Branford High School

185 East Main Street

203-488-7291

Principal: Dr. Edmund Higgins

Vice Principal and Community Service Official:

Mr. Edward Maloney

Graduating Seniors must have 40 hours of community service in order to graduate.

If you are a Branford High School student and would like to volunteer, gain experience and community service hours, please contact us.

If you would like to volunteer to help others in the community, see Mr. Maloney. 488-7291

Many Organizations at Branford High School perform community service and organize Community service projects. Consider joining one of these clubs and get involved!

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL - Amnesty International is an independent, worldwide movement working impartially for the release of all prisoners of conscience (men, women, and children imprisoned because of their beliefs, ethnic origin, sex, race or language, provided they have neither used nor advocated violence), fair, prompt trials for political prisoners, and the abolition of torture and executions under all circumstances. It is independent of any political, ideological or religious affiliations and funded by donations from its members and supporters around the world. See Mr. Peter Stolzman.

ANIMAL RIGHTS AWARENESS CLUB - This club is to learn about the humane treatment of animals and to lobby and fundraise for a Branford Animal Shelter.

ASIAN AWARENESS CLUB -The Asian Awareness Club provides the unique role of educating students to the various aspects of the Asian culture. This fun loving and active club plans to once again take in the Chinese New Year in New York City. The club is open to all.

BAND is an excellent activity for anyone who plays a musical instrument. The band plays music at football games and pep rallies. In addition, two concerts are given each year in conjunction with the school choirs. Band members march in several parades. Since band is schedules as a regular class, a student may receive a full credit towards graduation by joining the band. If band will not fit in to the students schedule special arrangements can be made with the instructor. See Mr. George Rowe in the Band Room.

BEST BUDDIES - An opportunity to mentor a student with special needs. See Mrs. Adams-Errante

BOOK CLUB - The BHS Book Club gives students an opportunity to read books they enjoy, and share their love of books and reading with others. See Mrs. Roy

CHEERLEADING - The competition for the Cheerleading Team is selective and challenging, but all are given an equal chance. The squad is composed of two students from the freshman class, three from the sophomore class, four from the junior class and five from the senior class. Tryouts include jumps, a loud voice, and a vivacious spirited personality. The most important thing to remember in cheerleading is the fact that you are a leader who sets an example for all during school as well as at games, and in the community. Neatness, poise and self-confidence build the qualities of leadership a cheerleader needs. See the Athletic Directors.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER SERVICE - The purpose of this organization is to encourage students to participate and to make available to students an outstanding learning opportunity by which they can help those who are less fortunate and serve their community. See Mr. David Maloney.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY CLUB - The purpose of this organization is to help all members of the BHS Community understand and appreciate the benefits derived from the diversity of people. The club conducts several special events during the year and is responsible to inform the students, teachers and administrators of actions that can be taken to demonstrate our appreciation of our differences and similarities. See Mr. David Maloney.

DECA (DISTRIBUTIVE EDUCATION CLUB OF AMERICA) is an organization whose programs of leadership and development are designed specifically for students enrolled in Distributive Education. Distributive Education is a program of instruction in which students learn marketing, merchandising and management. DECA Club activities have a powerful effect upon the attitudes of students. For many, DECA is the only opportunity which they have to participate in social activities of the school and to develop knowledge of the responsibilities of citizenship.The DECA Chapter is a showcase for students achievement and progress, yet no set pattern of operation is prescribed for any local chapter; however, the majority of chapter activities which include social, civic professional, and benevolent activities and adopt projects which provide for school and community betterment.

DRAMAT is responsible for producing the annual Fall Drama. Any students interested in performing arts, technology, acting, etc. are encouraged to participate. See Mrs. Maria Ogren.

GAY AND STRAIGHT ALLIANCE CLUB - The GSA was formed from the Cultural Diversity Club and strives to inform and educate the Branford High School Community about Gay issues. It meets twice a month in the evening. You may contact Miss Cartisano for more information.

GREEN SCENE- To raise awareness of environmental issues andmake the community cleaner and more environmentally conscious.

INTERACT CLUB - is dedicated to community service and international understanding and is open to students in grades 10-12. Members are selected on the basis of character and leadership by the Rotary Club of Branford, which sponsors the organization. See Mr. David Maloney

This club works on three major projects each year; one serves the community; the second, the school; and the third helps promote world understanding. See Mr. David Maloney.

INTRAMURALS - Many sports are possible. All that is needed is a group of students interested in playing. See Mr. Gary Gravina.

