Student Clubs and Activities
Athletic Association
The Athletic Association is an Upper School club that promotes school spirit and raises money for the Athletic Department. The group sponsors events such as Spirit Week, the Athletic Association Dance, Gym Meet and the school-wide Red/Gray competition. Funds raised by the Athletic Association are used for the purchase of athletic equipment.
Chorus
The Maryvale Chorus, open by audition to all students in grades 6 through 12, performs at liturgies, concerts and festivals. Middle School students are also invited to audition for the Maryvale Julies and Upper School students may audition for the Maryvale Trinities. All chorus groups rehearse after school and members can earn a Maryvale letter in chorus and subsequent merit pins.
Community Service
In recognition of the privilege and obligation to serve the needs of others within our community, students in the Upper School are required to complete at least 100 hours of service before graduation. The program, administered through the Theology Department, provides a variety of outlets for student participation. On select Tuesdays throughout the school year groups of Upper School students spend the day at Beans & Bread serving those in need. Students also plan activities on the Maryvale campus for children enrolled in programs including: My Sister's Circle and Food for Thought.
Although Community service is not required of our Middle School students, throughout the year the girls initiate and volunteer for a variety of community projects and service opportunities.
Drama
Maryvale's Drama Department produces two main-stage productions each year. Generally both productions are musicals and Upper and Middle School students are invited to audition for major, supporting or chorus roles. Parents get involved in the set construction, costumes and orchestra. Some students choose to participate as crew members providing lighting, sound, props, costumes and sets. Recent performances include: The King and I, Beauty and the Beast, Nunsense, and HONK! In addition to the major productions, an Upper School Drama Class performs many one-act plays.
French & Spanish National Honor Societies
The French and Spanish National Honor Societies are comprised of outstanding students in the French and Spanish language. To be considered for membership, students must earn a B+ or higher in the language for three consecutive semesters and continue the study of the language. Many members of the honor societies regularly volunteer to tutor other students in French or Spanish. Club events vary from year to year, depending on student interests, but often include fun activities as well as community outreach.
Honor Board
Maryvale's Honor Board serves as a means for students to take greater responsibility for and pride in their own education. Members of the Honor Board serve as educators of the Honor Code and encourage a community atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. Through student participation in the Honor Board, the Maryvale community recognizes that the upholding of the Honor Code is both generated and acted upon by students. Responsible for hearing cases of suspected infractions of the Honor Code and arriving at an appropriate decision based on the evidence presented, the Board is comprised of the four elected Student Council officers and the five elected National Honor Society officers. One faculty member, the Dean of Students, and the Middle School Head (when Middle School Students are involved) serve as moderators.
Instrumental Music
Maryvale's orchestra/band program is open to all students in grades 6-12. Members rehearse before school and perform at liturgies and special concerts throughout the school year.
It's Academic
It's Academic is a game of knowledge, testing the breadth and scope of information and quick response by the team members. The team competes annually against nine other schools in the Baltimore Catholic League for the championship trophy.
Literary Magazine: Miscellany
The Maryvale literary magazine is a student-run organization that meets once a week to organize activities and to prepare for the publication of Miscellany, the annual collection of poems, stories, essays, and artwork by Maryvale students in grades 6-12. In addition to publishing Miscellany, the literary magazine staff organizes poetry readings and contests. All students in the Upper School are eligible to become members of the magazine's staff.
Mock Trial
Students in grades 9-12 are welcomed and encouraged to join Maryvale's Mock Trial team. Each year the team is given a case and students take the roles of either attorneys or witnesses and prepare for their character accordingly. Throughout the winter, the team competes against other schools in the Baltimore County Circuit at the Towson Courthouse. Public speaking skills and an awareness of the legal process are developed through participation in the competitive mock trials.
Model UN
Students involved in Model UN (United Nations) spend several months leading up to the mid-winter Model UN conference preparing to debate an array of current international issues with student representatives from a wide variety of high schools along the eastern seaboard. Maryvale's Model UN delegation is assigned a country and students represent their country in simulated UN committee negotiations that take place over the course of four days. Model UN provides Maryvale students with the opportunity to debate real-world issues and sharpen their public speaking skills while meeting students from many other high schools.
National Honor Society
Membership in the Sr. Shawn Marie Maguire Chapter of the National Honor Society is an honor bestowed on students by the NHS Faculty Council. Membership in the NHS is granted to juniors and seniors who demonstrate the highest standards of scholarship, character, leadership and service. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 in order to be considered for membership.
National Junior Honor Society
Membership in the St. Julie Billiart Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society is granted to seventh and eight grade students who demonstrate the highest standards of scholarship, character, leadership and service. Student applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.70 and selection to membership is by decision of the faculty council.
Student Council
Maryvale's Student Council offers students the opportunity to develop and implement leadership, communication and organizational skills. Maryvale has active Upper and Middle School Student Councils, which hold regular weekly meetings open to all students. Collaborative leadership, inclusivity and service are the hallmarks of the organization. Elections for Student Council officers are held in the spring for the following school year.
Student Newspaper: Grey Towers
Upper School students are welcome to join the staff of Grey Towers. Editors hold meetings to discuss the content of each edition and assign stories. Stories are edited with the help of faculty advisors, and students are responsible for layout and design. Grey Towers strives to publish timely news and novel feature stories throughout the year.
Student Middle School Newspaper: The Lion's Tale
Students in grades 6-8 are encouraged to write for the Middle School newspaper, The Lion's Tale. Students hold editorial meetings to discuss the content of each edition and assign stories. Stories are edited with the help of faculty advisors and students are responsible for layout and design.
Student Retreats
Maryvale's mission and philosophy acknowledges moral and spiritual development, which is highlighted at each grade's annual retreat. This experience, designed to foster the values and traditions of the Catholic faith, focuses on prayer, reflection, and interpersonal relationships among students and in relation to a larger world.
