Clubs, Activities, & Student Organizations

American Sign Language Club is open to all students interested in learning ASL and learning about deaf culture. We participate in story time with The Des Plaines Public Library and we create signed story children’s videos for our YouTube channel. Joining ASL Club will help you learn a new language and foster a deep appreciation for deaf culture and history.

In anime club we watch, discuss and draw all things anime.  We encourage anybody who is interested in anime, whether you are new to it or you are an expert to join.

Art Club is for students who love art. Members do a variety of projects. Members may also elect to work in media that they have not been able to experience in the classroom or they can choose to develop work for their portfolio.

Asian Club is open to all students interested in anything to do with Asia or Asian culture.  We frequently meet to cook Korean BBQ, try our hand at making sushi, origami and much more.  We do fundraising and try to be involved in the community and bring awareness to the eastern world, it’s culture and food.  We occasionally collaborate with other clubs, such as anime club, and have cook outs and events.

Balkan club is an after school club dedicated to exploring Balkan culture and cultivating relationships among students who have any connection to or interest in the Balkan region.  One need not be Balkan to join, but may simply be interested in the countries and their rich and ancient traditions.  Balkan club runs regular fundraisers helping underprivileged communities and participates in the Maine West annual cultural festival.

Black Student Union is open to all students interested in learning and celebrating African American/Black history and culture. We have insightful, challenging, courageous conversations about race, rights and always end laughing. We get together with other Black Student Unions and Ebony Clubs from local schools for events, volunteer together throughout the year and help promote and plan African American History month.

Board game club is a space where students can enjoy an assortment of games ranging from classic board games, card games and even tabletop role playing games.  A fun and open space where students can try out new experiences and find new creative outlets.

The book club is dedicated to reading a diverse collection of fiction and non-fiction books that seek to challenge social norms, give voice to the silenced, provide information about groups that have been disenfranchised, disrupt the status quo and share perspectives from underrepresented or oppressed groups.  All are welcome and anyone can join us at any point during the school year.  Please come read with us.

Maine West produces a musical annually.  Students are encouraged to audition for parts.  There are also many opportunities for students to participate behind the scenes with stage craft/lighting/sound/ costumes and makeup.

Ceramics club provides educational, social and service opportunities for students interested in ceramics and building their technique in pottery skills.  Ceramics club members will plan and participate in activities such as annual pottery sales, Empty Bowl events and community workshops.

Chess Club provides the space for beginners to learn the game of kings (and queens), as well as more experienced chess players to compete in conference meets.  We practice chess puzzles, learn chess theory and get together to play social games of chess.  We meet on Thursdays after school in the LRC. 

Child Care Club is an organization for members of the Child Care Occupations/Preschool class. We are affiliated with Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).  Club members raise funds to participate in FCCLA leadership activities and childcare competitions sponsored by FCCLA.

The Choraliers are an auditioned, extra-curricular ensemble that performs a wide variety of challenging music ranging from acapella and pop to jazz. Auditions are open to all students enrolled in a music ensemble.

This is an organization of seniors responsible for planning class activities and events for the year, especially the Homecoming Dance and Senior Prom.  Money earned from fundraisers helps offset the cost of these activities and Senior Scholarships given at the end of the year.

This is an organization of students responsible for planning class activities and events for the year.  Money earned from fundraisers helps offset the cost of their senior prom. Over the course of four years, class council members will help plan proms, homecoming floats, homecoming window paintings and the homecoming dance.

This is an organization of students responsible for planning class activities and events for the Class of 2021. Student council members generally participate in numerous fundraisers to offset the cost of their senior prom or give back to the community. Over the course of four years, class council members will also help plan proms, homecoming floats, homecoming window paintings, the homecoming dance, and school-wide events like the Maine West Fun Fair.

This is an organization of students responsible for planning class activities and events for the year. Money earned from fundraisers helps offset the cost of their senior prom. Over the course of four years, class council members will help plan proms, homecoming floats, homecoming window paintings and the homecoming dance.

The Maine West Color Guard is an extra-curricular performance group. The group performs in the fall with the Marching Warriors and at all home football games and parades, at home basketball games and other events in the winter and in the annual Variety Show. Students will learn to spin flags, rifles, sabers and other visual equipment, while incorporating movement and dance.

