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George Ranch High School

Home of the Longhorns

Extracurricular

Varsity Extracurriculars (UIL)

Co-Curricular Organizations

  • The United States Academic Decathlon (USAD) is a team-based academic competition for high school students. It emphasizes academic excellence across a wide range of subjects. Here are some key features of the competition:

    • Team Composition: Each team typically consists of nine students, categorized into three groups based on their grade point averages: Honor (A), Scholastic (B), and Varsity (C).
    • Curriculum: The competition covers ten categories: Art, Economics, Essay, Interview, Language and Literature, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Science, and Speech. Each year, these subjects are integrated into a central theme, such as "The Cold War" or "The 1960s."
    • Testing and Performance: Students are tested in multiple-choice exams, essays, and performances. They also participate in interviews and deliver speeches as part of the competition.
    • Scoring: The competition is scored with an emphasis on academic tests and performances, rewarding in-depth knowledge, analytical skills, and the ability to think critically under pressure.
    • Levels of Competition: USAD features local, state, and national levels of competition, culminating in the national finals where teams from across the country compete for top honors.

    The Academic Decathlon provides students with an opportunity to excel academically, develop teamwork skills, and gain recognition for their intellectual accomplishments.

    US AcaDec Website

    Sponsor: Austin Throop – athroop@lcisd.org

    Sponsor: Frederick Siegmund – frederick.siegmund@lcisd.org

  • DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe and has over 290,000 members internationally (Texas DECA is the largest association with over 24,000 members). Members will be able to develop their leadership and business networking skills, earn service activity hours, participate in multiple co-curricular activities (on and off-campus). Members may also compete in one of over 70 marketing, finance, hospitality, business management or entrepreneurship events to earn the opportunity to go against the best in the world at the International Career Development Conference.

    GRHS DECA members also operate the SBE Gold-Certified Longhorn Depot, our campus store that serves coffee and beverages, snacks and fresh-baked cookies as well as other products, allowing members to gain real-world food & retail operations experience right here on campus. 

    Texas DECA Website

    National DECA Website

    GRHS DECA Instagram:  gr_deca

    GRHS DECA on X:  @DecaGr

  • SkillsUSA Culinary is a student-run Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO). Students work alongside advisors to prepare for a series of culinary competitions. There is a wide range of opportunities: from baking, to serving, as well as self-paced culinary notebooks. Students have an opportunity to compete at district, state, and national-level competitions, earn a letter jacket, become eligible for NTHS, refine qualities that will benefit them in post-secondary careers, and more! Have questions? Reach out to Mrs. Byars or Ms. Waumsley and follow @grhs.culinaryskills on Instagram!

    Sponsor: Deborah Byars – deborah.byars@lcisd.org

    Sponsor: Julie Waumsley – jwaumsley@lcisd.org

    Six students stand in front of a banner celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Culinary Institute Lenotre.

Culture & Language Clubs

  • Desi Culture Club invites you to explore the vibrant tapestry of South Asian traditions, from Bollywood beats to delectable cuisine. Dive into cultural celebrations, learn about diverse regional customs, and connect with fellow students who share a passion for Desi heritage. Join us for a journey through the rich and colorful world of South Asia.

    Sponsor: Tobin Thomas – tobin.thomas@lcisd.org

  • FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes): George Ranch Chapter

    Who We Are: We are a community working to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.

    Why We Do It: We desire to see every coach and athlete enter a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.

    What We Do: We seek to make disciples through our strategy of engaging, equipping, and empowering coaches and athletes to know and grow in Christ.

    Our George Ranch chapter meets every Wednesday morning before 1st period which we call huddles. All George Ranch FCA members and those wanting to stay up to date on all things George Ranch FCA are encouraged to join our SportsYou group with code 43XA-ZUFA and to follow our Instagram page @grhs_fca. We’d love to have you join us for our weekly Wednesday morning huddles!! Everyone is welcome to attend, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us!!

    FCA Sponsor: Coach Brian Henry | bhenry@lcisd.org

    FCA Sponsor: Coach Yicel Teran | yicel.teran@lcisd.org

    A collage of photos showcasing the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at GRHS, featuring students gathered in various locations, including a football field, a gymnasium, and an outdoor area. A collage of photos showcasing a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) event at GRHS, featuring students gathered in a gymnasium and outdoors.

  • The FSA (Filipino Student Association) is a club that promotes the culture and heritage of the people of the Philippines. It offers opportunities for students to get together and share Filipino food, language, and culture. The officers teach language, culture, folklore and other  traditions to its members and the group participates in Food days to share and promote traditional food from the Philippines with students and visitors to George Ranch. They are also working on forming a group to perform traditional dances for cultural day.

    Sponson: Stephen Dunn – sdunn@lcisd.org

  • The George Ranch Lion Dance Club is a vibrant community group dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich cultural traditions of lion dance. Through colorful and energetic performances, the club brings the ancient art form to life, captivating audiences with its dynamic movements and rhythmic drumming. By showcasing the beauty and significance of lion dance, the club not only entertains but also educates and promotes cultural awareness and appreciation. Join us as we leap into the heart of tradition and share the spirit of the lion dance with the world!

    Sponsor: Anjanette Marcano – apenzort@lcisd.org

    Sponsor: Stephen Dunn – sdunn@lcisd.org

    lion

  • The Muslim Student Association (MSA) is a student-led organization dedicated to fostering a sense of community, faith, and cultural awareness on campus. Our mission is to create an inclusive space for Muslim students while also educating others about Islam through interfaith dialogue, community service, and social events. We host activities such as Jummah prayers, Ramadan iftars, charity drives, and discussions on Islamic values. Whether you're looking for a supportive environment, opportunities to give back, or a place to learn more about Islam, MSA welcomes everyone to join and engage!

