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District

Clubs & Activities

At Gatlinburg-Pittman, Tradition of Excellence  is more than a slogan, it is the standard we live by every day. We believe that a truly well-rounded education happens both inside the classroom and through the vibrant organizations that define our campus culture. Our extracurricular programs are the heartbeat of our school, offering every student a place to belong, a platform to lead, and a path to their future.

Academic Honor Societies

Academic Honor Societies recognize and celebrate students who go above and beyond in the classroom and their community. These organizations are merit-based, meaning membership is an earned distinction reflecting a student’s commitment to scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Being a member of an honor society connects students with scholarship opportunities, peer tutoring networks, and a community of high-achievers dedicated to excellence.

  • Mu Alpha Theta is dedicated to inspiring a keen interest in mathematics, developing strong scholarship in the subject, and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics in high school. Membership is reserved for students who maintained a B or higher in both Algebra I and Geometry. We provide opportunities for students to participate in competitions and to provide tutoring to their fellow students. Club dues. Sponsored by Jonathan Reagan.

  • The National Honor Society is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Members are expected to maintain a high GPA while actively participating in school and community service projects. Members a selected by a panel of teachers. Due are $30. Sponsored by Jeff Ginn.

  • The National Beta Club is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America. Its mission is to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service, and leadership. Often described as a "leadership-service" club, Beta provides a unique blend of academic prestige and hands-on community involvement, encouraging students to lead by serving others. Dues $20. Sponsored by Dr. Bobbi Watson

  • The Science National Honor Society is an elite academic organization for students who have demonstrated exceptional ability and interest in the sciences. Membership is a merit-based distinction reserved for those who excel in advanced coursework across the biological, physical, and earth sciences. Beyond the classroom, SNHS members work to foster scientific literacy within the school and community through peer tutoring, collaborative research, and local outreach, preparing the next generation of innovators for a career in STEM.

Career and Technical Student Organizations

CTSOs are organizations that bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace. By integrating leadership and technical skills into the instructional program, they help students turn their education into a career.

  • Focus: Business, Marketing, Finance, and Hospitality. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in the global economy. It’s highly competitive, focusing on "role-play" events where students solve real-world business problems under pressure. It’s perfect for those who want to master the art of the deal and the science of management. Club dues are $20. Sponsored by Tana Trentham.

  • Focus: Agricultural Education. While its roots are in farming, modern FFA covers the science, business, and technology of agriculture. It spans everything from horticulture and veterinary science to agribusiness and environmental natural resources. It is famous for its "Three-Circle Model," which balances classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experiences, and leadership. Dues are $20. Sponsor: Laticia LaFollette

  • Focus: Healthcare and Medical Sciences. HOSA is dedicated to students pursuing careers in the healthcare industry. Beyond clinical skills, it focuses on leadership and compassionate care. Students engage in competitions ranging from medical terminology and nursing to forensic science and biomedical laboratory science. Dues are $20. Sponsor: Cecilia Ogle

  • Focus: Skilled Trades and Public Service.

    For students in Criminal Justice, Fire Science, and Health Science, SkillsUSA provides a platform to demonstrate technical proficiency in high-stakes environments. Competitions often involve:

    • Crime Scene Investigation: Securing a scene and collecting evidence.

    • Felony Traffic Stops: Demonstrating proper protocol and safety.

    • Emergency Medical Response: Handling trauma or medical crises. It bridges the gap between the classroom and the academy, emphasizing the ethics and physical rigor required for "uniform" careers.

    Dues are $20. Sponors: Billy Ownby (Criminal Justice) and Cecilia Ogle (Public Service Occupations)

Academic and Student Leadership Clubs

Our Academic Competition and Leadership teams represent the competitive spirit of our student body. These organizations take classroom knowledge and turn it into a high-stakes team sport. Whether it’s debating policy in Student Government or buzzing in with a lightning-fast answer in Scholars Bowl, these students thrive on intellectual challenges and the drive to represent our school at the highest level.

  • SGA is the official voice of the student body. Elected by their peers, these leaders serve as the liaison between students and administration. They are responsible for planning school-wide events, advocating for student needs, and practicing the fundamentals of democratic leadership. Sponsor: Jennifer Milam

  • Scholars Bowl is a fast-paced trivia competition. Students compete in teams to answer questions across all disciplines including history, literature, science, and fine art.

Service Organizations

Our service organizations are dedicated to empowering students to become active, compassionate leaders within our community. These clubs provide a platform for students to identify local and global needs, organize impactful volunteer projects, and collaborate with civic leaders. 

  • Mission Statement: GPHS Youth Council empowers and mobilizes students and adult allies to engage in positive change through leadership and smart decision-making. Sponsored by Billy Ownby.

  • The GPHS Interact Club brings together young people to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self in conjunction with our local Rotary Clubs. Club dues are $5.

Performing Arts

The Performing Arts department offers students a vibrant stage to discover their voice, hone their craft, and build lifelong connections. These organizations go beyond the classroom to foster creativity, discipline, and teamwork. Whether on the stage or behind the scenes, students in these programs learn the courage it takes to perform and the dedication required to achieve artistic excellence together.

  • This course is designed to give students the opportunity to improve their proficiency in sight-reading, musical technique, and performance. The fall term is devoted mainly to marching band, including field performances and contests. The emphasis for the spring term is concert band. Band Director Moriah Yarnall-Waller.

  • Chorus is part of the Vocal Music course. The course is designed to give students the opportunity to improve and develop vocal music skills. The emphasis of the course is on performance. Participation in school and public choral concerts and musical dramas are an integral part of the course. Elements of stage production are also included in this course.
    The Highlanderettes is an all-girl song and dance group for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade girls. Membership is by audition only and is led by Bobbi Watson.

  • Mission Statement: It is the mission of the Drama Club to create a supportive environment for the high school theatre community. This theatre community will strive to use theatre performance as a community of service to both the high school population and to our community in general. Sponsored by Jeff Ginn.

Interest-Based & Cultural Clubs

Our Interest-Based and Cultural Clubs are the primary spaces on campus for students to build community around shared hobbies, faiths, and heritage. These student-led organizations foster an inclusive environment where students can explore their interests outside of a traditional grading scale. From language immersion to friendly competition and spiritual growth, these clubs ensure that every student finds a 'home' on our campus.

  • FCA is a peer-led organization that brings faith and athletics together. It provides a supportive environment for student-athletes and non-athletes alike to challenge one another in their personal growth and integrity.

  • Spanish club takes the language out of the textbook and into the real world. Spanish Club celebrates the food, history, and traditions of the cultures, often hosting festivals to keep traditions alive.