Student Activities

The literary and art magazine is a medium for student creative efforts.  Writers & artists are urged to submit original works which are considered for inclusion in the annual publication. 

Advisor: Carly Buckholtz and Cindy Malhotra

Students learn about the trial process and stage their own versions of cases.  They also compete in county, state, & national competitions with other high school teams. 

Advisor: Matthew Borkowski

This group publishes the school’s monthly newspaper. The club offers experience in writing lay-out, photography, typesetting, business management, proof-reading, and art. 

Advisor: Jennifer Dalton

Student run organization to promote and celebrate the works of William Shakespeare.

Advisor: Stephen MacPherson

Acapella club consists of two student-run ensembles: Unaccompanied Minors (SATB voicing) and Noteworthy (SSAA voicing) They specialize in performing acapella arrangements of contemporary music (Pop, Rock, R&B, etc).  They perform at school concerts and other events,  in the community, and compete in festivals. Auditions are the second week of September.

Advisor: Nicholas Diaz

The All School Musical is a spring performance. Auditions occur in November

Advisor: Bethany Pettigrew

 Members perform at community functions, concerts, & assemblies.

Advisor: Peter Bauer

Discover the art of penmanship! Our club promotes cultural appreciation through the exploration of global calligraphy, scripts, and typography. Join us for a mindful, creative space to relax, express yourself, and celebrate the beauty of handwriting.

Advisor: Jennifer Mui

Advisor:  Jacob Ezzo

A part of the Marching Band which includes twirling, flags, and associated routines. (Only active during the fall season.)

Advisor: Peter Bauer

The Filmmaking Club is a collaborative space for aspiring directors, cinematographers, actors, writers, and artists. Members get hands-on experience creating short films, documentaries, and creative digital media to share with the world.

Advisor: Kandice Stewart

Add color and motion to the music! As an essential visual unit of the marching band, the Flags Team combines athleticism, dance, and precise flag work to light up the field. Join us to build teamwork, performance confidence, and school spirit on game days! (Fall Season Only) 

Advisor: Peter Bauer

A club to bring guitar players around the school together to perform, learn, and teach each other so we can build confidence in our skills and improve as a team. 

Advisor(s): Pierre Benoit and Todd Van Beveren

A national recognized band that performs at community and school functions.

Advisor: Peter Bauer

Performs at football games and enters Fall Marching Band competitions. 

Advisor:  Peter Bauer

All things music production and music industry!  Make music, learn to run live sound, discuss music-related careers, and organize contemporary music events like Beatfest and Live at the Library (Includes sub-group meetings for the former Music Industry and Studio clubs). We meet weekly, but students in other clubs are welcome to attend bi-weekly.

Advisor: Emily Vite

The Pit Orchestra performs the music for the school musical.  The ensemble consists of students by audition as well as professionals from the community. Auditions are in November/December, rehearsals begin in January, and shows are in March until early April.

Advisor: Nicholas Diaz 

The CHS Drama club and the oldest society in the school district, dating back to 1895. We put on theater productions to the public every fall in the Black Box Theater. All students are welcome to come to auditions, which are held at the beginning of each September, to become a part of a CHS tradition, and a wonderful family of performers.

Advisor(s): James Dryer 

Learn all aspects of film and digital photography.

Advisor: Richard Cutrona

There are many Stage Crew Activities throughout the School year, and Students learn while participating in crewing for the various Productions.  They learn crew positions, stage lighting, sound and what is necessary for CHS school productions and assemblies.

Advisor: Tara Abbodante

The yearbook club is responsible for capturing photos to display all sports, clubs, events and students throughout the school year. Then, our members work together to design, compile and create the yearbook pages! 

Advisors: Kathleen Brown and Holly Gilligan

Are you interested in sports medicine, health, and fitness? Members get hands-on experience learning about injury prevention, taping techniques, rehabilitation, and science behind keeping athletes safe and strong.

Advisor: Yusuf Odubayo

This club provides an opportunity for male students to learn, practice, and compete in the sport of volleyball. It promotes physical fitness, teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship while fostering a sense of commuity amoung players. It is open to all skill levels during the spring season. 

Advisor: Paul Napoli

An opportunity for students to participate in recreational sports activities. (ie volleyball, badminton, jump rope, archery, kickball, etc.).

Advisor: Paul Napoli

For detailed team information, schedules, and updates, refer to the official site at https://chsultimate.org/.

For detailed team information, schedules, and updates, refer to the official site at https://chsultimate.org/.

