Clubs & Activities

Advisor: Alexandra Montesano

Drama Club offers a great experience for aspiring actors and actresses who like to be onstage and perform, or anyone who is interested in having fun. Drama Club produces two shows: one in the Fall and a Spring production where seniors write/direct their own plays. It is the perfect place for students to develop their passion for the performing arts and improve their theatrical stage skills. 

The Jazz Band is an audition-only group that meets every Thursday evening from 8 to 9 PM. The band’s instrumentation includes saxophones, trombones, trumpets, guitar, bass, piano, vibraphone, and drum set. The Jazz Band performs 4 to 5 concerts per year, including our annual "Jazz Night Out" event in the spring. Students will develop both ensemble skills and jazz improvisation techniques. The band has won first place in local and national festivals, including the Dixie Classics and the Springville Pageant of Bands.

Advisor: Mrs. Roetzer
The Jazz Ensemble is an entry-level jazz group that meets every Thursday evening from 7 to 8 PM. The group’s instrumentation includes saxophones, trombones, trumpets, guitar, bass, piano, vibraphone, and drum set. Students will develop both ensemble skills and jazz improvisation techniques. All students are welcome to participate, and this group is ideal for those interested in learning a secondary instrument if they do not play one of the listed instruments.

Productions
2025: CATS
2024: Les Miserables (School Edition)  A Guide: Understanding the Plot & Characters (Shea's High School Theatre Awards Finalist)
2023: Seussical: The Musical (Kenny Award Finalist)
2022:  Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Kenny Award Finalist; Winner "Outstanding Choral Performance," Winner "Best Dramatic Performance," Winner "Best actor in a Male Supporting Role"
2021:  Strawberry Fields (One Act Opera)
2020:  TITANIC: the Musical (Kenny Award Finalist)
2019:  42nd Street
2018:  Phantom of the Opera
2017:  Beauty and the Beast
2016:  Grease
2015:  Guys and Dolls
2014:  Bye Bye Birdie
2013:  Les Miserables
2012:  Oklahoma
2011:  Urinetown: the Musical
2010:  Leader of the Pack: the Ellie Greenwich Musical
2009:  The Boyfriend
2008:  Into the Woods (Kenny Award Finalist, Winner: Best Supporting Actress, Rachel Zimmer as Red Riding Hood)
2007:  Seussical: the Musical
2006:  Damn Yankees (Kenny Award Finalist)
2005:  The Wizard of Oz
2004:  Once On This Island
2003:  Anything Goes
2002:  Bye Bye, Birdie
2001:  Hello Dolly
2000:  Fiddler on the Roof
1951:  The Mikado
1950:  H.M.S. Pinafore

The Amherst Operetta Association Pit Orchestra is a student-based ensemble that accompanies the operettas each year. Entrance into the Pit Orchestra is by audition. Rehearsals are held in the evenings from late November to January. We are proud to have been awarded "Best Pit Orchestra" two years in a row by the Sheas Musical Theater Awards, for Seussical in 2022 and Les Misérables in 2023.

Advisor: Mr. Chazen
 The Amherst Central High School Sinfonia is an extracurricular orchestra that meets on Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 PM. Participation in this group is voluntary, and students will perform several concerts throughout the year, featuring both advanced selections from the standard repertoire and popular music.

Stage Crew is responsible for a range of critical tasks to ensure the smooth execution of performances for both the Amherst Operetta Association and the Amherst Drama Club. They design and build sets, create and operate lighting designs, and manage properties.  Their role is essential in bringing the operetta's and drama club's artistic vision to life.

Advisor:  Mr. Kapperman

The National Honor Society is a nationwide organization for high school junior and senior students in the United States which consists of many chapters in high schools. Selection is based on four criteria: scholarship, leadership, service, and character.  Students eligible for National Honor Society will be contacted from the school to apply.

Co-Advisors:  Sra. Gonzalez and Sra. Bernardi

For students who earned a high average in Spanish and show a true love of language.

Advisor:  Ms. Grossman
The Amherst Athletic Varsity Council is an association of administrators, advisors, coaches and student athletes united to promote athletic excellence through leadership, character, service, responsibility, and accountability on and off the field. The Amherst Athletic Varsity Council will work together to promote Amherst Athletics by completing service projects to help the community and by providing recognition of both individual and team athletic accomplishments throughout the year.

Advisor: Ms. Peiffer and Mr. Wittmeyer
The Challenge2Change is a collaboration between Amherst Central High School, UB School of Social Work, and the Town of Amherst to build unity and racial understanding in our diverse community.  Students interested in Social Justice, cultural and racial unity, work together to understand the impacts of racism and how we as individuals might be active in making positive change.

