Clubs & Leadership

Members of the Academic Decathlon team compete as individuals in competitions that challenge their knowledge of art, language and literature, mathematics, music, science, and social science. Students prep for competitions and study the subjects that hold the greatest interest for them. Competition entails multiple choice tests, delivering planned and impromptu speeches, participating in interviews and writing essays. Sage Hill typically competes in a multi-day competition in Orange County each school year. The team meets through February to study and strategize for each competition. Faculty Advisor: Clayton Hatfield

The Sage Hill Debate team competes in the Orange County Speech League that is part of a highly competitive league and national association of 8,000 schools. The team debates in several formats, including: parliamentary, Lincoln-Douglas, public forum, and others. The team also participates in speaking events, where students write original prose and poetry as well as events calling for speeches. Although debate season begins in January and ends in March, the team meets throughout the academic year. It also participates in many events outside of its league, such as the Wolfpack Invitational. Adult volunteers are always needed to judge competitions and can contact the Debate Faculty Advisor for more information. Advisor: Trudy White-Matthews

The California FBLA is the premiere organization for student leaders and is committed to preparing students for success in business leadership. Members of Sage Hill’s FBLA compete in the Southern Section division of the California FBLA. The group attends local and overnight conferences conducted by business professionals. These events include the Leadership Development Institute and Southern Section Conferences where students participate in the first-round of competitions leading to the State Leadership Conference, which is held in the spring and where statewide competitions determine who will represent California in national competitions. Students compete in categories such as Business Math, Public Speaking and Entrepreneurship. Faculty advisor: Teryn Bentley.

Sage Hill's Junior Classical League (JCL) promotes the study of the Classics — including mythology, Latin and Greek literature and philosophy, and etymology. JCL is also a club where people who share the love of Latin come together and collaborate to build a strong foundation and to prepare for competitions and conventions. Members participate in about four competitions per year as well as local and state conventions; in 2015 the club hosted California's JCL Academic Jeopardy Competition on Sage Hill's campus. Faculty advisor: Jeffrey Feland

Mock Trial gives students the opportunity to learn about the field of law through simulated court cases tried before a judge. Sage Hill’s team participates in four regional competitions where about 1,000 students compete to win a spot in a regional playoff. The team consists of: two pretrial lawyers, four defense and four prosecution lawyers, four prosecution witnesses, four defense witnesses including the defendant, a timer, a clerk, and sometimes a courtroom artist and/or journalist. Mock Trial season runs from August to late November and depending on the availability and schedule of the students, the team typically practices at least once a week. As the competitions approach, the team meets more often – including nights and weekend mornings. In addition, the team participates in training seminars where they learn about courtrooms. They also compete in scrimmages at other local high schools. Faculty advisor: Diego Izurieta

Founded in 2011, the Sage Hill MUN team fosters public speaking, knowledge of global issues, collaboration, and diplomacy in a fun and supportive team atmosphere. During competition, Sage Hill’s team represents a country and students serve as delegates at conferences that simulate the actual United Nations, debating world issues such as peacekeeping, human rights, and economic and social development. Faculty advisor: Frank Gonzales

Consistently recognized for excellence by regional journalism associations, the Sage Hill Publications staff produces three student publications: The Bolt, our monthly student newspaper; lightningboltonline.com, our online news site; and Storm, the school yearbook. Publications students meet several times a week throughout the academic year and during summer to develop news concepts, cover school news, write articles, edit, and produce all three publications. Staff members regularly win prestigious local and national competitions where their talent, creativity and excellence are recognized. Staff members have taken first place in yearbook, photography, cartooning, writing, novice writing, editorials, and sports writing in regional and statewide competitions. Staff advisor: Kelly Parker.

The Robotics Team gives students the opportunity to learn engineering, design, and business management. The team competes in two levels of competitions organized by For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), which focuses on inspiring young people to be science and technology leaders. FIRST competitions include the First Tech Challenge (FTC) and the First Robotics Challenge (FRC) that features large and sophisticated robots. Learn more at http://sagehillrobotics.org/. Between September and March the team typically meets during X Block and after school. In January and early February -- during the FRC build season -- the team will also meet on weekends for several hours. There are between 15 and 20 students on the team. Faculty advisors: Aaron Soffa and Beril Tekin.

Honor Committee members are selected through an application process. The Honor Committee hears cases of possible violation of Sage Hill’s Honor Code and makes recommendations for disciplinary action to the Dean of School Life and the Head of School. Faculty advisors: Nicolle Bradshaw, Frank Smith

Under the guidance and support of the school counseling staff, peer counselors mentor ninth grade students. Peer counselors refer students to the school counselor when necessary. Staff advisors: Felicia McCulloch, Mike Prevost

S.A.M.E is a leadership group committed to educating our community about the importance of diversity, equity, and cultural competence. Through conversations and educational initiatives, S.A.M.E. hopes to foster an even more inclusive Sage Hill community. Throughout the year, students in S.A.M.E. attend diversity trainings, lead open discussions on current events, oversee workshops in the annual Multicultural Symposium, and celebrate the different cultures and identities found at Sage Hill. Staff advisors: Bethany Pitassi and Annalise Miyashiro

Students may run for school-wide elected offices including President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, and two Activities Coordinators. Each grade is represented by a male and female Co-Chair. Faculty advisors: Elizabeth Anauld, Catherine Ball and Anie Robinson.

Student ambassadors support the Admission Office by giving prospective family tours and assisting at Open House and Accepted Students Day. Student ambassadors model Sage Hill’s values and are positive, enthusiastic spokespersons for the school. Staff advisor: Christine Ramadan