SGA--The Student Government Association is the official representative body of Walt Whitman students and an avenue of communication between students and staff.  The principal duty of the SGA is to learn about and discuss all students' views when meeting with the administration.  It is an elected group, made up of SGA officers, class officers, and delegates elected from each first period class.  Generally, the SGA meets every other week. SGA and class officers, except freshmen, are elected in the spring.  Freshman class officers and first period delegates and their alternates are elected after school begins in the fall.  The SGA also charters clubs and sponsors assemblies, speakers, movies, clean-up campaigns, spirit week, coffee houses, dances and other social and service events.

Student-Run Publications

Black & White--The Black & White is a national, regional and state award-winning newspaper that is student-financed and student-run.  In addition to informing students, teachers, parents and community members of relevant issues and events, it also provides an outlet for an exchange of student ideas.  To become a staff member on the Black & White, students must first complete two semesters of basic journalism, which may not be taken until sophomore year. Photographers and artists who want to work on the staff but lack the prerequisite of Journalism 1 may be granted special permission to do so.  A subscription consisting of 12 issues may be purchased for $20 ($25 if mailed) at the beginning of the school year from a Black & White representative or in Room B211 or B212.

Eidolon--Eidolon is Whitman's literary and arts magazine.  The yearly magazine publishes original poetry, prose, photography, and art- work. Students are invited to join the Eidolon staff to help with selection and layout of the magazine. All students are encouraged to submit their work (via Eidolon box in main office) for consideration for publication.

Ms. Susan Buckingham, Sponsor 

SAGA--The SAGA is Whitman's yearbook, aimed at providing a record of the events of the school year.  Students must be enrolled in the yearbook class to participate as full-fledged staff members.  Students who are not enrolled in the class may still make writing or photography contributions.

Whitman Shorts--Whitman Shorts is a student-run TV show covering news and features of interest to the Whitman community broadcast on the MCPS cable channel and Whitman's closed circuit.  Students must audition for the class.

Competition-Based Extracurriculars

It's Academic--The "It's Academic" team is Whitman's premier quiz bowl and trivia team. While members appear on NBC-4's "It's Academic" program (Saturdays at 10 a.m.), the club also competes in a myriad of tournaments as well as the "Quizmaster Challenge" on public access cable. Practice is 2:30 to 3:30 Tuesdays and Thursdays in A123, and additional novice practices are held Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30.
         Ms. Jan Danis and Mr. Andrew Sonnabend, Coaches

Debate Team--Members debate current, topical issues such as capital punishment, affirmative action, and environmental degradation through numerous debate events. Members can also participate in forensics/ speech events including poetry interpretation, prose, original oratory, and duet acting. The team participates in various local, regional, and national speech competitions. 

Math Team--Math Team practices for and competes in state and county competitions. High scorers in the county competitions are picked for the county team and attend a national competition in early June at Penn State University.  Team members must have finished or must currently be taking Geometry.

Science Teams--Science Teams introduces students to the large number of local, regional, and national mathematics and science competitions available for individuals and teams. Talented Whitmanites interested in science will meet to discuss challenging problems and receive recognition for their achievements. Students of varying scientific backgrounds are encouraged to participate since all natural sciences will be represented.

Art Clubs & Organizations
Ceramics Club--Ceramics Club offers an open studio for experienced students to pursue independent study or for new students to learn the basic techniques of working with clay. Students will work by hand and on the potters wheel.

Drama Club--Drama Club members participate in all aspects of the theater: acting, singing, dancing, directing, writing, technical theater set construction, costume design, and business management. Productions include a fall musical, a one-act plays festival, a spring play, and the Talent Show.   

Student Art League--The purpose of the Student Art League is to increase students' awareness of art and give them opportunities to work outside the classroom. The League sponsors trips to various locations around the DC area. Any student interested in the visual arts (painting, drawing, photography, sculpture) is welcome.

Amnesty International
Students Against Sweatshops
Best Buddies Club
Wild Things
Cluster Tutoring
Octagon/Interact Club 
Peer Counseling
Project Sleeping Bag
Recycling/Environmental Club
Save the Children 
Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD)  

Sports Clubs 

Walt Whitman Recreation and Ski Club--The Walt Whitman Recreation and Ski Club is a social- recreation organization sponsored by the Montgomery County Department of Recreation. Its objective is to offer recreational trips on a low-cost basis to high school students in the Whitman community. The schedule includes ski trips, white water raft trips, trips to amusement parks, and more. The ski program includes day and evening trips, weekend trips, and week-long trips during spring vacation. Information on the trips is advertised around the school building. Membership may be purchased at Welcome-to-Whitman Night or before school from Mr. Mornini or Mr. Kuhn. You must be a club member to participate in the club's overnight activities.

Ice Hockey
Crew
Rugby
Mountain Biking
Snowboarding
Fencing
Fitness
Frisbee