Clubs meet during Flex Period and after school. Schedules of meetings are posted weekly.

ACADEMIC CHALLENGE 

Moderator - Mrs. Gleinig

The Academic Challenge team welcomes students who enjoy intellectually stimulating competition and who
exhibit a facility for knowledge recall. The team competes in contests on the state and local levels. The primary
goal is the attainment of academic excellence. Awards include scholarships, trophies, and certificates of recognition. This is a great club for students who are competitive or love trivia.

ACADEMIC Decathlon

Moderator - Mrs. Gleinig

Each year, the United States Academic Decathlon selects a theme and shares it across the country. This theme is an overarching guide for how this course approaches the seven academic areas Art, Music, Language and Literature, Social Science, Economics, Science, and Math. In addition to content, students in this course learn skills related to public speaking, essay writing, and interview. After preparation, eighteen students compete in the Academic Decathlon of NJ in January and February. Several hours of independent study are required each week as well as face-to-face meetings during Flex. This course is designed for students who love to learn and have a competitive spirit.

ACTIVE ADVENTURE CLUB 

Moderator – Mr. DeStefano

This club attracts students interested in rigorous outdoor activity. Excursions include hiking trips, camping trips, white-water rafting, and other events planned by the group.

Animation CLUB 

Moderator – Mr. Hrycenko

The animation club allows students to create animated videos to be broadcast on Griffin TV. The animation videos can be done in a variety of ways including, two-dimensional drawing, stop-motion, photo editing, and computer three-dimensional modeling.  The programs used include GIMP, Windows Movie Maker, Blender, and more. The mission of the club is to use the medium of animation to help spread school spirit and give an aesthetic experience to those creating and viewing it. Come and see if you can bring your ideas to life

ART CLUB

Moderator – Mrs. Stichter

Our Mission is to learn about art, create art, and enrich the school environment and community through art. The
students work on a variety of projects. They may use the time to develop sketchbook challenges. Participate in
make and take activities to explore mediums and techniques. The club brings students of all grades together to work and grow as artists.

BOOK CLUB

Moderator-Ms. Mooney

The book club gathers students who love to read. The club picks from different genres of books and votes on the book to read. After reading, the group gathers to discuss the genre, characters and themes of the book, sometimes using the discussion questions provided by the author.

BIG BROTHER BIG SISTER

Moderator - Mr. Ball

Members of this noteworthy organization provide support for disadvantaged students of Ocean County. 

Students receive Christian Service hours for their participation in this program.

Chess club

Moderator - Mr. Hrycenko

The Chess Club meets once a week during flex to play the game and develop new strategies. Throughout the year students will partake in chess tournaments in hope to play against students from other schools. It is believed that the game of chess gives players the opportunity to develop thinking skills, based on the amount of strategy that is required to play it. The Chess Club at Donovan Catholic will give students a way to develop skills through friendly competition.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE TEAM

Moderator – Mr. Ball

Members foster an awareness to serve the needs of people throughout the world and in the community through a
variety of hands-on projects including clothing and food drives. Students also attend the Mission Reach-out
sponsored by the Propagation of the Faith and the National Conference that fosters acceptance of all religions, races and ethnic groups.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY ALLIANCE CLUB

Moderator- Ms. Dollman

Members of this active organization extend an invitation to all students interested in exploring the beauty of
other cultures. The club possesses a dual purpose: to enhance the curriculum through special projects, and to foster an appreciation of diverse cultures in the global society of today.

Debate club

Moderator- Mrs. Vatter

Members learn how to properly prepare, moderate, and participate in debates with their peers. Members are able to work together as well as debate against one another to promote critical thinking, analytical, and oratory skills while exploring topics that are important in today’s society.

 

griffin gaming guild

Moderator – Mrs. Herlihy

The Griffin Gaming Guild aims to sharpen strategic thinking and problem-solving skills through engaging gameplay. We provide a dynamic environment where students can learn and enjoy a variety of tabletop strategy games. Members will develop critical thinking abilities while having fun and building a community.

marine biology & ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB

Moderator-Ms. Rocca

The Environmental Club is a group of concerned students that are committed to raising awareness about environmental issues and to reducing environmental impact as individuals, a school community, and as citizens of the world. Working in tandem with the Catholic Action Platform Laudato si; to share the goals of Pope Francis to guide our actions as a club. Merged with the Marine Biology Club, additional topics are incorporated about our local bodies of water with outreach, beach cleanups, and informative presentations.

