The Academic Decathlon is a team competition where students match their intellects with students from other schools. Students are tested in ten categories: Art, economics, essay, interview, language and literature, mathematics, music, science, social science and speech.

Sponsors: Jeremy Yancey & Candice Fuller-Torti

With a grant from the Texas High School Project (THSP), GHS initiated the Achievement Academy with the ultimate goal of making all GHS students College Ready, Career Ready, Life Ready! The Texas High School Project is dedicated to all Texas students graduating high school ready for college and career success and prepared to be contributing members of the community. 

Contact Person: Sherita Rischer

972-494-8492 x60009

Visit the Achievement Academy page for more information. 

Each year, high school students across the country start a journey to sharpen their skills through the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). From visual arts and business to performing and culinary arts, participants work with community-based volunteers for a year to develop projects and performances. The experience culminates in local and national events where students compete for scholarships and other rewards.

Sponsors:  Dana Page & Keith Swanson

Our Queen Bee! Our activities director oversees the activities and operations of student activities, student government and student organizations at Garland High School. She also coordinates outside agencies that would like usage of the building.

GHS activities director:  Allie Shepheard

The Academy of Fine Arts at Garland High School provides students with a semi-professional and early collegiate education and experience in their chosen disciplines. Students graduating with an AFA Diploma will have successfully completed course work and performance requirements that will prepare them for success beyond high school whether it be university or employment. 

AFA Coordinator:  Jesse Ramírez

Visit the AFA page for more information.

The Asian Student Association, or ASA, is a social organization open to all students who share a common interest in Asian culture. With brief presentations about different Asian countries at every meeting, ASA highlights the social and cultural diversity between these countries.

Sponsors:  Anh Nguyen & Luan Mai

Athletic training students are an extension of the head athletic trainer. They provide services to the athletes for all practices, games, and rehabilitation sessions. 

Coaches:  Mike Baker & Billy Brooks

AVID, "Advancement Via Individual Determination," is an in-school academic support program for grades 4-12 that prepares students for college eligibility and success. AVID places academically average students in advanced classes. AVID levels the playing field for minority, rural, low-income and other students without a college-going tradition in their families. It is for all students, but it targets those in the academic middle.

Coordinator:  Kelly Turner

Visit the AVID page for more information.

GHS Bell Guards provide spirit and support at athletic and school events throughout the year.

Sponsors:  Jamie Pennington & Joey Reyes

Beta Club is an academic service club. Students must demonstrate academic leadership and a willingness to serve in the school and community.

Sponsor:  Jeanne Callahan-Nance

The Black Student Union (BSU) is an organization dedicated to creating a culturally diverse space for students.

Sponsor: Pablo Torres

GHS Book Club meets once a month during all lunches in the Library. For dates, please refer to the GHS activities calendar or email Mrs. Portele. 

Garland High School cheer brings spirit and tradition together to enhance the student experience. GHS cheerleaders attend and cheer at various athletic and fine arts events throughout the school year including football and basketball games, pep rallies, cheer competitions, and more.

Sponsor: Mrs. Shepheard. 

Visit the Cheer page for more information.

Chess Club is about every chess enthusiast getting together with other people who share a common interest in the game of chess. Chess Club members will improve critical and analytical thinking skills that are essential to have in the real world. Regardless of skill level, we welcome any person who wants to join.

Sponsor:  Dowell Buckner

E-sports officially stands for electronic sports, not to be confused with video games. E-sports takes video gaming to another level with organized competitive gameplay between two teams, governed by its own strict set of rules and guidelines

Sponsor:  Kris Smith

Participants are encouraged to explore additional comic books and graphic novels and share reviews and recommendations during club meetings. A meeting facilitator will offer guidance for group discussions on readings and related topics, leaving freedom for conversations to develop organically.

Sponsor: Megan Carlton

DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. 

Sponsor:  Andy Cooper

Diversity Alliance gives students access to strong school leadership from principals and instructional leadership teams who meet their needs, so all students can reach high standards and thrive. They are dedicated to driving positive change in our communities and organizations.

Sponsors:  Becca Embler

The English Language Learner Success Initiative Leadership Club or ELLSI Leadership is an after-school program that gives EB students a judgement free place to practice their English, learn leadership, and team building skills via the Lead4Change curriculum. 

Sponsors:  Maegan Shafer & Brennan Dufrene

The Fashion Design Club intends to achieve its purpose through designing and constructing garments, studying sewing and fashion magazines, watching footage of fashion shows, holding fashion-related events, and organizing trips to see fashion exhibits or shows.