    Sponsor: Sumera Akram – sumera.akram@lcisd.org

  • The VSA (Vietnamese Student Association) is student organizations that promotes Vietnamese culture and heritage.   It provides opportunities for students to connect with each other and the community and hosts events to celebrate the traditions of the Vietnamese Community such as the Mid-Autumn festival and the Lunar New Year.   The VSA also participates in Food Day events to share their culinary tradition with the school and community.   The club is also teaching its members traditional dances such as the Hat dance and the Fan Dance.

    Sponsor: Stephen Dunn – sdunn@lcisd.org

Academic, Fine Arts, and Career Based Clubs

  • The Catabile Division is our inaugural club dedicated to both orchestra and band students. The club’s mission is to foster collaboration and camaraderie between these two groups through social events, while nurturing a shared passion for music and the fine arts. By providing opportunities for personal growth and musical exploration, we aim to showcase a diverse range of musical genres and performances, ultimately enriching the musical experiences of all members.

    sponsor: Evette Hernandez – evette.hernandez@lcisd.org

  • The Girls Who Code and Computer Science Club welcomes all students interested in programming, game development, cybersecurity, and more. Through workshops, coding competitions, and project-based learning, members strengthen their technical skills while fostering creativity and innovation. We meet at the same time and offer a fun and inclusive environment for students to explore and excel in computer science! Any level of skill is welcome to join!

    Sponsor: Kristen Jaquez – kristen.jaquez@lcisd.org

    GRHS CompSci Instragam

  • The Girls Who Code and Computer Science Club welcomes all students interested in programming, game development, cybersecurity, and more. Through workshops, coding competitions, and project-based learning, members strengthen their technical skills while fostering creativity and innovation. We meet at the same time and offer a fun and inclusive environment for students to explore and excel in computer science! Any level of skill is welcome to join!

    Sponsor: Kristen Jaquez – kristen.jaquez@lcisd.org

    Girls Who Code National Website

    GRHS GWC Instagram

  • The George Ranch High School chapter of the National Honor Society is a select group of students who have prioritized the organization’s four pillars in their lives during high school including service, scholarship, leadership, and character. The purpose of NHS is to develop students into productive members of society by encouraging them to see beyond themselves and engage in their school and community through positive, character-building interactions.

    Members are expected to seek excellence in all areas of their life and serve as role models for their student body. As such, members are required to maintain a 104 GPA on a 100 point scale (this is the official weighted GPA calculated by our registrar when determining class rank), participate in at least ONE NHS sponsored group service project each semester, devote a minimum of 12 individual service hours EACH semester to the organization(s) of their choice, participate in at least ONE fundraiser per year, pay yearly dues, and maintain impeccable discipline and character at all times.

    Invitations to join NHS are delivered to eligible GRHS students with a minimum of a 104 GPA and a clean discipline record during the spring semester of their sophomore or junior year. Applications will be reviewed for evidence of excellence in a student’s service, leadership, school involvement, and ability to articulate their understanding of the four pillars. Once applications are reviewed, students exhibiting the highest standards will be invited to join NHS. As our NHS students are looked upon as role models for the student body, failure to uphold the four pillars of the organization will result in probation and/or dismissal.

    Sponsor: Lisa Wyke – lisa.wyke@lcisd.org

    CO-Sponsor: Rachel Settle – rachel.settle@lcisd.org

    Co-Sponsor: Eric Ryburn – eric.ryburn@lcisd.org

    NHS FAQs

  • "Science Olympiad is a nationally recognized organization that aims to foster scientific endeavor among students. No matter what your interests or career plans are, you're sure to find something to like about Science Olympiad. Science Olympiad offers a variety of events ranging in topics from Anatomy and Physiology to Engineering CAD, all of which are sponsored by well-known organizations such as the CDC and NASA. You will gain critical skills needed to succeed in the future. Science Olympiad has competitions from the regional level to the national level where you are able to compete against students from other schools at institutions such as Harvard and UT Austin and the opportunity to earn scholarships that could give a full ride to a college. Colleges look up highly upon this as one of the alumni from our school was admitted to University of Chicago and Cornell. We hold bi-weekly meetings on Mondays after school."

    National Website

    Sponsor: Sumera Akram – sumera.akram@lcisd.org

    Two women work together to build a tall structure out of wooden sticks. A group of young people pose for a photo in front of a large '40' sculpture celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Science Olympiad.

Philanthropy and Special Interest Clubs

  • A colorful poster inviting people to join the GRHS Book Club, featuring photos of members enjoying activities and a stack of books with a teacup.

  • Sponsor: Eric Ryburn – eric.ryburn@lcisd.org

    No experience necessary! 

    DD

  • Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer, school-based program build around the power of connection that aims to reduce youth suicide risk through education, training, community partnerships, and culture change. Hope Squad members are nominated by their peers. They meet regularly with trained advisors to talk and learn about mental health. Members are trained to note signs of distress and reach out, connecting peers to help and hope. Hope Squad educates the entire student body to reduce stigma and change their school’s culture.

    Sponsor: Jennifer Pavlu – jennifer.pavlu@lcisd.org

  • Key Club is where service meets community! We're dedicated to making a positive impact through hands-on volunteer projects, from local initiatives to global campaigns. Join us to develop leadership skills, build lasting friendships, and contribute to meaningful causes that truly make a difference. Together, we can create a brighter future for our community and beyond.

    Sponsor: Tobin Thomas – tobin.thomas@lcisd.org

  • A colorful poster invites you to join Plant Club, where you can learn about plants, work on projects, and make new friends.