INTERNATIONAL VEGAN PLUS DINING IN CLUB - A new opportunity for students to discover and appreciate vegitarian foods from around the globe. Discussions, demonstrations and guest speakers will be generated by club member interest.

LATIN CLUB: - A variety of fun-activities are planned and executed throughout the school year including special dinners, field trips and, of course, the annual celebration of the Ides of March. See Mr. Kevin Hearty.

LEO CLUB - The Leo Club is connected to the Branford Lions Club. This club offers students the opportunity to be involved with an international service organization and work on chartible projects in the community. See Miss Cartisano

LITERARY MAGAZINE publishes original poetry, essays, stories, songs, photographs, and drawings by Branford High School students. All contributions are welcome, and may be submitted to English teachers and club members. Any interested student may join the editorial board. See Ms. Greco.

MODEL CONGRESS AND UNITED NATIONS CLUB - participate in the process or making laws and/or dealing with international issues with students from a wide variety of high schools. See Mr. James Petela.

MUSIC MAKERS AND MIXED CHORUS - In addition to developing good singing habits, these groups expose students to a wide range of musical literature, from which, ensemble and solo singing is developed. Public programs are presented throughout the year. Credit towards graduation may be earned. See Mrs. Cathyann Roding.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY - Students are selected to membership in the Branford Chapter of the National Honor Society during their junior and senior years. The four criteria for membership are scholarship, leadership, character, and service. The selection of members is made by a faculty council. The selection procedure is as follows:

1. Students' academic records will be reviewed to determine scholastic eligibility.

2. Students who are eligible scholastically will be notified, and told that for further consideration for selection to the National Honor Society Chapter, they must complete the Student Activity Form.

4. The Student Activity Form will be reviewed by the faculty council along with other verifiable information about each candidate.

5. Candidates receiving a majority vote of the faculty council will be inducted into the chapter.

Once inducted into the NHS, a member has taken on significant responsibilities. Failure to meet the following NHS responsibilities may result in the individual's membership being terminated:

1. Maintain and uphold the standards of membership upon which s/he was inducted.

4. Demonstrate good citizenship -- no arrests and/or convictions by law enforcement officials.

Attend NHS meetings or notify advisor prior to the meeting. See Mr. Dave Gruendel

PERFORMING ARTS ASSOCIATION is designed for any student with an interest in any aspect of play production. Students work together on all theatrical activities: acting, costuming, lighting, makeup, scenic design, building, and publicity. The association presents one or two major productions each year such as: The Man Who Came to Dinner. Tom Jones. Fiddler on the Roof, The Man of LaMancha. Pippen, South Pacific, Hello Dolly, West Side Story. Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma . Students will find the Performing Arts Association a demanding but highly satisfying and rewarding endeavor. See Mrs.Roding for information.

PEER CONNECTION - is a group of students who receive extensive training so they can take part in listening and being helpful to their peers who may be experiencing a significant personal problem. If you are interested in being trained for Peer Connections. See Mrs. Serviss.

S.A.D.D. - is a student organization dedicated to making their peers aware of the dangers involved in drinking. See Miss Raffone.

STEM - is the environmental student organization that plans and carries out a variety of activities to help make the BHS School Community more aware of the importance of environmental issues.

STUDENT COUNCIL is composed of eight representatives elected by each of the four classes plus representatives elected in Community Room. The president and vice-president are elected by the entire student body. A student may be on the Student Council by Merit Membership. This is done by attending five meetings and four activities during an eight week period. Having successfully completed this requirement a student then gains voting privileges at council meetings. See Mr. Sal Zarra In Horizons.

TECH CREW - Provide technical services in Auditorium. See Mrs. Roding or Mr. Reynolds.

THE STING is the school newspaper which is written, composed, set and published all within Branford High School. It is a great opportunity to make your mark and to learn all there is to know in the area of journalism and publications. See Mrs. Suzanne Butler.

VANGUARD performs routines with mock rifles and banners as a part of the BHS Marching Band at football games, in parades, and for pep rallies. The expectations for tryouts and the criteria for selection are distributed prior to the tryouts. Selection will be based on these criteria.

YEARBOOK - The MILESTONE is Branford High School's award winning and nationally recognized yearbook, the distribution of which each spring is a long-awaited event. The BHS yearbook is open to any student interested in photography, writing, editing, graphics, or whatever task is connected to publishing this vital record of BHS. Being a member of the Milestone staff requires dedication, time, and hard work which will result in a lasting contribution to the school and to the student body. See Mrs. Suzanne Butler.

YOUNG WOMAN'S CLUB - This club is dedicated to discuss and promote womens' issues in today's society.

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