Student Activities

FFA

FFA is for those interested in agriculture and leadership. It is one of the three components of agricultural education. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Advisors:
Ms. Jillian Plante
Ms. Rebecca Smith
Mr. Sean Sullivan

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. We provide educational programs, events, and competitions that support career and technical education (CTE) in the nation’s classrooms. SkillsUSA’s mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. SkillsUSA improves the quality of America’s skilled workforce through a structured program of citizenship, leadership, employability, technical and professional skills training.

Advisors:
Ms. Elaine Batzer
Ms. Elaine Chirichiello
Mr. Robert Conard

DECA

This intra-curricular organization prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

Advisors:
Ms. Kristen Coolen
Mr. Joseph Giordano
Ms. Brianna Lane

UACT

The mission of UACT at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School is to educate our school community to respect the differences within our culture, and that our similarities far outweigh our differences.  Our goal is to create an atmosphere where all who enter our school community feel comfortable being a part of our school.

U – an organization that UNIFIES the various communities and cultures of Essex North Shore’s student body, regardless of differences.
A – takes ACTION when issues of injustice, intolerance, and ignorance arise inside and outside of school.
C – COLLABORATES with the students, staff, and community to create an environment safe for everyone to achieve at high levels.
T – models respectful and inclusive TEACHING and learning about others’ cultures, faiths, beliefs, and differences.

Advisor:
Ms. Sreedevi Rajan

Freshman, Sophomore, Junior & Senior Classes

Freshman Class (2028) Advisors:
Ms. Lisa Keegan
Ms. Annemarie Lewis

Sophomore Class (2027) Advisors:
Ms. Erin Nestor
Ms. Tamar Iskenderian

Junior Class (2026) Advisors:
Ms. Heather Fullerton
Mr. Joseph Giordano

Senior Class (2025) Advisors:
Ms. Marissa Berry
Ms. Casey Walton

Come to this club to explore your creative talents and enjoy some DIY projects, art appreciation and have fun!

Art Club

Advisor:
Ms. MaryElyse Sullivan

Best Buddies Club

Looking for a place to connect with others and have fun? Join Best Buddies! Best Buddies is a club where students with and without disabilities can come together to form lasting friendships. We enjoy hanging out with friends and getting to know students from different grades/shops, breaking out into dance sessions, volunteering and planning future events. Come check us out!

Advisor:
Ms. Maura O’Brien

CRU

Cru is an international, faith-based organization where all students from any faith background are welcome to join us each week. Come check us out and enjoy some food, games, and a safe space for spiritual growth.

Advisor:
Mr. Matthew Huskey

Dance Club

The dance club aims to promote dance as an art form and a means of physical activity among high school students. The club members meet regularly to practice and learn different dance styles, such as hip hop, contemporary, jazz, and ballet. Students of all skill levels are welcome to join the club, and no prior experience is necessary. The club also organizes various events throughout the year, such as dance showcases and workshops, to showcase their talents and share their passion for dance with the wider school community. Joining the dance club is not only a great way to improve your dance skills but also to make new friends and build a sense of community within the school.

Advisor:
Ms. Taylor Cocco

Debate Club

The debate club provides students with the opportunity to develop critical thinking, public speaking, and persuasive argumentation skills through organized debates. Members engage in structured debates on a range of topics, including current events, politics, social issues, and philosophical questions. The club participates in competitive debate tournaments with other schools, providing opportunities for members to sharpen their skills and engage in friendly competition. The club emphasizes research, analysis, and effective communication, as members learn to present their arguments in a clear and compelling manner. The goal of the club is to foster intellectual curiosity, promote civil discourse, and prepare students for success in academic, professional, and civic life.

Advisor:
Mr. David D’Onofrio

Drama Club

Drama Club promotes creativity, community, and an opportunity for students to be involved in all aspects of production – from acting to stagecraft. The year will include a fall play, a winter entry into the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild’s High School Festival, and a spring musical. 

Advisors:
Ms. Sarah Dwyer

Environmental Action Club

Activities include recycling, trail maintenance, setting up bat or bird boxes, composting, outdoor recreation, beach cleanup, and volunteer work with other organizations.

Advisor:
Ms. Laura Gallant

Equestrian Club

Equestrian Club – Drill Team: An equestrian drill team is a group of horses and riders performing choreographed maneuvers to music.

Equestrian Club – Beginner: An informal setting for students who have beginner level experience with horses. The Beginner Equine Club does not have a mounted component—students will get the chance to learn the basics of horse and barn care, and participate in lots of arts & crafts and games.

Advisors:
Ms. Emily Poulin – Drill Team

Film Club

The film club is a student-run organization dedicated to the appreciation and analysis of cinema. Members meet regularly to watch and discuss movies, ranging from classic films to contemporary releases. The club also hosts film screenings or film-related events and collaborates on film projects or short films. The goal of the club is to foster a love of film and provide a supportive community for students with a passion for cinema.