The club’s purpose is the educate students in python, a well-known, general purpose programming language, providing a life-long technical skill that students can utilize for future opportunities.

Everyone is welcome to join but the targeted population would be students interested in the STEM field as it would correlate more with their career and goal interests.

Experienced players as well as beginners are welcome.  We would like to hold practices once a week and join in some competitions with cricket teams from other schools.

Culinary Arts recognizes students enrolled in advanced culinary arts courses for their ability to work as a team to produce quality meals using industrial culinary arts/food service techniques for competitive events.

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. Throughout the school year, DECA members participate in many conferences and competitions that develop leadership and business career-readiness skills. Any Maine West student who is currently enrolled or has taken a business course can be a DECA member.

Maine West has a very active drama club and is the home of Chapter #2119 of the International Thespian Society.  All students are eligible to participate in the vibrant clubs and spend time with peers interested in theater, comedy, improvisation and all aspects of theater production.  Learn and participate in a multitude of theater related opportunities.  The troupe sponsors productions and members are able to attend a variety of drama related field trips and activities.

Environmental Awareness is a key element in global climate change.  In our club, we explore ways that can help our community become aware of opportunities that can make a positive impact on our environment.  From clean-up give back, tree replenishing, community gardening, recycling and educating others about animal conservation, we are helping to make earth a better place.

Esports officially stands for electronis sports, not to be confused with video games.  Esports requires teamwork, communication, critical and strategic thinking, creativity, sportsmanship and leadership – much like traditional sports.  Esports affords students the ability to gain valuable life lessons and social skills that students learn in a team sport atmosphere through competitive video gaming.  Some examples of games used for competition are Valorant, Fortnite, League of Legends, Super Smash Brothers, Rocket League and Overwatch 2.

The fall play production is a great way to get involved, make new friends and discover something about you.  Students are also needed “behind the scenes” to build scenery and help with costumes, props and makeup.  No prior experience is necessary.

In this club we talk about fashion, hair and makeup trends. Members participate in makeup and hair tutorials and demonstrations.  We also learn how to make simple and chic clothes and accessories.

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is the Career and Technical Student Organization for Family and Consumer Science students. FCCLA is a national student organization that helps young men and women become better leaders in their families, careers and communities.  Students learn skills for life: planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision making and interpersonal communication. FCCLA is the only student organization with the family as its focus. Members have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills through participating in proficiency events, showcasing community service projects, exploring careers, attending educational sessions and electing officers.

Friends Connect is a club that provides opportunities for students in the ELS program to connect socially with peers throughout the school. Monthly events are planned to facilitate these interactions.

GSA network is a next generation LGBTQ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains queer, trans and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities.

Whether you are Irish, have Irish ancestors or just want to learn more about Irish culture, join Irish club.  We identify topics we are interested in learning about (i.e., Irish dance, food, history, etc.) and we find ways to celebrate Irish culture.

Jazz band is an extracurricular audition-based group, focusing on advanced styles of jazz technique and performance, preparing music for community “gigs” and events.

Key Club is an international student led organization that provides its members with opportunities to provide service to help our school, community and the world.

LEGEND is the creative force behind our school’s yearbook publication.  We welcome all students who have a passion for publishing, writing, photography, art and leadership.  Whether you are interested in capturing memories through a camera lens, crafting compelling stories, designing eye-catching layouts or leading a project from start to finish, there is a place for you in LEGEND.  Join us as we collaborate to create a lasting tribute to our school year.

Library Advisory Board is a student government organization that helps create library programming and displays for fellow students to engage with.  LAB is a unique group that is focused on students creating the school library they need and want.

Students get a chance to work directly with the freshman class. We want the leaders of our school to help get freshman orientated with their schedule and the school. We encourage involvement in school functions, clubs and sports. The impact the students at the school have on the incoming freshman are key to a successful year.

