Student Activities

Sponsor: Mr. Carlton Rink, Physics Teacher rink@timothychristian.com

Description: Academic competition entailing written tests in two areas of each participating student’s academic strengths including: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, English, Computer Science, and Engineering Graphics.

Timeline: Mid January through March

Meeting Frequency: Four or Five short meetings at school and self scheduled individualized practice for each team member.

Outside Competitions: Two or three depending on level of advancement.

Cost: None, other than providing for your own lunch on competition days.

Sponsor: Mr. Matt Carlson, Social Studies Teacher carlson@timothychristian.com

Description: Bridge Builders Club exists to foster a welcoming multi-cultural community at Timothy Christian High School. The club seeks to pursue God’s heart for unity across cultures through meaningful activities, including creating a supportive space for students from diverse backgrounds, hosting engaging club events, coordinating a Timothy chapel, and organizing an annual large-scale community event.

Through these gatherings, we celebrate the richness of different cultures and promote healthy intercultural dialogue, providing a forum for the Timothy community to grow in understanding and connection. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a deep sense of true belonging for all students at Timothy Christian Schools. This includes honoring the beauty and valuable contributions of various cultures to the body of Christ. In doing so, we aim to increase community awareness of the vibrant diversity at Timothy while joyfully representing that diversity ourselves.

Timeline: Year-Round

Meeting Frequency: Every other week, sometimes weekly.

Outside Competitions: None

Cost: None

Sponsor: Mr. Johnny Karesh, Bible Teacher and Spiritual Life Coordinator karesh@timothychristian.com

Description: The Chapel Planning Committee is a student-led team dedicated to organizing and shaping meaningful chapel experiences for our high school community. Members help plan themes, select speakers, coordinate music, and contribute creative elements like videos, skits, or readings. Working closely with staff, the committee ensures each chapel is engaging, thoughtful, and rooted in scripture. This is a great opportunity for students to grow spiritually while using their gifts to serve and inspire others.

Timeline: August - May

Meeting Frequency: 

Outside Competitions: No, potential opportunities for conferences, etc.

Cost: None

Sponsor: Mrs. Kendra Lee, Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12 lee@timothychristian.com

Description: DECA is an international association of high school and college students studying marketing, management, and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality, and marketing sales and service. Through DECA we attend leadership conferences, sports, and entertainment marketing seminars, and compete at the regional, state, and international levels. DECA provides recognition and leadership activities directly related to attainment of specific occupational and leadership skills.

Timeline: August 27-May 7

Meeting Frequency: Wednesday after school

Outside Competitions: Regional Competition - Jan 23; State Competition March 6-8; National Competition April 25-30

Cost: $30 dues (+$20 for leadership conference + competition costs which vary)

Sponsor: Mr. Jose Rivera, Art & Photography Teacher rivera@timothychristian.com

Description: eSports is a great way to get involved and play video games for TC. We are part of the IHESA conference and compete with schools all over in Illinois in different titles. Currently we play Mario Kart, SSBU, Splatoon, and Rocket League!

Timeline: September - May. Seasons typically last 2-3 months each.

Meeting Frequency: Twice a week after school.

Outside Competitions: Twice a year at conference tournaments or state qualifiers.

Sponsor: Mr. Adamski, Chemistry Teacher adamski@timothychristian.com

Description: The high school Gaming Club is a fun and welcoming space for students who enjoy strategy, creativity, and friendly competition. We meet regularly to play a wide variety of board games—from classic favorites to modern strategy games. The club promotes critical thinking, social interaction, and teamwork in a relaxed, screen-free environment. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to board games, there's always a seat at the table for everyone.

Timeline: The first or second week of school from 3-5pm. It usually goes until 1-2 weeks before exams.

Meeting Frequency: Once a week.

Sponsor: Mr. Jon Hamelinck, Director of Student Life hamelinck@timothychristian.com

Description: Our intramural program offers high school students an opportunity to engage in competitive sports right in the middle of the school day. From flag football and 3-on-3 basketball to spikeball, all students are invited to join. By hosting sessions every Wednesday during our 50-minute activity lunch, we ensure that students with after-school commitments or long commutes never have to miss out on the game.