Class of 2025

Co - Presidents: Madelyn Agostino
Vice President: Quinlan Lyle
Secretary: Billy McIntyre
Treasurer: Sophia Giardano
Public Relations: Sophie Rourke
Advisors: Ms. Scalzo/Mrs. Martin

Class of 2026

President: Owen Olsen
Vice President: Juliet Bewlay
Secretary: Isabelle Simonson
Treasurer: Madelyn Jaszka
Public Relations: Fiona Chen
Advisors: Mr. Banas/Ms. Boyer

Class of 2027

President: Sophia Tata
Vice President: Sofia Wieczkowski
Secretary: Alise Grant
Treasurer: Jasmine Bryant
Public Relations: Rosie Brazleton
Advisors: Mr. Maxick/Mr. Wittmeyer

Advisor:  Ms. Schoellkopf

The Pathfinder organization is a group of Juniors and Seniors who are leaders in the High School building. They are selected based on an application and interview process. The purpose of the Pathfinders is to assist underclassmen with the transition to Amherst High School. These upperclassmen will connect with the freshmen students through homeroom visits, Adventure, and other activities throughout the school year. Freshmen students will be able to share their concerns with their pathfinder, identify with the upperclassmen, develop school spirit, have positive role models, and have an opportunity for one-on-one mentoring through the pathfinder organization. The application process to the Pathfinders is open to any junior or senior in good standing at Amherst High School.

Our Pathfinders play a crucial role in helping to run the Pathfinder's Task Force in the high school building. They will help to select the teacher and student of the month. They also will be visible at board meetings throughout the year.

Advisor: Mr. Banas/Ms. Boyer 

Student Council is a group elected from a body of students to serve as  representatives, and to play a very important role in our school.  They are chosen by their classmates to organize social and extracurricular activities, and to participate in the government process of the school.  They help share students' ideas, interests, and concerns with the teachers and building administration, help students raise funds for school wide projects, and assist the community when they are in need of aid.  Being a member of Student Council helps our students become responsible and active members of the community. We have many activities throughout the year. Please check the high school calendar for a list of events.  

Advisor: Mr. Pigeon
In 2016 a new program was started at ACHS called Trailblazers. Our goal for the program is to identify 9th grade students interested in leadership opportunities in high school. Offering this leadership program has been a great success. 

Advisor:  Mr. Pigeon
Anime Club is a group of students who meet to discuss and view the art of Anime. The group participates in various annual fundraisers such as the Plush Tiger Sale during Homecoming and Craft Shows.  We also hold an annual Anime Film Festival at the Screening Room.  This is a fun and active student group open to any and all.  

Advisor: Mr. Pashley

All Amherst students are welcome to come join in the fun. You don’t have to be currently taking an art course to join and if you are involved in a fall sport you may come join when your season is over. 

Projects in art club can be long range.  For instance, two art club members worked three years on a sequential (comic) story and illustrated the book in black and white.  They couldn't fit art into their schedule and really wanted to make this book.  Sometimes art club members work on individual projects or work as a group.  You can work in different mediums such as pastel, watercolor, ink, and charcoal.  This year some members are working on decorative gourds. 

We do a variety of different things, sometimes a craft type project, sometimes we work on art skills and techniques, so there should be something for you to try.  Activities are decided by the students and the art club advisor.

Advisor: Mr. Clendening and Mr. Himes

DECA is a marketing/business club where you have the opportunity to compete in one of many possible business role-playing events. We compete with other schools in our Region 12. Great opportunity to practice your savoy marketing and communication skills, win recognition and meet other DECA students all over New York State.

Advisor: Ms. Scalzo
Amherst Drill team is among the few performing teams you can find at a basketball game or pep rally. Drill team is about creating a beat and although the steps are choreographed, it's rhythm that the team drills to. Drill team practices twice a week to perfect performances and through dedication, effort and creativity, we always put on a good show.

Advisor:  Mr. Hibbard

Escape the real world after school and participate with other high school students in campaigns. D & D is a great opportunity to meet and work with new people, foster creativity, boost problem solving and improvisation skills all while having fun.

Co-Advisors:  Mr. Bauer and Ms. Fabiano

The Environmental Awareness Club or Climate Action Committee (CAT) is a group open to all Amherst students.  Charged with helping to make Amherst "greener," the club focuses its efforts on a building wide recycling program.  The Club also institutes various "green initiatives" throughout the school year in an effort to make our small corner of the world a bit more environmentally friendly.  In the face of our current climate crisis, this work has never been as needed or important.

Advisor: Madame Maranto
French Club is a place to let your "Frenchiness" shine. We sponsor French Club breakfasts, field trips, French movies and more!  We play games, explore the culture of the French speaking world and "bien sur" we taste test many different French foods.  Come join us!  Amusez-vous!

Advisor: Mrs. Sorrentino

The Future Teachers Club provides students with a variety of experiences in the field of education.  Our club fosters the curiosity and development of future teachers, giving them a head start on a successful and rewarding career in education!

Advisor: Mr. Gekas/Ms. Kagan
The GSA's aim is to promote a positive school atmosphere for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation. The GSA tries to raise awareness, and educate, the entire school community on issues surrounding bullying and sexual identity. The club meets weekly in room 233. Our activities include but are not limited to, Ally Week, Gay History Month, an open mic night, Day of Silence, Pride Parade and local and state conferences.

Advisor:  Ms. Boyer

Weekly meetings to further explore Roman and Greek culture through film, games and celebration of holidays. Participate in Fall and Spring certamen competitions against other schools in WNY in the areas of team trivia, individual subject exams, chess competition, art contests and sports trials.