Maine West Student Ministry (MWSM) meets weekly after school from 3:30-4:00 pm in A212.  This club welcomes anyone that believes in or would like to learn more about the Christian faith and how the love of Jesus Christ can be shared inside the Maine West community and beyond.  Each meeting consists of snacks, sharing time, devotional/study, games and prayer.  Follow us on instagram @ mwstudentministry

A club for acoustic musicians looking to jam with others in a casual setting.  All skill levels are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

The Marching Warriors is a co-curricular ensemble that is based out of the Maine West Band Department.  The music portion is rehearsed during curricular classes, while the marching component is practiced outside of the school day.  The Marching Warriors perform at home football games, local marching band competitions, school assemblies, and an indoor showcase concert in our auditorium.  Our ensembles not only strive for musical excellence, but work to educate all students in the aspects of self-motivation, self-discipline, group leadership, interpersonal communications, and goal-oriented processes.  In order to be in the Marching Warriors, you must be enrolled in one of the four band curricular courses.

The Math Team competes against other area high schools throughout the year.  Anyone interested in problem solving, challenging themselves and learning new math topics that may not be covered in math classes is encouraged to join.  The team meets for practices about once a week and competitions about once a month.

The Maine West Mock Trial Program provides an opportunity for students to learn what it is like to prepare and present a legal case before the Illinois courts.  Through the mock trial experience, students learn to work as a team, develop oral presentation skills, set goals, plan effectively, think on their feet, and face challenging obstacles with enthusiasm and confidence.

Model United Nations competes against other high schools at an annual conference in downtown Chicago hosted by the University of Chicago.  This club is for anyone interested in debate, negotiation, public speaking, international relations and solving global problems.  The club fosters the next generation of global citizens capable of evaluating and formulating solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges.

Mu Alpha Theta is an organization dedicated to promoting scholarship in mathematics and establishing math as an integral part of high school and junior college education.

The Multilingual Warrior Club is an organization for students to practice English with their fellow peers in a social setting.  Students will experience school sponsored events, enjoy food and play various games in this club.  This club is designed to foster a sense of belonging and community as well as encourage confidence in the target language.

We are dedicated to a music-listening experience. The purpose of the Maine West Music Appreciation Society is to create awareness and appreciation of music. We will discuss, listen to, and share all types of music, music history, record labels, where to purchase music and possibly trade records among its members.

Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors with a 3.0 GPA. We work collectively to bring artwork to the building and help the community.

The mission and purpose of this organization shall be literary and educational.  NEHS shall strive to confer distinction upon secondary school students for high achievement in English Language Arts, encourage interest in the English Language Arts; promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members; and serve society by fostering literacy.

Juniors and seniors who have a cumulative, weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher are invited to apply to Maine West’s chapter of the National Honor Society.  Applicants must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to service as well as evidence of leadership skills and a strong character.  The application process begins in November with the induction ceremony in January.

Philosophy Club is for students of any grade who love to think deeply about questions like: What is good and evil?  Do human beings have free will?  Is there a God?  We engage in group discussions, watch movies and explore deep topics about life.  The club is a great way to learn about the Maine West class, Introduction to Philosophy, offered to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors.

Pi Sigma Pi is an honor society open by invitation to sophomores, juniors and seniors to recognize academic excellence in the social sciences.  In addition to providing members academic recognition, Pi Sigma Pi also plans social science related field trips and events.

In poetry club we create, critique, recite, perform and analyze poetry. 

Everyone is welcome to join Polish Club.  It is a great place for members to enjoy Polish culture, share holiday traditions, learn about the history and indulge in Polish desserts.  Polish Club members partake in various activities throughout the year such as homecoming, fundraisers, the International Celebration and Taste of Polska.  Polish Club meets every other week and allows for members to make new friends that have something in common.

In the powerlifting club, students compete in competitions held by the IHSPLA where they are tested on the squat, bench press and deadlift.  Students are provided with resources to improve their squat, bench press and deadlift form and are also given opportunities to work with a workout program provided by the coach.

Members of this team are nominated by their freshman teachers and by application. Students serve their sophomore through senior years in a leadership capacity. The purpose is to promote leadership, foster community, receive feedback and make positive changes at Maine West.

An national honor society for high school journalists, Quill and Scroll members participate in workshops, team-building activities, celebrations of success and national writing and photography competitions.

Raíces [Roots] is a club designed to celebrate the diverse Latin American cultures represented at Maine West. We offer cultural events to share la cultura with the larger Maine West community as well as provide opportunities to develop leadership skills and plan for college/careers. We are dedicated to organizing fundraising events for college scholarships for club leaders. 

