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 is a large team that competes in World Schools, Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas from September through April. The team competes in OCSL locally, CHSSA at the State level, and NSDA and NDCA nationally, in addition to invitational tournaments. Up to 15 tournaments are offered through the year for debaters to choose to participate in. Sage Hill Debate also hosts one to two World Schools tournaments each year. The team meets during X Block through most of the year; students are welcome to participate at the level that suits them. Sage Hill Debate is the 2019 NDCA National World Schools Champion, and enjoys success in all of our formats.  Advisor: Trudy White-Matthews

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 2019, Sage Hill hosted the annual Southern California Regional Amici Madness, or S.C.R.A.M. 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 conferences, 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. The team meets every Friday during lunch and attends conferences throughout the entire year. The team typically competes in four or five conferences with the competition ranging from introductory high school level to the collegiate level; students are welcome to participate at a level that suits them. The team provides training and enrichment for students of any level of experience. Faculty advisor: Nisha Kunte

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 Abbate.

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 advisor: 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, Spirit Commissioner and two Activities Coordinators. Each grade is also represented by two Co-Chairs. Faculty advisors: Catherine Ball, Anie Robinson and Kristen Shiraki.

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: Leyla Hanjan