Club Options
Chorus Club
The Chorus Club provides an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their vocal talents, even if they weren’t able to join the formal chorus elective. Open to all students, regardless of experience, there is no fee to participate. Simply attend a meeting and sign up to get involved. The club meets every Thursday and Friday at 8:15 a.m., and it’s a great way to connect with others who share a passion for singing. Don’t miss out—come and let your voice be heard!
Clay Target Club
The Clay Target Club offers students the chance to participate in the exciting sports of skeet and trap shooting. Open to all students, with no fees required, the club holds both fall and spring seasons, each lasting six weeks. Practices take place every Friday at 6:00 p.m. in Winter Haven. To join, simply reach out to Beth Baston for more information. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or new to the sport, the Clay Target Club provides a welcoming environment to develop your skills and enjoy friendly competition.
Drama Club
The Drama Club offers students the opportunity to participate in the exciting process of producing a stage play, with a focus on fostering an inclusive environment where creativity and artistic expression thrive. Each semester, the club stages one production, allowing all students to get involved—whether on stage or behind the scenes. There are no fees to join, and all students are welcome to audition.
Open auditions are held at the start of each semester—typically mid-August and mid-January—where student performers are selected based on their audition. In addition, backstage and tech crew positions are filled from club members closer to performance dates, giving everyone a chance to contribute to the production. The Drama Club meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. Come be a part of the drama and excitement, and let your talent shine on stage or behind the scenes!
Dungeons & Dragons Club
The Dungeons & Dragons Club is a creative and collaborative space for students to dive into the world of tabletop role-playing games. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to the game, the club provides all the tools you need to explore, create, and embark on exciting campaigns. Open to all students with no fees, the club is a great way to connect with others who share a passion for storytelling, strategy, and fantasy.
To join, simply show up at the meetings—no prior experience required. The club meets every Thursday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Mr. Billing’s room. So, grab your dice, roll for initiative, and prepare for an adventure you won’t forget!
FCA
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is a club for students who are passionate about both their faith and athletics to come together in fellowship. The club’s mission is to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches, athletes, and students of all ages.
Open to all students, FCA offers a welcoming space where you can grow spiritually and build community with others who share your values. There are no fees to join. To get involved, simply reach out to Mrs. Randall or Mrs. Weitz for more information.
FCA meets every Wednesday from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. in Room 09-120. Whether you’re an athlete or simply someone who values faith, come be a part of this inspiring community!
Fishing Club
The Fishing Club is a competitive fishing team that gives students the opportunity to represent their school in tournaments against other high schools. Open to all students, the club fosters teamwork, skill development, and a love for the sport of fishing, with no fees to join.
To become a member, simply contact Mrs. Toy and sign up at the end of the previous school year. Meeting times and practice sessions are arranged by the team as needed throughout the season, ensuring flexibility for all participants.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner eager to learn, the Fishing Club is a great way to connect with others who share your passion for the sport and compete at the high school level.
Creative Writing Club
The Creative Writing Club offers high school students a supportive and inspiring space to explore their writing, improve their craft, and connect with others who share a passion for storytelling. Whether you’re interested in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction, the club provides a platform to share your work, receive feedback, and discuss writing techniques and methods.
This year, the club is led by student leader Margo Menge, who is excited to guide members through their creative journeys. The c club is open to new members at any time—simply attend a meeting to get involved. There are no fees to join.
The Creative Writing Club meets every other Tuesday in Mrs. Dyer’s room, with options for both morning and afternoon sessions to fit different schedules. Come and let your creativity flow in a welcoming and collaborative environment!
Key Club
Key Club is an internationally recognized organization dedicated to empowering students through leadership opportunities and community service. Open to students in grades 7 through 12 at McKeel, Key Club is part of the Kiwanis family of service clubs, which fosters a spirit of volunteerism and teamwork.
Students can join the club by submitting an application in the fall, with a membership fee of $25, which is due by mid-October. Monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, typically in the morning, and often include a hands-on service project that allows members to make a meaningful impact in their local and global communities. By participating in Key Club, students not only gain valuable leadership experience but also contribute to causes that benefit others, all while building lasting friendships with like-minded peers.
Art Club
Art Club is a creative outlet for both high school and middle school students who are passionate about exploring art beyond the classroom setting. The club is divided into two groups, each with 25 available spots, ensuring an intimate and focused environment for artistic expression. To join, students must complete a registration form, and membership is granted to the first 25 applicants in each group.