Advisor:
Mr. John Mejia

Goat Club:

Learn more about goats! Activities include completing an agility course, maintain their coats and nails, and providing environmental enrichment.

Advisors:
Ms. Jennifer DeForge
Ms. Heather Hume

Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA)

The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), also known as Essex North Shore Awareness Group, is a forum of support for every sort of diversity, including but not limited to gender and sexual orientation issues, religious issues, and racial issues. GSA is a group of thoughtful and caring Essex North Shore citizens who are excited to belong to a school where diversity is not only accepted but encouraged. GSA sponsors social activities as well as forums for the education of the school community about the importance of tolerance and diversity.

Advisor:
Mr. Justin Bilton

Latino Student Organization

The Latino Student Organization welcomes not just Latinx students, but students from any background who are interested in learning more about latino culture! The purpose of the Latino Student Organization is to promote cultural awareness and education as well as to provide a safe space for students to meet, express, celebrate, and engage with the Latinx culture.

Advisor:
Ms. Yudira Herrera

Literary Magazine  (Quill And Hawk)

The purpose of the “Magazine” is to provide the experience of writing, evaluating, and publishing creative works–paintings, line art, photography, graphic art, stories, poetry, and personal narratives–by students. All students are welcome to participate–contributions will be accepted throughout the year, focused on two publications–Winter and Spring, depending on interest and contribution.

Advisor:
Ms. Kayla Shaw

Livestock Showing (Cattle Club)

This club is for students who want to learn to show cattle in fitting and showmanship competitions. Students will choose a school cow to work with and train to show in local cattle shows, such as the Topsfield Fair.

Advisor:
Ms. Heather Hume

Model United Nations Club

The Model UN Club debates world issues in replica United Nations assemblies. Students work in groups assigned a country and take the role of the ambassador to best present their country’s stance on an issue. We have food, current events discussions, and games as well to learn about geography, history, and world politics and events.

Advisor:
Mr. Charles Bellantone

Music Club

Music club invites any student who has a passion for music to bring and play instruments, sing or just appreciate the bands and music they love with like-minded peers. This will be an informal gathering for music lovers; voluntary performances are a possibility if students are interested, but no musical ability is required to attend.

Advisor:
Mr. Mike Zupancic

National Honor Society & National Technical Honor Society

Celebrating outstanding educational achievement and advancement in career and technical education. Open to juniors and seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 3.87 who demonstrate leadership, service, and good character. This is an application process through invitation.

Advisor:
Ms. Karen Mills

Science Team

The Science Club offers students the opportunity to investigate their areas of scientific interest through discussion, individual and group research activities, and projects.  The goal is an increased understanding on a deeper level of a topic of interest, and the opportunity for collaboration with fellow students.

Advisor:
Mr. Charles Bellantone

Ski & Snowboard Club

The ski and snowboard club is a group of students who share a passion for winter sports and enjoy skiing or snowboarding. The club organizes trips to local ski resorts or mountains, providing opportunities for members to improve their skills on the slopes, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with other students who share similar interests. The goal of the club is to provide a fun and safe environment for students to pursue their love of skiing and snowboarding while fostering teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.

Advisor:
Ms. Madison Newberg

Snapshot Photography Club 

The Snapshot Photography club provides a supportive environment for students interested in photography to share their creativity, knowledge, and passion.

Advisor:
Ms. Tessa Amorosso

Student Mentors

The Student Mentors are a select group of students who are charged with helping our freshmen transition to Essex North Shore. These students help at orientation and make connections with freshmen throughout the year.

Advisor:
Ms. Amy Deacon

Weightlifting Club

Physical fitness plays an essential role in longevity, health and character building. The education that can be attained in this club will not only help students stay fit and healthy, but they will also learn the significance and fundamentals of dedication, loyalty, and setting goals.

Advisor:
Ms. Taylor Gent

Yearbook

The yearbook club is a student-run organization that produces the annual yearbook for the school. Members of the club work together to design, photograph, write, and edit the yearbook, documenting the school year’s events, activities, and accomplishments. The club works closely with school administration, faculty, and other student organizations to gather information and images for the yearbook. The goal of the club is to create a lasting record of the school year and provide a platform for students to showcase their creativity, teamwork, and organizational skills. The yearbook serves as a valuable keepsake for students, faculty, and alumni, capturing the memories and spirit of the school community.

Advisors:
Mr. John Mejia
Ms. Tessa Amoroso

Video Game Club 

The video game club is a student-run organization that brings together students who share a passion for playing and discussing video games. Members meet regularly to play games together, share tips and strategies, and discuss the latest trends and developments in the gaming world. Members may also explore game design or development, learning how to create their own games or mods. The club aims to provide a fun and social environment for students to enjoy their favorite hobby, while also promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and critical thinking skills. Additionally, the club serves as a platform to break down stereotypes about video games and help students use gaming as a way to connect with others.

Advisor:
Mr. Greg Hayes