Clubs & Activities

GET INVOLVED!

Judge Memorial encourages and supports student involvement in activities that contribute to a balanced education, promote good health, and allow students to use or gain special talents or interests. Learning teamwork, positive competition, leadership, and problem-solving skills are part of the Judge Memorial experience. More than 85% of our students are involved in co-curricular activities.

ALLIES CLUB
 

ADVISOR
Aundraya Sobotka

Accepting, Listening, Loving, Inspiring, Educating, and Supporting all students at Judge Memorial.

Established in 2019, the ALLIES Club strives to create a safe, loving, and supportive environment for LGBTQ students and their allies as well as strengthen the student body, cultivate diversity, encourage acceptance, raise awareness, and create a sense of community and belonging.

The ALLIES Club meets every other week and also hosts off-campus events. 

If you are a Judge alum, former student, or friend who would like to know more about the ALLIES Club, please email us »

 
BLACK STUDENT UNION
 

ADVISOR
Adia Waldburger

Founded in 2018, the Black Student Union focus is on equity and diversity. The BSU students elect their own officers and run their meetings. The group was started because black Judge Memorial students wanted a place to discuss their common concerns and issues as members of the Judge community. The club is welcoming to everyone, and meetings are open to all interested students and staff.

 
BOWLING CLUB
 

ADVISOR
Joan Brand

All Judge Memorial students can join in on the fun of bowling with the Bulldog Bowling Club. Club meetings are held weekly from 3:30- 4:30 pm beginning in late October/ early November. Our meeting day of the week depends on the bowling alley's schedule and will be announced close to the start date. The fee is $100 to cover the bowling fees and cost of a club shirt. We bowl for 10 weeks at Bonwood Bowl (2500 S Main St.)

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 2nd place, 2017-18 Salt Lake High School Bowling League Championship Tournament

  • Chris Athens '19, 2nd place in the 2017-18 Singles competition 

  • 2016-17 Salt Lake High School Bowling League Champions

 
BULLDOGS FOR LIFE
 

ADVISOR
John Barron

Bulldogs for Life is a community that seeks to create a culture of life within the Judge Memorial and Salt Lake City communities by advocating for the dignity of the human person from conception through natural death according to the teachings of the Catholic Church.  We offer support for students who share a commitment to these values and provide resources of love, care, and acceptance for all students, especially those facing personal crisis situations.

Bulldogs for Life furthers our school’s mission to be “builders of a more just society” by being a caring community for those marginalized, empowering those who are or who feel voiceless, enhancing our school’s Catholic identity and values, educating our fellow students about the realities of life issues and resources in places within our community, being a nonjudgmental presence that removes stigmas about life issues, and by facilitating dialogue and a fuller expression of ideas.

 
BULLDOG PRESS
 

ADVISOR 
Dr. Chris Sloan

BULLDOG PRESS STORIES
judgebulldo.gs/

TWITTER
@TheBulldogPress

The student newspaper at Judge Memorial Catholic High School has been around for as long as the school has. The Bulldog Press has been the name of the publication since 1980. Since that time the BDP has won numerous awards – winning top honors from the Salt Lake Tribune, the Utah Press Association, the Utah Journalism Educators Association. The Utah Press Association named it "Best High School newspaper" for 2009-10 (1A-3A category), 2010-11, and 2011-12. The UPA has since retired that award category

The paper has been recognized nationally as well, most notably by the National Scholastic Press Association, which awarded the BDP "Best of Show" designation at their national convention four times.

Like all print newspapers, the BDP has been 'converging' its content for the past few years, incorporating Internet TV, blogging, and podcasting into its coverage. Learn more at judgebulldo.gs.

 
CATALINA ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
 

ADVISOR
Dr. Dasch Houdeshel

CELP is a residential outdoor environmental education program located on the beautiful west end of Santa Catalina Island for students grades four through twelve. While at CELP, Judge Memorial students in Oceanography are guided through a series of land and sea explorations, each aimed to bring about a greater understanding and connectedness to self, others, and the environment. 