A modest membership fee of $20 is required, helping to cover materials and supplies for the club’s projects. Meetings take place every Wednesday from 2:30 to 4:00 PM, providing dedicated time for students to develop their artistic skills, collaborate with peers, and work on individual or group art projects. Whether you’re interested in drawing, painting, sculpture, or other forms of creative expression, Art Club offers a fun and inspiring space to nurture your talent and passion for the arts.
AI Club
AI Club is a dynamic and engaging club that explores the fascinating world of artificial intelligence, with a focus on its ethical implications, how AI works, and its potential impact on society. Open to all students, the club provides a welcoming environment for anyone interested in learning more about this rapidly evolving field, regardless of experience or background.
There are no membership fees—students can simply show up to meetings to join. Each week, members come together to discuss AI topics, explore its real-world applications, and collaborate on meaningful projects that benefit the community. These projects allow students to apply what they’ve learned in a hands-on way while making a positive impact.
Meetings are held every Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:30 PM, providing an hour each week for deep learning, collaboration, and innovation in the world of AI. Whether you’re curious about coding, ethics, or the future of technology, AI Club offers a unique opportunity to be part of something cutting-edge.
Coding Club
Coding Club is an exciting and dynamic group for students passionate about programming and technology. The club provides a platform for students to sharpen their coding skills while preparing for prestigious programming competitions, such as the Congressional App Challenge and Lockheed Martin’s CodeQuest. The club’s motto, “Code—Create—Collaborate,” reflects its commitment to fostering creativity, teamwork, and technical excellence.
Open to all students, Coding Club requires no membership fees—simply show up to the meetings to get started. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced coder, the club offers a supportive environment to learn, experiment, and work alongside peers who share your interest in technology.
Meetings are held every Wednesday from 2:30 to 3:30 PM, providing a dedicated hour each week for coding challenges, collaborative projects, and preparing for upcoming competitions. By joining Coding Club, students gain valuable experience in problem-solving, teamwork, and programming—skills that are essential for success in the tech-driven world.
Girls Who Code
Girls Who Code is an empowering club that encourages young women to explore their interests in technology and computer science. The club provides a supportive environment where members can learn coding, build innovative projects, and inspire one another to pursue careers in tech. Through hands-on experience, students will gain valuable skills in programming, problem-solving, and teamwork, while building confidence in their ability to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Open to all girls, there are no membership fees—simply reach out to Ella Gardener to join. Meetings take place on the second Friday of each month in the afternoon, providing a dedicated time each month to work on coding projects, collaborate with peers, and gain exposure to new technologies. Whether you’re new to coding or looking to deepen your knowledge, Girls Who Code offers a welcoming and inclusive space to learn, grow, and be part of a community of women who are passionate about technology.
Fencing Club
Fencing Club is a fun way for students to learn the sport of fencing in its three styles: epee, foil, and sabre. You’ll get to practice using the equipment, learn the rules of the sport, and enjoy fast-paced matches. It’s a great way to stay active, challenge yourself, and try something new.
All students are welcome to join, and there’s a $20 fee to cover the cost of equipment. Signups for the club happen every September. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 3:45 PM, where you’ll have plenty of time to practice and improve your skills. Whether you’re new to fencing or want to sharpen your abilities, Fencing Club is a great place to get started!
Chess Club
Chess Club is for students who want to learn and practice chess, no matter your skill level. Whether you’re just starting out or already know how to play, you’ll have a chance to improve and enjoy the game.
To join, just contact Mr. Salove. If you want to compete in tournaments, there’s a $45 fee to cover registration. Meetings are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 to 3:30 PM, and Fridays from 8:00 to 8:40 AM. It’s a fun way to challenge yourself, meet other players, and get ready for chess competitions!
FBLA
FBLA is a club that brings together students interested in business, leadership, and education. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the business world, develop leadership skills, and compete in business-related events at both the District and State levels.
To join, students must complete a registration form by a set deadline in September and pay a $45 membership fee, which helps cover competition costs and other club activities. Meetings are held every other Thursday in the Hub from 2:30 to 3:15 PM. As a member, you’ll have the chance to network with other students, participate in exciting competitions, and gain valuable experience in business and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re thinking about a career in business or just want to learn more, FBLA is the perfect place to start!