Co-Advisors:  Ms. Mulvaney and Ms. Reddien

Math Club creates and activates online accounts for any and all high school students to participate in the New York State Math League (NYSML) contests.  Contests are hosted throughout the entire school day so that students have the ability to participate when they are free.  The advisors are available after each contest to show solutions and to provide assistance in understanding the solutions.  Awards are presented at the end of the year for the highest cumulative scoring students.

Co-Advisors:  Ms. Wolfe and Ms. Scalzo

Mental Health Awareness Committee is a club that shows the importance of Mental Health.  Our mission is to bring awareness to mental health, to help prevent mental health crisis and to raise money for important resources. 

Advisor:  Mr. Clendening

For students passionate about the law, public speaking, or problem solving, Mock Trial can be an extremely fulfilling extracurricular activity to pursue. Each year, students prepare legal cases that they then present, as a team, in front of a judge. This process lends itself to the development of many crucial skills, from teamwork, to critical analysis, to writing, and beyond.

Co-Advisors:  Mr. Spielberger and Mr. Jones

Model United Nations Club is a group open to all Amherst students.  The club has two conferences - one in the fall at Canisius College, and one in the spring at the University at Buffalo - yearly, in which students assume the role of UN ambassadors of foreign nations.  After researching foreign historical and current perspectives and points of view, the students work with dozens of other area school districts on current and historical world issues.  This club is a great way to ingrain oneself in current events, history, and public speaking.  In the incredible "shrinking" world we live in, there is no time like the present for Model UN.

Co-Advisors:  Mr. Murray and Ms. Ward

Quiz Bowl is an academic competition team made up of students who compete against other schools as they answer questions about a wide variety of topics, from history to science to art and music. The team plays against local teams and in tournaments both locally and out of town.

Advisor: Mrs. Sorrentino

The Red Cross club hosts 3 blood drives a year. Students 16 years or older may donate at each drive. Those who donate give one pint of blood to the American Red Cross. The club members are responsible for recruiting donators to the drive. Club members do not have to donate to be part of the club.

Advisor:  Ms. Ward
The Road to Washington Club was formed to keep people updated and informed about our government.

Advisors: Dr. Weber and Mrs. Wrzosek-Kline
Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division (Division B is middle school; Division C is high school).  Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology.  By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved.  Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on group participation.  Through Science Olympiad, students, teachers, parents, principals and business leaders bond together and work toward a shared goal.

Faculty Advisor: Adam Wierbinski
Lead Student Advisor: Jack Powers (Class of 2025)

In the Service and Social Justice Club, we work to bring about social change through community service. We organize off-campus service opportunities for students to take part in assisting in identified needs in and around our Amherst community.  Meets every other Thursday 7:45-8:05 a.m. High School Room 114.

Advisor:  Sr. Banas
In Spanish Club we do all things Spanish! This is a club for anyone who loves Spanish language and culture. We are a very active club with many activities throughout the year. We have movie nights, dance lessons, cooking competitions, go on field trips, and make authentic crafts, to name a few. Our biggest event is our service learning trip to Costa Rica which we go on every other school year. We went in 2024!

Advisor: Sra. Gonzalez

Our exchange program began thirty-three years ago as a way to increase international understanding among students. We are most proud of this accomplishment because the average life of a home-stay exchange program is approximately three to four years.  To date, over 380 Italian students have spent their home-stay in Amherst with well over 350 different American families.  At least 350 Amherst students have spent time living abroad with Italian families as well as traveling to major Italian cities including Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa, Siena, Milan.  We've also been able to visit Paris, Munich, and Innsbruck.

Because we believe in giving the students an authentic experience abroad, we do not merely participate in an educational tour.  Our goal is to give the students a variety of experiences with lasting consequences, thus creating relationships with those abroad to continue for a lifetime.  It is imperative for our students to have a better understanding of European culture to promote international travel among our student body.

Advisor: Ms. Ward

Students Advocating for Women’s Rights and Gender Equality aims to take action through an intersectional feminism standpoint to lead social change, end/eliminate discrimination, and achieve and protect the equal rights of all women and gender not-conforming individuals in all aspects of life.  It also challenges the systematic inequalities women face on a daily basis, as well as provides a safe space for young women and students to share their experiences and to be heard.

Tiger Bonds aims to build valuable connections between students with disabilities and traditionally abled students. The program is intended for students within our elementary, middle, or high school buildings who have developmental disabilities in an ICT or self contained class. If you have a child with disabilities that would like to participate in one of our schools many clubs, but may need extra assistance due to a disability please contact the Family Support Center. We will work to connect your child with a peer buddy!

We hope to support our students with disabilities in two ways:

• Through special events 
• Through a peer bonding system, also known as a "bond buddy" at our already existing clubs and activities.

Yearbook Advisors: Cathy McMaster and Anne Marie Will

This is a student publication to create the annual yearbook.

We are a club for people who like to write--poetry, fiction, whatever! It's a place for members to write, share writing, and get feedback on that writing. We are responsible for the periodical publication of the broadside The Exquisite Corpse that features student writing and is posted throughout the school.

Join us!