Activities - Matanzas High School

The Matanzas High School Percussion Program is an innovative music education program. Our program strives to be the standard of excellence for high school instrumental music programs throughout the state of Florida. The program strives to take students at all levels of musical training and experience and raise them to the highest levels of musicianship.

Matanzas Blue Steel

Matanzas Blue Steel is the long-standing steelband at Matanzas High School. Matanzas has the largest school steelband in Florida and one of the largest in the U.S.! Our steelbands were started by Rachel Palmer in 2005 when Matanzas High first opened. This ensemble is open to all students at our school. The steelbands study the literature and art form of the Trinidadian steelpan as well as musicianship and performance skills. Matanzas Blue Steel performs for school events and throughout the community.

Matanzas Blue Steel performed at the Southeastern Percussion Festival in Valdosta, Georgia in March 2019, the Youth Steelband Open at Texas A&M University in November 2017, and participates annually in the FMEA Steelband Festival in Orlando. Matanzas Blue Steel earned a Silver medal at the 2011 Virginia International PANFest as well as a Bronze medal in 2009.

Percussion Class

The Percussion Class studies and explores the arts of concert percussion ensembles and solos, marching drumline and front ensemble, and supporting the band's percussion needs. The requirements and expectations of this program are very demanding as the program is designed for the committed and focused percussion student. Previous musical training is helpful, however, it is not necessary to enter the program.

The concert percussion ensemble received a Superior rating at the 2019 and 2018 Florida Bandmasters Association State Solo and Ensemble Assessment. The drumline and front ensemble received a Superior rating at the 2018 Florida Bandmasters Association Marching Band Music Performance Assessment.

Sponsor

Jared Allen

Meeting Schedule

TBD

Chorus

Comic Book Club

Creative Writing Club

DECA

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

Forensic Student Investigators Club

Future Chefs Club (FCC)

Gay Straight Alliance (GSA)

Habitat for Humanity

Hispanic Society

Interact Club

Key Club

Key Club is an international student organization that provides members with opportunities to provide service while building character and developing leadership skills. Members perform community service projects including: cleaning up parks, collecting clothing, and organizing food drives. The MHS Key Club is sponsored by the Flagler County Kiwanis Club.

Sponsor

Amanda Cypert

Meeting Schedule

TBD

Kiwanis Key Club Website

KPop Dance Club

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)

JROTC's mission is to motivate young people to be better citizens!

All Army JROTC instructors are deeply involved in their communities and teach leadership education in a variety of ways. They serve as liaisons between the Army and civilian agencies and perform career and performance counseling for JROTC Cadets. They help plan and support activities like military balls, cadet competitions, cadet newspaper production, military ceremonies, community service, and charitable activities.

Sponsor

Major Hall

First Sgt. Caraballo

Meeting Schedule

TBD

Leo Club

Mu Alpha Theta

National Honor Society (NHS)

“The National Honor Society (NHS) elevates a school's commitment to the values of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. ... Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.” National Honor Society

Qualifications for membership in the Matanzas High School NHS are based on the four pillars of National Honor Society:

Four Pillars

Scholarship

Students (sophomores, juniors and seniors) must have a weighted GPA of 3.75 or higher. GPA will be checked in the application process.

Service

Students must be able to demonstrate that they have consistently been involved in community service during their high school years. This service involves voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation. Service hours should be submitted to the school and will be checked in the application process.

Leadership

Students must be able to demonstrate that they have leadership qualities. Leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others. Most applicants will have participation in one or more school based clubs.

Character

Students must be a student with integrity, a student of good character. The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others. Disciplinary records will be checked in the application process.

What does the Matanzas NHS require a member to do?

Volunteer and provide 4 hours of community service per month
Attend NHS meetings and events
Pay annual dues of $10
Enthusiastically render any requested service to the school
Participate in school and community service projects

Would you like to become a member of the Matanzas High School National Honor Society?

APPLICATION

All applications and required documents are due by February 9, 2024 at 3pm.
Eligible students are sophomores and juniors with a weighted GPA of 3.75 or higher.

Completed Application Form (Google form, submitted electronically)
Recommendation forms (2 - one of which must be a MHS Faculty member)
- Faculty will return the completed recommendation forms to Mrs. Winfree
- All other recommendation forms must be submitted by the deadline of February 9, 2024 at 3pm.

Science Olympiad - STEM Team

Student Government Association (SGA)

Members of the MHS Student Government Association (SGA) represent the interest of the student body through the implementation of imaginative activities and services that help enrich the students, faculty, and community members of Flagler County. SGA members are devoted to creating an environment that promotes success for all MHS students, faculty, and staff.

The SGA strives to strengthen the voice of the student body by getting students involved in school and community events while fostering a positive school culture. Our goal is to promote a sense of "family" within our school, provide our community with help when needed, and raise funds for school-based events, charitable causes, and to beautify Matanzas.

The SGA is an elective class. In order to be a part of this class, students must represent MHS as a leader and understand that the student body, faculty, staff, and administration views SGA members as leaders and role models who promote "Pirate pride" throughout the school and community.

Interested students should speak with the club sponsor or their guidance counselor.