Timeline: September - April

Meeting Frequency: Wednesday's during lunch

Outside Competitions: None

Cost: None

Sponsor: Mr. Scott Roelofs, Social Studies Teacher roelofs@timothychristian.com

Description: Our legendary high school Mock Trial team is a dynamic group of students who bring courtroom drama to life through playing the prosecution or defense in a trial presided over by an actual judge and scored by attorneys. Team members take on roles as attorneys and witnesses, developing skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and legal analysis. We compete against other schools in tournaments, presenting arguments, examining witnesses, and learning the fundamentals of the justice system. With teamwork and preparation, we aim to build confidence and a deeper understanding of law and civic responsibility.

Timeline: November through mid-March

Meeting Frequency: 3 times a week (including Saturday mornings)

Outside Competitions: We compete in tournaments from late January until the middle of March (the state tournament in Springfield).

Cost: None 

Sponsor: Mrs. Trixy Zielke, Art Teacher zielke@timothychristian.com

Description: NAHS is an honor society dedicated to the arts! We strive to intermingle arts and service while giving students opportunities to further advance their artistic endeavors. Art shows, service opportunities, and art making are just some of the things we do!

Timeline: October - May

Meeting Frequency: Twice a month

Outside Competitions: 2-3 times a year art competitions

Cost: $25

Sponsor: Ms. Sarah Kliora, English Teacher kliora@timothychristian.com

Description: Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher are invited to submit an information form to be considered in the National Honor Society (NHS) of Timothy Christian. The national organization was established in 1921 and currently has over one million students participating all across the U.S.

Our chapter, for juniors and seniors, strives to give practical meaning to the Society’s standards of scholarship, service, leadership and character. These four ideals are considered the basis for selection. When students are inducted into the NHS of TCHS, they are then expected to continue to demonstrate these outstanding qualities. 

Requirements for Eligibility and Membership:

• Maintain a GPA of 3.6 or higher.
• Exhibit the qualities of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
• Is a junior or a senior that has completed at least 2 semesters at Timothy Christian High School.
• Must be recommended by two teachers.
• Attend chapter meetings.
• Participate in at least one chapter service project (Operation Christmas Child, Soup Lunch, Chicago Christmas Dinner, etc.).
• Participate in personal service project(s) of 20 hours or more.
• Submit $30 dues which covers the student’s remaining time at Timothy (to be submitted to the office in an envelope with your name on it if selected)

Timeline: Fall of Junior Year to Spring of Senior Year (2 years)

Meeting Frequency: Once a semester for all members, Weekly for leaders

Outside Competitions: N/A 

Cost: $30 for dues (if application selected)

Sponsor: Ms. Karen Siguenza, Foreign Language Teacher siguenza@timothychristian.com

Description: The National Spanish Honor Society is an academic honor society for high school students in the U.S. focused on excellence in Spanish studies. It promotes community service, cultural awareness, and higher-level language learning. 

Timeline: year round

Meeting Frequency: 2-3 meetings per semester with all members

Outside Competitions: N/A

Cost: $25 new member fee and $5 renewal fee

Sponsor: Mrs. Ann VanderMeer, Educational Support Aide vandermeer@timothychristian.com

Description: The high school Peer Tutoring Program connects students who need academic support with trained student tutors who excel in various subjects. Tutors work one-on-one or in small groups to help peers understand class material, build study skills, and gain confidence. This program fosters a collaborative learning environment where students support each other’s growth. It’s a great opportunity for both tutors and learners to strengthen their academic success and build positive relationships.

Timeline: available all academic year, In the high school usually provided during focus period but other requested times may be able to be accommodated.

Meeting Frequency: 1-2 times weekly, Twice is recommended

Outside Competitions: None

Cost: $0

Sponsor: Mr. Douglas Pelt, Band Teacher pelt@timothychristian.com

Description: Pit Orchestra is a select group of instrumentalists who perform the accompaniment to the musical. Instrumentation depends on the show but typically involves both band and orchestra instruments and sometimes a rhythm section. Rehearsals begin approximately two months before the production, and during show week students will rehearse and perform every day after school.

Timeline: January - March

Meeting Frequency: Twice a week.

Outside Competitions: None

Cost: None

Sponsor: Mr. Tim Lundeen, lundeen@timothychristian.com

Description: The Timothy Podcast exists “to entertain, encourage, and edify” the high school students at TCHS. We will gain a general understanding of podcasting and content creation; learn how to be ‘salt and light’ on channels of information and entertainment that dominate the culture; and set a higher standard for dialogue, rooted in a Biblical worldview.