Scholastic Bowl is a trivia competition.  If you like playing Trivial Pursuit or if you like watching Jeopardy or Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, then you’ll love Scholastic Bowl.  Students face other schools and answer trivia questions about literature, math, science, history, politics, television, music, movies, pop-culture, and much more.  We practice on Mondays and have about ten competitions from October-March.

Science National Honor Society is a national organization that recognizes students that have excelled within the academics of science.  Participants provide leadership and support of the sciences through community outreach, research and scientific exploration.  Membership is by invitation only. An unweighted science GPA of 3.5 (national requirement), weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher (national requirement), a science teacher recommendation and completed application are all required to become a member.

Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets.  Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology.  By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross section of students to get involved.  Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on group participation.  Through Science Olympiad, students, teachers, parents, principals and business leaders bond together and work toward a shared goal.

SkillsUSA is a national membership association serving high school, college and middle school students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations, and for further education. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.

Any and all are welcome to join the Indian Student Association (formerly Indian Student Association/Indo-Pak Club). SASA is a club that celebrates and educates about South Asian culture. We host various events throughout the year as well as participate in district activities. All are welcome to join.  You just have to enjoy other cultures, trying new things and having a good time.

The Spanish National Honor Society serves as a meeting point for all students interested in and personally connected to the diversity of the Spanish language.  By joining the Maine West chapter of the Spanish National Honor Society, students will build a space of mutual support and contribute to the Maine West community through multiple volunteer opportunities.  We welcome all who are interested and have been enrolled in Spanish courses for a minimum of three semesters.  Alternate membership pathways exist for those who are exposed to and/or speak Spanish at home but have not yet taken courses (or three semesters) in the language.  In general, students must be in the 10th grade or higher.

Speech team is a competitive activity where students compete in 14 very unique events ranging from impromptu speaking to acting to newscasting to poetry and prose reading.  There are generally three preliminary rounds of competition and the top-ranking competitors in each event advance to the final round.

The student ambassadors help welcome transfer students (students moving to Des Plaines) to Maine West.  They make the transition a more positive experience for our students.  Student ambassadors meet the transfer students, help them get their books and ID’s, show them around the school and invite the students to lunch for several days.  Student ambassadors may also participate in one or two group activities with transfer students throughout the year.

The Sports Medicine Club was designed to create an environment where students can observe and experience the field of Sports Medicine through the supervision of our certified athletic trainers.  Student aides will gain the knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology in relation to injuries.  In addition, students are trained in assisting with general first aid (once the proper skills are obtained) and game day procedures as well as preparations.

The SBHC Youth Advisory Board is a youth-led, consistent, community minded, safe environment for students.  The YAB (Youth Advisory Board) would be able to give D207 students a voice within the Student Based Health Center.  The YAB will be part advisory for the School Based Health Center and part projects and learning experiences for students such as school workshops, narrative medicine and other events to promote health equity.  Since this is a district initiative, we seek to have student representation from Maine East, South and West.  We believe that youth engagement is important for a healthcare setting to be able to deliver our students quality health services.  Club meetings will be once a month, virtual and rotation between all three schools.

SOAR is a student organization that hopes to provide a brave space for students to discuss the impact of racism on their lives and in today’s society.  Open to all students, we work collaboratively to develop language and skills to have open, honest and productive conversations.  As a student group, led by students, one of the main goals of the organization is to develop student leaders who have the capacity to direct their own learning and actions as we work to build a more inclusive tomorrow.

Student Voice Committee is open to all! We work on several events for the entire student body, such as Homecoming week, school wide fundraiser, all assemblies, the spring dance, etc. and welcome any input from students or staff.

Get the ultimate backstage pass to all the Fine Arts Department productions in the auditorium. Become a part of Tech Crew and learn to build, paint and produce shows.  All are welcome. We meet Monday through Thursday in the scene shop behind the auditorium from 3:30 pm until 6:00 pm.  Come for an hour or stay the whole time.  The full schedule is posted on the Tech Crew website or join Remind at @44eaea.

Thrift club meets every other week and talks about where to find the best and coolest threads, gadgets, media and whatever else the heart desires.  We plan to do field trips, clothes swaps and fun photo shows of our latest thrift scores!

Tri-M Music Honor Society, formerly known as Modern Music Masters, is a high school music honor society and is a program of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements and to provide leadership and service opportunities to young musicians.