The goal of the CELP program is to give students a positive view of themselves. To develop knowledge and respect for the outdoor world. To give students skills in communication, teamwork and friendship-building that will help them throughout life. And to inspire youth to live more sustainably and to take responsibility for their future.

 
DANCE
 

ADVISOR
Lehua Estrada

The award-winning Judge Memorial Catholic High School Dance Department is headed by outstanding choreographer and skilled technician Nathan Shaw. Our program has previously been named the "Best High School Dance Company" by Salt Lake City’s City Weekly Newspaper.

The Judge Memorial Dance Program offers classes for all levels of dancers, boys and girls, freshmen through seniors. Mr. Shaw has launched an ongoing residency with professional dancers from Repertory Dance Theater, so Judge students take master classes, learn choreography and guidance from these professional dancers. In addition to the work they do every day in the beautiful, historic Weigand Dance studio, the Dance department performs numerous times throughout the year. Major events and performances include Bulldog Boogie in the fall; Winter Dance Concert, held in December; the Spring Dance Concert held annually in late spring, and various class concerts.

 
DEBATE
 

ADVISOR
Chris Ring

Debate allows students to be coached and practice various forensic events in order to prepare for competition. Students may take this class all four years. Freshmen students are especially encouraged to take this course to begin a career on the Debate Team. An active participation on the Debate Team by competing at tournaments throughout the season is required. Debate is offered during the regular school day or as an after school class.

 
DRAMA
 

ADVISOR
Darin Hathaway

The Drama department at Judge Memorial has produced some of the finest theater in the state of Utah. Over the past few years, students have participated in accomplished performances of plays such as In the Heights, The Elephant Man, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Metamorphoses, Tommy, Dead Man Walking, Les Miserables, The Laramie Project, The Crucible to and many more. 

The Judge Memorial Catholic High School Drama Club focuses on building self-esteem, community and appreciation of life through the arts. Students will perform, discuss, and attend theatrical performances throughout the state as well as provide service to different community organizations related to these performances.

 
ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB
 

ADVISOR
Megan Barron

MISSION
A group of students, grades 9-12, dedicated to saving the environment by recycling and preserving the earth through educational programs.

GOAL
To develop an environmental awareness at Judge Memorial Catholic High School and its community through education, activities as well as hands-on projects and field trips.

OBJECTIVES

  • To integrate available information, tools and resources to help individuals live in a cleaner, healthier environment.

  • To learn to protect our environment and natural resources.

  • To distinguish between biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials.

  • Discuss the impact of pollution on the earth's environment and to learn how we as a school can reduce that impact.

  • To encourage individuals at Judge to take steps towards an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

 
EPICUREAN SOCIETY
 

ADVISOR
Tim Soran

The mission of the Judge Memorial Catholic High School Epicurean Society is to promote wellness and camaraderie amongst peers as well as the opportunity to explore different cultures through the culinary arts.

This Judge activity will endeavor to teach students how to better “appreciate” the subtleties of various food flavors, which food combinations are most often successful, and which beverages pair well with the food they are serving. It will be a “hands on activity” in which the students will make and consume their own creations.

There are no upfront cost to join the club, but rather it is a ‘pay-as-you-go’ for each activity (usually between $5 and $10). The goal – for the students to learn how to complete the recipe in a controlled classroom setting, reproduce that recipe for their families at home, and eventually teach their friends and family how to “appreciate” what they are eating.

 
FEMALE ALLIANCE
 

ADVISORS

The Judge Memorial Female Alliance Club is a safe space to talk about gender issues and gender inequality facing our world. We plan to work with several organizations in the Salt Lake community and beyond to support women and foster education and awareness.

 
INTERACT
 

ADVISOR
Matt Pacenza

Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 14 to 18. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting. As one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service, with more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon. Almost 200,000 young people are involved in Interact.

