshade, Guidance Office