Sponsor:  Julianne Henderson

Future Farmers of America (FFA) is a student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. FFA is committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Sponsors:  Glenn Sesco & Larry Kennedy

Reel Owl Cinema is a unique four year high school International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) narrative film program which has been producing films at Garland High School since 2004.

Director: Thomas Schubert

Forensics Club will host guest speakers in the field of forensics, mock crime science, Murder Mystery Dinners, information on student jobs and internships in the field, field trips and attend conferences and symposiums.

Sponsor: Vickie Estrada

French National Honor Society is a group of students who have a common interest in the study of French, to promote high standards of scholarship, to reward scholastic achievements, to create enthusiasm for and an understanding of Francophone cultures, and to promote international friendship.

Sponsor:  Becca Embler

Rachel Scott was among the students killed during the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. Darrell Scott, Rachel's father, established Rachel's Challenge to perpetuate his daughter's example and the two-page "Code of Ethics" she wrote a month before her death at the hands of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold.

Sponsor: Abbi Carr

The Garland Hispanic Youth Organization (GHYO) is an after-school organization that is focused on engaging Hispanic students at district high schools. The club focuses on Hispanic student involvement in school activities and the community. GHYO also aims to give them a sense of belonging.

Sponsor:  Christina Rodríguez-Tovar

Global Woman Club is a Global leading business network hosting business events across the world. Famously relaxed and informal, our events attract women entrepreneurs, business owners, directors and senior management from a rich mix of business sectors.

Sponsor:  Robin Simmons 

Health Occupation Student Association (HOSA) provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for secondary, postsecondary, adult, and collegiate students enrolled in health science education and biomedical science programs or have interests in pursuing careers in health professions. HOSA is 100% health care!

Sponsors:  James Saunders & Ann Dyll

Jesus Club is a welcoming environment where students can come together to pray, worship, eat, have fellowship, and build community!

Sponsor: Abraham Chavez

Key Club is an international, student-led organization that provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership.

Sponsor:  Jeanie Moore

Mu Alpha Theta is an organization dedicated to promoting scholarship in mathematics and establishing math as an integral part of high school and junior college education.

Sponsor:  Claire Crone

Multicultural Club is committed to promoting awareness and appreciation of diverse ethnic cultures. Our Goals: We are a club designed to help you have some FUN and meet new friends while learning about diverse cultures from around the world.

Sponsor: Luan Mai

The purpose of the robotics club is for students to learn how to code and write commands for robots through play. By programming and controlling robots, students will step into the world of science, acquiring knowledge and skills that will be useful and applicable beyond the classroom.

Sponsor: Ivan Mendoza

The Spanish National Honor Society (SNHS) is an honor society for high school students enrolled in Spanish Increases awareness of Spanish culture. If you are passionate about all things Spanish, then being an SNHS member is a rewarding decision, becoming part of a prestigious society, gain access to research grants, builds a better resume and profile, benefits the local and global community.

Sponsor:  Christina Rodríguez-Tovar

Speech and debate teaches students to read, write, speak, and listen effectively. Numerous studies have shown the impact of the activity on test scores and academic outcomes. These benefits include: Higher GPAs. Higher SAT Math and Evidence-based Reading and Writing exam scores.

Sponsor:  Talia Powell

GHS Step Team is looking for leaders with a passion for dancing. This team creates new bonds and friendships that teach life lessons and help students to grow as individuals. Students learn the skill of performing at a higher level in front of an exciting audience.

Visit the Step Team page for more information!

A Student Council is a group of elected and volunteer students, working together with an adult advisor within the framework of a constitution or bylaws, to provide a means for student voice and assistance in school affairs and activities, and to give opportunities for student experience in leadership and encourage student / faculty / community relations. 

Sponsor:  Yvette Richardson & J.R. Moore

The Texas Association of Future Educators or TAFE is a co-curricular statewide non-profit  student organization created to allow young men and women an opportunity to explore the teaching profession.

Sponsor:  Alex Toubia

The UNICEF High School Club program is a youth-led initiative that partners with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to educate, advocate and fundraise to support UNICEF’s lifesaving work.

Sponsor:  Luan Mai

The Vocational Industrial Clubs of America Inc. (VICA) was founded by students and teachers who were serious about their professions and saw the need for more training in the areas of leadership to complement their chosen vocation.

Sponsor:  Dowell Buckner

Youth and Government, a national YMCA program, empowers students from every corner of the U.S. by giving them the opportunity to learn about—and experience—government policies and methodologies firsthand.

Sponsor:  Timothy Schmidt