Each year, Interact clubs complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill. In recent years Judge has completed service projects with the following organizations:

  • Choice Humanitarian

  • Orphan Relief and Rescue

  • Doctors Without Borders

  • Blood Water

  • Save the Children

  • St Vinnies Australian Wildfire Relief

Through these efforts, Interact members develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and learn the importance of:

  • Developing leadership skills and personal integrity

  • Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others

  • Understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work

  • Advancing international understanding and goodwill

In March 2020, Interact helped raise $5,415 for St. Vinnies Australian Wildfire Relief in conjunction with JMCHS Campus Ministry.

 
JUNIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE
 

ADVISOR
Tim Soran

The Junior Classical League (JCL) is a club that consists mainly of the Latin students taught by Tim Soran, who is also the moderator for JCL.

All members who have been active in the Junior Classical League, Judge Chapter, over the past year, may be eligible for recognition of exemplary service to the JCL as well as their community. The purpose of the JCL is to promote the successes and pitfalls of Classical civilizations as they reflect to the Modern world. All members believe an acquaintance with the Civilizations of Greece and Rome will help to understand and appraise our world today in its government, laws, literature, language, architecture, arts, and science.

To qualify for a Judge Memorial Activity Award, JCL members must remain in good standing with the local chapter and fulfill the following requirements:

Ø Attend at least 4 JCL sanctioned activities over the course of the last year;

Ø Participate by competing both in the National Latin and National Mythology Exams this last year;

Ø Attend either the National or State JCL Convention

Ø Satisfactorily serve as a positive role model to promote Classical study.

The JCL will also recognize tremendous individual achievements of its members at the annual Activities and Athletic Awards Program. These individual awards will recognize members who are the most Inspirational (Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross Award), the MVP (Vicar General of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Award), and the Outstanding Dedication Extra-Curricular Activities Awards for both male and female (Bishop of the Diocese Award). If there are also any outstanding members of JCL who demonstrate strong academic, as well as athletic talents, then they may qualify for the “AAA” Awards.

In the spring, the JCL Club starts their spring activities which include toga car wash and toga bowling. The purpose of this club is to compete against other chapters in academic, athletic, and creative arts contests.

 
JUDGE ADVENTURING GUILD
 

ADVISOR

The Judge Adventuring Guild (JAG) will spend time playing all types of games. From classic board games, fantasy tabletop role-playing games, to newly released games. The purpose of JAG is to cultivate a sense of creativity, friendship, leadership and teamwork. Members of the club will be able to learn how to work together as a team creating a sense of community.

 
JUDGE STUDENT AMBASSADORS
 

Students Serving Students ... Past, Present, Future

JSA serves as official school representatives to the student body and larger community. Ambassadors participate in a variety of activities that foster a sense of belonging and promote the mission of Judge Memorial among current and prospective students, families, and community members. Ambassadors serve as part of the larger Bulldog Leadership Team in collaboration with Peer Ministers and Student Council to create a positive school environment where all students feel welcomed, supported, and loved.

We invite all students who are interested in making a positive impact on the Judge community to apply for JSA!

 
LATINOS UNIDOS
 

ADVISOR

The JMCHS Latinx club embraces the diversity in our school, builds friendships, and breaks stereotypes. We aim to celebrate and foster interest in the various Latino cultures, providing an opportunity to speak Spanish in an informal setting and to learn more about the different Spanish-speaking cultures in the world. By strengthening our cultural identity and creating and supporting a higher education atmosphere for our members, the club works to find and create opportunities and services for Latinx students in our community.

 
LITERARY MAGAZINE
 

OFFICIAL CATHARSIS WEBSITE

ADVISOR
Bryan Jeffreys

Instagram
@judgecatharsis

The nationally acclaimed Judge Memorial literature magazine, Catharsis, is an annual publication that showcases the best of Judge student writing, poetry, artwork, and photography. First produced in 1968, this publication has won National Awards of Excellence for over 25 years.

Submitting your work to Catharsis is easy and open to all Judge students. You can submit your work until the February deadline. 

