Clubs & Activities

The Asian American Heritage Club fosters a sense of community and increases the awareness of each culture. The club focuses on a better sense of community for Asian Americans in this school and also for every person of color to be represented and heard. The club brings together Asian Americans, students of color and those who want to learn more about the culture together. Our mission is to spread representation, knowledge and awareness about the various Asian cultures through food, music, etc.

• Sponsor: Emily Nyman
• Times:
  • Every Cardinal week on Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:10 a.m., and
  • Every Navy week on Thursday at 7:30 to 8:10 a.m.

The purpose of book club is for readers to get together, read and discuss books together. We will all choose a book together and read the “assigned” chapters or pages until the next meeting, during which we will discuss what we read. All are welcome!

• Sponsor: Sue Spence
• Time: Wednesdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

A welcoming environment where anyone of any ability level can come to play a game of chess.

• Sponsor: David Purcell
• Time: Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

• Sponsor: Mallory Goetz
• Time: Cardinal Mondays during Talon Time

The Computer Science Club is for students at any grade level who are interested in computers and computer programming, whether it’s coding, web development, app development, game development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, social media networks, virtual reality, hardware and design, or anything else computer science related. There is no background knowledge needed to start, so students of all abilities are invited to join. The club will also be meeting at the same time as the Robotics Club, allowing members to provide programming support to the competitive robot being developed.

• Time: Mondays, 3 to 5 p.m.

The organization:

• Unites in a common bond without regard to race, sex, religion, creed or national origin full-time students enrolled in career and technical courses.
• Develops leadership abilities through participation in educational, vocational, civic, recreational and social activities.
• Fosters an understanding of criminal justice system and careers in the field.
• Promotes ethical behavior in the career field.
• Develops the ability of students to plan together, organize and carry out worthy activities and projects through the use of the democratic process.
• Fosters a wholesome understanding of service careers and how the components work together.
• Creates among students, faculty members, patrons of the school and persons in industry a sincere interest in and esteem for criminal justice careers.
• Develops patriotism through a knowledge of our nation’s heritage and the practice of democracy.
• Emphasizes the importance of continuous education consistent to the needs of the individual and the requirements of his or her chosen occupation.

• Sponsors: Traci Nemechek and Pat Burke
• Time: Please email Traci Nemechek for more information on time/dates of meetings

DECA and FBLA prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high school. Every student enrolled in a business and marketing course is a part of the DECA or FBLA chapter. It is the student's choice to compete in the district and state conferences. Students have an opportunity to qualify to attend the International Conference in the spring.

DECA and FBLA have both individual and team role-plays and projects. Practice and meetings occur through each class, with a couple practices in the evening with judges from the community. 

• Sponsor: Rachel Caliga, rachel.caliga@jeffco.k12.co.us

The Diversity Club is intended as a welcoming place for all students who wish to share their stories and learn from one another. It is intended to promote awareness of our diverse student population and value all students regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, nationality or religion. It is also intended to provide diverse and culturally enriched opportunities and events for members, the school and community.

• Sponsor: Traci Russell and Nancy Radu
• Time: Meeting hybrid every other Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Diversity Club

Sponsor: James Cosby

Time: Group meetings Thursdays in HR 143. 

ESA is the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for engineering, robotics and other technology students. Most of our activities will take place during class or academic enhancement. Other events and activities will be announced in class or by email. If you are not currently in a technology class, email Mr. Gray for more information.

• Sponsor: Chris Gray, christopher.gray2@jeffco.k12.co.us
• Time: During Engineering class.

• Sponsor: Erick Anno
• Time: 4:00 to 6:00 Mondays and Wednesday or Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Function: The Far Away Friends club function would be to fundraise money for people in rural Uganda for education and health resources. Most of the money would go to a sister school in Uganda we would be paired with.

Operation: At our first meeting, we would have people at the meeting sign in, an icebreaker, and an introduction of everyone. We would then have the president share what got them interested in FAF, which would be followed by a video more about Far Away Friends. We would also have a mentor/ a staff member of the FAF organization come to the meeting to go over discussions we will have during later meetings and campaign events that FAF has preplanned. Before closing up we would ask everyone when the best meeting time and day would be followed by goodbyes.

• Sponsor: Mr. David Purcell
• Meeting time: Tuesdays at 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America club promotes personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communications, practical knowledge, and career preparation. For more information please visit our website.

• Sponsor: Taylor Terrell

• Sponsor: Jason Casanova
• Time: Fridays in HR 132 from 7:15 to 7:55. 

The Guitar Club is an opportunity for students, whether experienced guitarists or those just wanting to learn, to hang out and jam with other like-minded students. Whether you’re into metal, pop, indie, classical, blues, hip-hop, R&B – whatever type of music – if there’s a guitar in it, it’s welcome. Each week we’ll have a lesson or demonstration, trade licks and practice songs for those interested in participating in live performances during the DRHS band concerts. Members are not required to own a guitar or other equipment; a limited number of instruments can be provided for use during club meetings.

• Sponsor: James Cosby
• Time: TBD

Have you been looking for a place to connect with your peers? Join us for a refreshing time of chatting, Bible lessons and prayer. We will be meeting in Mrs. Koehler's room, B218. You're welcome to come every week or just once in a while. We'd love to see you there! Contact Mrs. Koehler if you have any questions. 