This club conducts used sports equipment drives to donate to those who can not afford it. Members also come together to discuss current women in sports events.

Advisor: Emily Peterson 

Group meets to discuss Asian American culture and issues dealing with Asian American life. 

Advisor: Dorothy Lam

Meet to discuss issues of color, particularly black students, in Columbia High School while also establishing a relationship with administration in matters concerning race and discrimination.

Advisor: Thomas Whitaker

Are you interested in local SOMA HISTORY? This club explores the stories, landmarks, and tradtitions that shaped the SOMA community. 

Advisor: Frank Sanchez

JSU is a space where Jewish students along with other members of the CHS community can come to learn about Jewish identity as well as celebrate different aspects of Jewish culture. Everyone is welcome and we aim to be a safe space specifically for the CHS Jewish community. 

Advisor:  TBA

Students engage in activities simulating the U.N. that focus on topics regarding diplomacy, international relations, and the U.N. Thursdays typically in the Black Box Theatre. 

Advisor: Monika Hannemann and Dorothy Lam

The Muslim Student Association (MASU) offers a space for students at CHS to connect, learn, share experiences, and celebrate Muslim/Arab heritage and culture. We highlight different aspects of Muslim and Arab culture and traditions. The club is open to everyone who is interested in learning, and celebrating Muslim/Arab heritage and culture.

Advisor: Daniah Aburomi

​Learn about psychology in a fun and engaging way! You'll also experience ways psychology can be seen and infused in your daily life.

Advisor: Christina Luzzi 

A club dedicated to critical thinking, engagement with social issues, and thoughtful activism.  

Advisor: Janine Williams

A community of students that come together to grow their faith and make connections in a Christian environment.

Advisor: Veronica Wilson

A competitive program which provides skilled mathematicians the opportunity to participate in a Conference League. 

Advisor: Jorge Perez

All things space, telescopes, and stargazing.  Fun with friends who like the same.  Games, Kahoots, trips, and visiting the CHS Clock Tower Observatory.  You get to hang out on the roof deck!  Special events in the evenings several times a year.  Join!

Advisor: Randall Post 

The objective of the club is to have students bond around a fun activity.  The club aims to  plan approved fishing Trips.  Students will get exposure to nature, the ocean, regulations about fishing.

Advisor: Rick Ciemniecki

The school’s environmental organization which sponsors recycling projects and visits elementary schools to heighten environmental awareness.

Advisor: Amy Biasucci

This club aims to spread awareness on issues that impact biodiversity and climate change as well as cultivate student's interest in Marine Biology in fun ways, by helping students decide if they want to pursue a marine biology based career path. 

: Advisor: Monika Hannemann

A club that provides a hands-on and collaborative space where students explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through building and programming robots. The club members are offer opportunities to compete in the Robotics League. 

Advisor: Suzanne Falk

We  provide a safe space for women interested in STEM. We strive to inspire and instill confidence in young women. 

Advisor: Raysa Pena

Chinese Honor Society provides vision, leadership, and support for PreK-12 educators to advance quality teaching and learning of the Chinese language and culture. The CHS members are expected to become fully engaged and active in the field of world language, to lead and promote teaching and learning Chinese in PreK-12 schools, to build a national professional collaboration and network among Chinese language educators at all levels, to offer professional development of best practice in supporting diverse Chinese teaching and learning communities. 

Advisor(s): Liping Meng

Students teach foreign languages to elementary school students. 

Advisor(s):  Liping Meng and Carlene Hendricks

Global Majority Achievement Community (MAC) is to inspire academic excellence among African-American students, students of African descent, and students of color. Forty high-achieving African American students, students of African descent, and students of color who will mentor the Rising Scholars. Middle and Mini MAC are Saturday programs where High School MAC Scholars mentor.

*Please note gMAC is a program that you apply to participate in. Applications are available twice a year. 

Advisor: Marcia Hicks

The National Honor Society recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Students must complete an application to participate in the club. Application and information is available through the Principal’s office. Please see the Principal's secretary. 

Advisor: Marcia Hicks

Psi Alpha introduces high school students to the science of psychology, its benefits to society, and available career paths. Members gain hands-on leadership experience, connect with peers and psychology professionals, participate in community service, and engage with Psi Alpha and Psi Beta on a national level.