Attention Gamers!  Are you a fan of Madden?  NBA? Super Smash Brothers?  Mario Cart or WWE? Video game club meets every other week in the library after school. Please ask any of the library staff for more information.

W.A.P.A. is a leadership association composed of student athletes assembled and recommended to help provide insight on the student-athlete experience. Members are athletes who have exhibited strong leadership characteristics in their respective sports. In addition to strong leadership, these student athletes show success in the classroom, demonstrate excellent behavior, and have strong attendance. This players association will help enhance the culture and climate of all our athletic programs. They will continue to emphasize the importance of a commitment to preserving core human values, promoting passion for the sport, and showcasing the successes made by their peers who work towards becoming exceptional student athletes.

Our mission statement is to lead the student-athlete population and represent what the Maine West athletic program stands for in the best way possible. We will aim to make a positive difference and listen to the needs and concerns of student-athletes. Educating and informing student-athletes on current and relevant issues, providing support to one another in the athletic programs, and providing leadership opportunities for student-athletes will be of the utmost importance.

Warrior Strings is an extracurricular group that meets on Thursday evenings throughout the school year.  This small ensemble is audition based and requires students to be enrolled in an orchestra class.  Guitar, piano and percussion players do not need to be enrolled in orchestra classes.

The Warriorettes Dance Team, also known as “poms,”  is separated into a non-competitive squad and a competitive squad. The non-competitive season begins immediately after tryouts in May and continues to the beginning of November.  This squad performs at all varsity home football games and at the fall and homecoming assemblies. The Warriorettes Competitive Squad begins with tryouts in late October and continues until January.  The competitive squad attends IHSA competitions. Members of the competitive squad will also perform at varsity boys and girls’ basketball games and the winter assembly.

West Side Dance Company is a dance performance group.  We have auditions in the Fall and work throughout the year putting together choreography for our big show in March.  The WSDC performs in assemblies, our big show in the Spring, at Six Flags Great America, at the Illinois State Dance Festival and at other venues throughout the year.

If you love to dance and perform, the West Side Dance Company may be for you!

West Side Spirit Club is a student organization designed to boost school spirit by supporting teams, activities, clubs and other school events.  Get involved by participating in planning event themes, school assemblies, being engaged in our social media, creating promotional materials and finding other ways to build school spirit.  We have a place for everyone to have an enthusiastic positive impact on our school and community.  The goal for West Side Spirit Club is to foster a sense of community and pride among students, encouraging them to support their peers and contribute to our vibrant school culture.

West Words is Maine West’s literary magazine.  Student editors read submissions of poetry, stories, essays and artwork submitted by the entire student body and produce a yearly magazine highlighting students and their creative talents.

Maine West’s Annual Talent Show

As “the Maine West student voice since 1959.” each issue of the Westerner student newspaper is conceived, written, edited and designed by students for distribution to the entire student body.  A board of student editors and a staff of writers, photographers and artists create news, feature, entertainment, in-depth, and sports reporting, as well as opinion commentary based on current events and issues.  Westerner reporting also is published online at mwwesterner.com and on social media.  The Westerner has been repeatedly awarded the Golden Eagle best-in-class awared from the Northern Illinois School Press Association.  Staff members have regularly won awards from Quill and Scroll Society, the National Scholastic Press Association, the Illinois Women’s Press Association and the IHSA Journalism competition.

WMTH-TV produces our weekly news show, Warrior Weekly, that is viewed every Wednesday in advisory.  Students can anchor, produce news stories or help with editing our show.  WMTH-TV also live streams our sporting events including basketball, football, soccer, volleyball and badminton, as well as fine arts and school events such as our band, choir and orchestra concerts, NHS induction and graduation.  Students serve in the roles of director, camera operator and audio engineer for these events, preparing them for careers in live television production. 

WMTH-Radio produces live and pre-recorded radio shows for 90.5 FM, our school’s radio station.  Students can anchor and produce their own shows and listen live on the radio in district.

Women’s Empowerment Club is a safe environment that welcomes all students, but places an emphasis on female students at Maine West.  We discuss contemporary issues women face in society in hopes to advocate for change.  There is also a focus on women in STEM and the advancement of women in non-traditional roles in the workforce.  Our goal is to instill confidence and courage in young women and encourage each individual to uplift and support others in their school and community environment.