EXEMPLAR

Moderator – Ms. Mooney

Exemplar, the Donovan Catholic yearbook, is a student publication. The Production Publication class is supported by the club, which meets during Flex and weekly after school. Students write stories and captions, take photos, create layouts and polls, and interview students, teachers and coaches.

Fiber ARts Club

Moderator – Mrs. Herlihy

The Fiber Arts Club is committed to encouraging creativity and collaboration through fiber arts. We offer a friendly space where students can learn and practice knitting, weaving, macramé, crochet and other textile arts. Our goal is to support personal growth and build community at Donovan Catholic High School.

future business leaders of america

The Future Business Leaders of America helps high school students prepare for careers in business through academic competitions, leadership development, and educational programs. The students will prepare for and compete at the NJ Consumer Bowl, Kutztown University Business Idea Competition, and other events based on the students' interests. Through workshops, seminars, guest speakers, and competitions, members of FBLA gain valuable insights into the intricacies of modern business practices and learn how to navigate the ever-evolving global marketplace.

 

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Moderator – Mr. DeStefano

Our HFH chapter works closely with Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity in its goal to eliminate poverty housing in the community and to make simple, decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.

KEY CLUB

Moderator - Mrs. Mattsson

The Kiwanis International sponsors this student-led international organization. The club’s motto, “Caring...Our Way of Life” is fulfilled through a number of school, community and state projects. The Key Club offers students a great way to develop initiative and leadership skills while becoming involved with a passionate group of peers serving and improving the community.

MATH LEAGUE

Moderator- Ms. Weber

The Math League encourages all students who demonstrate an interest in mathematics to join. The league sponsors a team that participates in a variety of state and county competitions. Students can share their enthusiasm for learning and expand their critical thinking skills with their peers in an environment that encourages the exploration of mathematical topics and practices.

MEDIA CLUB

Moderator- Mr. Eguino

This club offers an exciting mix of video photography and broadcasting. Students participate as announcers and technicians at athletic events and other functions.

MEntal health for athletes

Moderator- Mrs. Cummings

The Mental Health for Athletes Club provides support to student athletes, while raising awareness for student-athlete mental health and addressing the stigma within sports culture.

operation smile

Operation Smile is a nonprofit organization that provides safe, comprehensive care for children with cleft conditions around the world. At Donovan Catholic, the Operation Smile club promotes awareness and fundraising events to raise money for much needed surgeries for children to treat cleft conditions for people that need it most.

 

SADD And the Micheal Project

Moderator –Mrs. MacPherson

Students Against Destructive Decisions

SADD is a national non-profit dedicated to the safety and wellness of all students. Using 40 years of expertise to facilitate educational and engaging programming, SADD operates through school clubs dedicated to advocating healthy decision-making.

SCIENCE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Moderator – Mr. Oliver

The Science National Science Honor Society invites qualified juniors and seniors to join this prominent organization. Qualifications include: current enrollment in, or completion of an AP Science course, a weighted 93 average in that course, and a minimum weighted average of 98 in all other courses.

SCIENCE LEAGUE

Moderator – Mr. Oliver

Members of the Science League participate in local and state competitions, projects and field trips. Students learn to apply their classroom knowledge to solve complex problems.

SPANISH CLUB

Moderator – Ms. Damon

The Spanish Club welcomes students who wish to explore the richness of the Spanish language and culture. In addition to planning activities that enhance their appreciation of Spanish culture, students volunteer their time to various programs that serve the needy in the Ocean County area.

SPORTS NEWS CLUB

Moderator-Mrs. Oliver

This club is for all students who have a passion for sports and are interested in spreading the good news about
Donovan athletics. The students in this club create multimedia presentations and use various social media platforms to keep the community informed about event schedules, match results, championship and record breaking performances.

STUDENT AMBASSADORS

Moderator- Mrs. Gleinig

Applicants are considered for the student ambassador position during sophomore and junior years. These students must exhibit leadership and pride in their school during Transfer Welcome, Open House, Parent Nights, 8th Grade Registration, as well as many other events.

SURF CLUB

Moderator – Mr. Courtney

The Surf Club welcomes all interested in surfing, bodyboarding, and protecting the coastline. Advanced members may compete in open NASSA contests and may represent the school when competing in the NASSA School Conference. Members may work with such organizations as the Surf Rider Foundation and the Marine Mammal Rescue Unit.