STUDENT UNION

The STUDENT UNION is composed of representatives from all grades.  The SU traditionally organizes events such as Spirit Week, Homecoming and the SU Talent Show.  In addition, it provides students with leadership in various school related areas by sponsoring all of the following high school clubs:

ACADEMIC CHALLENGE -Our team competes with 16 other teams throughout the tri-state region.  Students enjoy the competition and test of knowledge.

AIDS CLUB Students involved in the AIDS Club are interested in the AIDS problem. They plan for an annual AIDS Awareness Day that involves the entire school. They do outreach work with organizations like the Lord's Pantry.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL -  This organization is devoted to helping free “prisoners of conscience” in other countries, mostly by means of writing petitions to the governments of those countries.  Anyone interested in such activities is urged to join.
    
BUZZER-The Buzzer staff produces the school newspaper and is open to all students interested in journalism and school activities.  The only requirements are a good knowledge of English grammar and the enthusiasm needed to publish a great newspaper.  New ideas are welcome!  Everyone is invited to write for the Buzzer!

CHEERLEADERS-Students are eligible to be members of the varsity cheerleading squads.  Cheerleaders are integral parts of the football and basketball programs.

DANCE CLUB: The Dance Club provides a way for students to express themselves creatively, physically and emotionally. members swing, break, hip-hop, jive and flow to a variety of musical and movement styles. the group meets at least twice weekly in the fall and sprint and provide opportunities to perform for   interested members of the club. No previous experience is necessary.

ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB: Members are interested in environmental issues. they have an environmental awareness day during the school year that all faculty and students participate in.

FILM SOCIETY: the society meets periodically, usually weekly, to work together in making original, independent films. It also provides a forum to presenting these films to the public.

FRENCH CLUB- Members of the club demonstrate interest in French.  The club sponsors foreign cultural activities such as eating experiences and movies for its members, and prompts a language week during the year.

GAY/STRAIGHT ALLIANCE: the GSA is open to all students. Members meet to discuss issues relevant to LGBT youth and their straight allies. The GSA organizes the Day of Silence as well as many other projects and events.

GENDER FORUM - Members meet to discuss issues on gender equity and the ways issues effect the school.

HUDSONETTES- Members of  the Hudsonettes perform dance routines at all football games.  Tryouts are held in the spring of the preceding year for girls in grades 9-11.

INTERACT- Interact, sponsored by Rotary, is an International Service Club.  All members must be committed to serve their school and community.  Not only does the club provide the school with many services but it goes into the community as well to undertake various projects for the benefit of all of Hastings.

INTERNATIONAL CLUB- This club’s purpose is to develop a student exchange program, generally sending students abroad during the summer and receiving them here during the school year.  The International Club also conducts assembly programs and speaks to community groups.

JAZZ BAND - Members of the high school band are eligible to join the jazz band.

KARE CLUB: (Kids Against Racism Everywhere) Open to all students. club discusses matters relating to racial issues.

MADRIGALS: This is an extra-curricular vocal ensemble open to all high school students. The group primarily focuses on a cappella music from the 14th - 16th centuries and provides students with the opportunity to develop their voice, experience unique choral literature and perform both in and out of schools.

MATH CLUB- Members of the Math  League are involved in competitions with area high schools. Hastings High School will also serve as a host for math competitions.

MOCK TRIAL - The team travels to schools throughout the region and argues pro and con regarding major controversies in our society.

NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY-  NAHS is open to students who complete and accepted art portfolio. There is one induction per year.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY- The Delta chapter of the NHS was established in Hastings High School in 1949.  Members are chosen by a faculty committee from 11th and 12th grade students who have academic averages of 85 and above.  Other criteria for membership include: character, service and leadership.  Members voluntarily tutor middle school and high school students during the school year, monitor the library one evening a  week and are involved in other service projects.  NHS has two inductions a year, one November and one in May.  Information on NHS is available in the guidance office.  Prospective members must apply in writing via formal application.  Applications are reviewed and rated by all academic departments.  A committee of five teachers chaired by the NHS advisor tabulate the ratings and invite students who exceed eleven points to be members of NHS.  (The maximum number of points a student can achieve in each category is as follows: scholarship 4; service 4; leadership 3; and character 4).  Specific criteria information is available to each applicant.

NEWS BROADCAST: WHHS was created to be the broadcast news wing of the Journalism program. This is a full news program which teaches everything from creating graphics to news story boards to editing news to being a news anchor. Shows are produced and shown on local Channel 77.

ONEIRATA (Literary Magazine) - This club is for students who have an interest in writing.  The magazine is published once each year with students’ creative writing, short stories, and poems.  All contributions are welcome.

PROJECT SHARE- Members of Project SHARE work with homeless residents of New York City and Westchester County.  Monthly midnight, Saturday night runs are made into Manhattan.  Project SHARE also hosts an annual Thanksgiving dinner for  the homeless.

SAVE- Members of SAVE are interested in environmental issues.  They are responsible for several recycling projects that take place at the high school.

SADD- SADD stands for Students Against Drunk Driving.  Members of this club sponsor a SADD week just prior to the Christmas and New Year’s holiday.  They also sponsor a spring assembly.

SPANISH CLUB- This club meets after school to explore Spanish culture.  The club takes field trips to places with a Spanish flavor.

TECHNOLOGY GROUP- For students who are interested in digital technology in all its permutations, this Middle and High School club provides access to software and hardware not available in regular classrooms. Members provide support services to their peers and school staff.

THESPIAN SOCIETY- This is an international honor society recognizing excellence in high school theater. There is an induction held once a year.

VARSITY CLUB- Members of the Varsity Club help to plan the sport’s awards ceremony.

WESTMUNC- http://www.westmunc.com/ 
Hastings High School hosts its own model United Nations Conference.  WESTMUNC takes place in March for an entire weekend.  Students from other schools attend and debate world issues.  Each member is a delegate from a specific country and represents that country in the debate.  New members are welcome.

YEARBOOK- The Editor-in-chief is chosen by the previous staff and advisor, and the key editorial positions are staffed by seniors.  All members of the yearbook staff are expected to participate in yearbook activities when needed.  Only those students who have the time and energy to devote to the yearbook should attempt working on the staff.