Timeline: Yearround 

Meeting Frequency: Every week, the Production Team will meet in-person (either Monday 7am or Wednesday 8am).  

Outside Competitions: None

Cost: None

Sponsor: Mr. Johnny Karesh, Bible Teacher and Spiritual Life Coordinator karesh@timothychristian.com

Description: The Student Praise Band is a team of high school students who use their musical gifts to lead the Timothy community in praise to God during weekly chapel services and special events. Open to students in grades 9–12, this group requires a heart for worship, spiritual maturity, and a commitment to excellence. Members may rotate in leading throughout the year and are selected based on musical ability and spiritual leadership. The Praise Band exists to glorify God and serve the school through music that points others to Christ.

Timeline: August - May (Just during the school year, maybe some rehearsals before school starts.)

Meeting Frequency: Evening rehearsals once / week

Outside Competitions: None. Though some outside performance opportunities arise.

Cost: None

Sponsor: Mr. Matt Carlson, Social Studies Teacher carlson@timothychristian.com

Description: Scholastic Bowl is an action packed trivia team competition. Two teams of five sit across from each other listening to cleverly constructed questions, competing to see who can buzz in first and answer correctly. Timothy's Scholastic Bowl team has a strong legacy due to the fantastic students who join this club! Join today! We practice or compete every Tuesday, and attend various weekend tournaments throughout the year.

Timeline: Late September - March

Meeting Frequency: Once every week

Outside Competitions: About 4 tournaments throughout the year and Tuesday League competitions from October - March.

Cost: None

Sponsor: Mrs. Laura Friend, friend@timothychristian.com

Description: Students design, plan, and execute all the logistics for 3 All High School dances per year. 

Timeline: August to May 

Meeting Frequency: Once every other month 

Outside Competitions: None 

Cost: None

Sponsor: Mrs. Kelly Connolly, PE Teacher connolly@timothychristian.com and Mrs. Leah Cashmer, English Teacher cashmer@timothychristian.com

Description: Student Council works in partnership with the school’s mission to “uphold Biblical truth, ignite academic growth, and inspire courageous leadership.” Students take on leadership roles to plan events and activities that help the student body build relationships and strengthen school spirit. 

Timeline: Students run for Student Council positions at the end of each school year. Meetings start in September. Freshmen representatives apply and are selected in September. Student Council facilitates the in-school portion of Homecoming Week, major holiday celebrations, and end of year festivities. 

Meeting Frequency: Twice a Month from September to May

Cost: None

Sponsor: Mr. Douglas Pelt, Band Teacher pelt@timothychristian.com

Description:

Timeline:

Meeting Frequency: 

Outside Competitions:

Cost:

Sponsor: Mr. Tim Wierenga, Math Teacher wierenga@timothychristian.com

Description: Our high school VEX Robotics team is a dedicated group of students passionate about engineering, coding, and teamwork. We design, build, and program competitive robots to take on unique challenges in the VEX Robotics Competition. Through hands-on experience and collaboration, we develop problem-solving skills and gain real-world STEM knowledge. Our team values innovation, perseverance, and sportsmanship as we strive for excellence on and off the field.

Timeline: Game reveal is April, Regional/State Qualifiers through March, State/World Championships are held in late April. The team meets year round

Meeting Frequency: 2-3 practices per week; students do not have to attend every practice.

Outside Competitions: Yes, mostly weekend tournaments. About 4-6.

Cost: $200

Sponsor: Ms. Mary Perley, International Student Program Director perley@timotyhchristian.com

Description: Worldview Club exists to build friendships and cross-cultural understanding between our American and international students here at Timothy. We focus on fun, food, and fellowship as we visit some of the many attractions Chicagoland has to offer.

Timeline: All school year

Meeting Frequency: We average three outings a month, usually on Friday evenings.

Outside competitions: None

Cost: Individual outings may have a cost involved.

Sponsor: Ms. Leah Cashmer, English Teacher cashmer@timothychristian.com

Description: The Yearbook Club meets once a week to design and produce the school’s annual yearbook. Students collaborate to capture memorable moments, take photos, conduct interviews, and design layouts. Together, we create a final product that reflects the spirit and highlights of the school year.

Timeline: All school year

Meeting Frequency: Once a week

Outside competitions: None

Cost: None