Green Team
The Green Team at McKeel Academy is dedicated to promoting sustainability through recycling efforts and community support. Open to all students with no fees required, the club offers a welcoming environment for those eager to make a positive environmental impact. To join, students simply need to reach out to Mrs. Fishburn and sign a club contract. The Green Team takes pride in its commitment to daily pickups, which occur twice a week, ensuring that recycling efforts are consistently maintained. By becoming a part of the Green Team, students not only help protect the environment but also contribute to building a stronger, more eco-conscious local community.
HOSA
HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) is an exciting club for students passionate about exploring the medical field. Through hands-on skills training, leadership development, and competitive opportunities, members gain valuable experience that can shape their future careers in healthcare. The club is student-driven, empowering members to take an active role in shaping their learning and growth.
Open to all students with no membership fees, HOSA provides a welcoming space for anyone interested in the medical profession. To join, students must attend one of the first meetings and sign up by November 1st. HOSA meets on the second Thursday of each month, offering a consistent opportunity for students to engage, collaborate, and expand their knowledge of the healthcare industry.
Interact Club
The Interact Club at McKeel Academy is the high school branch of Rotary International, a global organization dedicated to creating positive, lasting change in local communities. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lakeland, the Interact Club focuses on addressing the needs of McKeel Academy and the broader Polk County community through meaningful service projects.
Open to all students with no membership fees, the club offers a great opportunity for those looking to make a difference. To join, students must sign up at the beginning of the school year. Interact Club members meet on the second Wednesday of each month, with two meeting times available for convenience: 8:05 AM and 2:35 PM. By participating, students develop leadership skills, build community connections, and contribute to impactful service efforts that improve the lives of others.
Odyssey Of The Minds
Odyssey of the Mind is a fun club where students work together to solve creative problems using art, technology, and research. Teams are awarded points for working together to find solutions, and the club helps students build teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
It’s open to all students, and there are no fees to join. To get involved, just reach out to Mrs. Francis or Mrs. Hobson. The club meets on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 3:15 PM, where students can practice and prepare for competitions. It’s a great way to challenge yourself, work with others, and think outside the box!
Rowing Club
The Rowing Club is a great way for students to make friends and challenge themselves. You’ll get to work as a team and improve your skills while rowing.
It’s open to all students and there are no fees to join. The club meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00 to 5:15 PM at Lake Crago. Whether you’re new to rowing or have experience, it’s a fun way to get active and work with others!
Yoga Club
Yoga Club is perfect for students looking to relax, relieve stress, and enjoy a healthy form of exercise, whether or not they have prior experience. The club provides a calm, supportive environment where students can practice yoga at their own pace while improving flexibility, focus, and overall well-being.
Open to all students with no fees, the Yoga Club encourages everyone to join, regardless of experience level. To sign up, students simply need to register on the Yoga Pointe website. The club meets every Wednesday from 3:15 to 4:15 PM at Yoga Pointe, offering a peaceful break from the school week. It’s a great opportunity to unwind, connect with others, and take care of your mind and body.
Youth Leaders in Agriculture
Youth Leaders in Agriculture is a faith-based club that teaches students about farming, agricultural practices, and new farming technology. The club focuses on building leadership skills and doing service projects to help others.
It’s open to all students, and there are no fees. To join, just come to the first meeting or ask a sponsor for more info. The club meets on certain dates that are set at the beginning of the year, in Mrs. Randall’s room. It’s a great chance to learn about agriculture and develop leadership skills!
SWENext
The Women in Engineering Club is a space for female students to connect, collaborate, and explore the world of engineering. It’s open to all girls in the school, with a small membership fee of $20. To join, simply attend the first meeting and pick up the necessary information. Since the club meets on different days, you may need to attend multiple meetings to get all the details. All meetings take place in Mrs. Fallaw’s classroom, where members have the chance to learn, serve, and experiment in a supportive and empowering environment.
Cheerleading
Cheerleading at McKeel is an exciting extracurricular activity that offers students the opportunity to show school spirit and support their teams. Tryouts are held in March and April, giving aspiring cheerleaders the chance to demonstrate their skills and enthusiasm. Once selected, the team meets regularly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and game days from 3 to 5 PM. Cheerleaders develop teamwork, leadership, and athleticism while participating in practices, pep rallies, and games, making it a fun and engaging way to represent the school and build lasting friendships.