Advisor: Christina Luzzi

Advisor: Elizabeth  Pociask

JOIN COUGAR NATION! We are the pulse of CHS! Student-created and student-led, we bring the hype, build school pride, and make a real community impact through game-day theme nights, media content, merch, and charity fundraisers. Show up. Get loud. Represent. Join us at our weekly meetings after school to help lead the pack!

Advisor: Anthony Campiglia

Be the voice behind CHS Athletics! Join Cougar Sports to run our official Instagram page and keep fans and student-athletes connected.

-Design Graphics: Create daily game-day and victory posts.

-Collaborate: Partner directly with CHS teams on Instagram collab posts. 

-Deliver News: Share real-time athletic updates, scores, and news.

If you love sports, graphic design, or digital media, join us to build your portfolio and hype up CHS teams!

Advisor: Sjocquelyn R. Winstead

Ready to be a future business leader? Join CHS DECA! As an official New Jersey DECA chapter, we prepare students for success in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Compete in business-based challenges, attend state and national conferences, and build 21st-century leadership skills that build your future. Step up and take charge of your success today!

Advisor: Veronica Wilson

Advisor: TBA 

This club aims to connect students with their peers who aspire to work in the fashion, design, or marketing industry, as well as to gain hands on experience in all aspects of a major multi-disciplinary production of a major fashion show event. 

Advisor: Karen Murphy

The Fibers Club is a community of students who love fiber arts. It is an inclusive group of students who has an interest in knitting, crochet, weaving, embroidery, fiber jewelry and more. 

Advisor: Karen Murphy

The CHS Finance Club helps students learn the basics of investing and personal finance. Our goal is to build financial literacy, share strategies, and prepare members to make smart money decisions now and in the future.

Advisor: Alterik Wilburn

Advisor: Karen Seiferheld 

The HOSA mission is dedicated to the health science career cluster, providing students with a platform to learn, collaborate, and gain experience in healthcare. Leadership and Skill Development:  The organization offers programs that enhance leadership, technical skills, and professional development for students. Community Involvement:  HOSA encourages students to participate in community service and volunteer opportunities. Competitive Events:  HOSA has a competitive events program that motivates students to improve their knowledge and skills in various health science areas.

Advisor: Robert Stine 

Cougars for Connections is dedicated to supporting JESPY House, a local non-profit providing supportive living services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through fundraising and inclusive events, our club brings students and community members together to learn from one another, build lasting friendships, and create a more inclusive town.

Advisor Molly Maggiore: 

Make a difference while building your leadership skills! Key Club brings students together for impactful community service projects, local fundraising, and volunteer outreach. Join us to earn service hours, grow as a leader, and give back to our community alongside a passionate team of peers

Advisor: TBA

Students of color meet to discuss issues relevant to & in support of students and their families who self-identify as straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or are questioning these issues. 

Advisor: Marcia Hicks

Table-top, pen and paper role-playing game. It is a story told by a group of people in their collective imaginations. 

Advisor: Sarah Friedland

LGBTQ+ Lunch Group

Join our community where you can make friends, talk about our Latinx identity, and plan events to celebrate being Latine. 

Advisor: Marcia Hicks

Students come together to learn and discuss equity issues impacting our community. 

Advisor: Marcia Hicks

Men of color meet to discuss current events.

Advisor: Marcia Hicks

A group of students will help give neurodiverse students the tools to help them self advocate and to educate other students about neurodiversity.

Advisor: Jeff Boni

Neurodiversity Lunch Group

Advisor: Sarah Friedland

Make a real impact on our school culture! As part of a national movement in over 1,800 schools, No Place for Hate brings students together to speak out against bias, celebrate diversity, and foster true inclusion. Join us to plan impactful events, build community, and ensure CHS remains a place where everyone belongs.

Advisor: Emily Peterson

POWER is Columbia’s intersectional feminism and gender equity club! Join the club for discussions, debates, lessons, and more!

Advisor: Jennifer McDowell

Women of color meet to support each other and talk about current events. 

Advisor: Marcia Hicks

Students meet to discuss issues relevant to and in support of students and their families who self-identify as straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or are questioning these issues.

Advisor(s): Beth Johnson and Kelly Murphy

The Infinite Step Team is a dynamic student performance group known for its precision, rhythm, and powerful step routines that blend dance, percussion, and storytelling. They aim to build community, school spirit, and leadership through teamwork and cultural expression.

Advisor: Joana Bernard-Awumey

Through the Counseling Annex - Every Wednesday during the lunch periods, students can participate in mindfulness activities that focus on their wellbeing