• Sponsor: Jessica Koehler, jkoehler@jeffcoschools.us
• Time: Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The Gay-Straight Alliance is an accepting club that advocates for equality and diversity within the school and the world, discusses LGBTQ+ issues, has fun activities, and offers a support group for everyone. Throughout the year, we promote events like Day of Silence, Pride months and days, and The Trevor Project funding. The group strives to bring awareness, prevent bullying and encourage pride, no matter how you identify.

• Sponsor: TBD
• Time: TBD

Key Club is an internationally based, student-led service organization connected to Kiwanis International. Students involve themselves in numerous community service activities both inside and outside of the school throughout the year. In addition to community service, there is an opportunity for leadership development both through leadership training and involvement with club leadership (e.g. school, district and state levels).

• Sponsor: Kyle Smoker 
• Time: TBD

Key Club

• Sponsor: April Bell
• Time: Wednesdays and Fridays 3:30 to 4:30 pm. 

Link Crew leaders are juniors and seniors who want to help freshmen. We run freshman orientation to acclimate freshmen to the school and host the Cocoa Cram in the library to help freshmen study for finals. Applications for juniors and seniors are available in the spring. Join us and help leave a legacy at our fantastic school!

• Sponsors: Jennessa Horan, Alyson Koerner, Taylor Terrell, Kim Trefz

Math club is a great place to share your passion for math with like-minded students. We work on non-routine, challenging problems that are outside of the typical school curriculum. It is a great way for students to develop intuitive thinking skills and learn new types of math.  Students will learn to view math not as a set of rules or guidelines, but as an art. The club aspires to participate in future national competitions. Members can be of all math abilities.     

• Sponsor: Heidi Handland

MOD/SWOD is a senior group of leaders nominated by the staff. Their job is to fill the leadership and mentor roles within the halls of Dakota Ridge. Please contact the sponsors for more details if you are interested in MOD/SWOD.

• Sponsors: Jason Casanova and Amy Ziegler

• Sponsor: Mallory Goetz
• Time: Talon Time on Cardinal Wednesdays and Thursdays. 

National Art Honor Society gives students the opportunity to earn an academic letter in art or for seniors to graduate with honors and wear a special cord at graduation. Students may also use the group as a sort of "Art Club" for making new friends and spending time in a group of more serious art students than they may have in their classes. Our group is mostly student-led. In addition to improving art skills, members will be working on community service projects, both inside and outside the school building where students earn the hours needed for their honors designation. A small annual fee pays for dues in the nationally recognized organization and art supplies. Please email Micah Snider for the GC code if you would like to join or more information.

• Sponsor: Micah Snider, micah.snider@jeffco.k12.co.us
• Time: Cardinal Wednesdays at 3 to 4 p.m. and once a month during Seminar. Note: Always check out the NAHS Google Classroom calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Membership in the National Honor Society is a selection process that has specific requirements outlined by national guidelines. The Constitution of the National Honor Society defines several obligations for members. Students selected for membership are expected to demonstrate and maintain the standards by which they were selected including continued performance at or above the required GPA of 3.8 weighted (scholarship); involvement in service and leadership projects of at least 15 hours a semester and a school-based service project such as Make-A-Wish Colorado (Leadership and Service); attending required meetings once a month (Character); and attendance at the induction ceremony in February (New Member Requirement). Meeting dates and required events are outlined in a contract given to each accepted member; members are notified of their eligibility to join by sponsors at the beginning of their junior year (only juniors and seniors are eligible). Contact sponsor with questions.

• Sponsor: Tiffany Briggs

• Sponsor: Michael Dougherty
• Time: TBD

The club focuses on FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), which is the largest high school robotics competition. Our team is sponsored and mentored by Lockheed Martin and Comcast NBC Universal. We attend the Denver Regional FRC Competition each year in March at the University of Denver. Email Mr. Gray if you are interested in participating this year.

• Sponsor: Chris Gray, christopher.gray2@jeffco.k12.co.us
• Time: Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

We remain part of the Westside SWARM Rugby family, the high school boys program is now a club sport at Dakota Ridge High School. Please visit our Facebook page for more information.

• Sponsor: Kathy Abeyta
• Time: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. 

Rugby Facebook Page

SnowRiders Club provides students with an opportunity to get up to the slopes with fellow ski and ride enthusiasts and enjoy our beautiful mountains.

• Sponsors: Nile Smith and Kirsten Link

SnowRiders Club

Student Voice is a districtwide initiative that empowers high school students from diverse backgrounds with leadership, cultural awareness, teamwork and advocacy skills. Jeffco Student Voice is a forum for students to collaborate with the superintendent and other school, district and community leaders to create a sustainable movement of social justice in our community through compassionate leadership.

• Sponsor: Traci Russell
• Time: Meeting hybrid every other Tuesday 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Part of the DRHS Instrumental Music program, Winter Guard is a competitive ensemble using dance, flag, sabre and rifle techniques set to choreographed music. Rehearsals are weekly. No experience is necessary but attendance at clinics, auditions, rehearsals and competitions is mandatory.

Winter Percussion is a competitive ensemble performing a variety of musical techniques in their performance. Rehearsals are held weekly. No percussion experience is necessary but attendance at clinics, auditions, rehearsals and competitions is mandatory.

• Sponsor: Cody Kiesling