SELECTED AWARDS & RECOGNITION

  • 2020-REALM (Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines) First Class (new Highest Award)

  • 2017-Highest Award from NCTE

  • 2016-Superior-Nominated for Highest Award from NCTE

  • 2015-Highest Award from NCTE

  • 2014-Highest Award form NCTE

  • 2013-Superior-Nominated for Highest Award from NCTE

  • 2004-Highest Award from NCTE

 
MOCK TRIAL
 

ADVISOR
Ryan Johnstone

Judge Memorial Mock Trial State Champions

2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008

The Mock Trial program allows Judge students to experience the courtroom in an upfront, hands-on role. The mock trials are set up and structured like any typical court, bound by the same rules. The mock trial program assists Judge students in learning the role of each professional — judge, lawyer, witness, etc. — in an educational, judicial environment.

 
MOUNTAIN BIKING
 

HEAD COACH

Mountain Biking Sponsored by SLC Composite
(Unofficial Judge Activity)

Judge Memorial students compete with the Salt Lake City Composite mountain biking team. SLC Composite is made of several schools, including Rowland Hall, AMES, among others. The team also trains with Highland High School. 

Practices begin in the spring followed by a four-race schedule in the fall. The season culminates with the state championships in late October. Take a minute to watch this stunning mountain biking team video and you can also check out the SLC Composite website.

SLC Comp competes in the East Region of Utah’s NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) chapter. Utah boasts the nation’s largest high school mountain bike league with more than 6,500 participants. 

With multiple divisions and small rider-to-coach ratios there is a place for riders of all abilities and experience.

 
MUSIC
 

ADVISOR
Dr. Shannon Roberts

Judge Memorial offers a full array of musical options for interested students including concert band, concert choir, jazz band, orchestra, AP Music Theory, and piano techniques. Some of the notable entertainment figures that Judge music students have performed with include Josh Groban and Michael Buble. The Bulldog musicians perform numerous times throughout the school year including the Fall Music Concert, the Winter Music Concert, Chamber Night, and the Spring Music Concert. The musicians also perform at various events throughout the Salt Lake Valley.

 
NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY
 

ADVISORS
Jeanette Sawaya

National Honor Society (NHS) is a group that only the best and brightest in the nation are invited to join. NHS membership is based on criteria in four areas: scholarship (3.7 GPA), leadership, service, and character. NHS is an academic honorary society. It is also a service organization for the school that provides ushers, volunteers, and hospitality for many school activities. Members also participate in several community service events throughout the year.

Each year new students from Judge Memorial are inducted into the society. Students involved in this program can graduate with special recognition for their achievements. More than just the Honor Roll, the NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the four areas above. It is estimated that more than one million students nation-wide participate in activities of the NHS.

There is an annual application process to join. Each fall, students may complete an information form and submit the completed form by a firm deadline to the advisor. This form indicates to the faculty the student's desire to be invited to join the National Honor Society.

 
ROBOTICS TEAM
 

ADVISOR
Sonja McKown

The Bulldogs Robotics Team is designed to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs. These programs will build science, engineering, and technology skills that inspire innovation and that foster well-rounded life capabilities that include self-confidence, communication, and leadership. Through participation in this club, we will create problem solvers and develop skills for marketing, fundraising, computer work, collaboration, as well as programming and robotics. The team will compete locally and nationally.

Our Sponsors

Thank you! Your support makes it possible for us to explore, create, compete.

 
STUDENT COUNCIL
 

ADVISORS
Abby Robertson

The Judge Memorial Catholic High School Student Council is elected by the student body every spring, with freshmen reps elected in the first weeks of the school year. This group forms an important bridge between the students and the administration and are active ambassadors for Judge throughout the year.

Student Council Representatives

STUDENT BODY OFFICERS

  • Kurt McLaughlin, President

  • Georgia Stockham, Vice President

  • Katie Evans, Secretary

  • Teya Sidburry, Activities

SENIOR CORE

  • Ben Shane, President

  • Arual Deng

  • Brody Dicks

  • Paul Florence

  • Andi Giovanniello

JUNIOR CORE

  • Leah Han, President

  • Lanee Farr

  • Sam Daskalakis 

  • Savannah Harlan

  • Justine Nicholson

SOPHOMORE CORE

  • Abbey Trewitt, President

  • Paige Larson

  • Ted Hyngstrom

  • Skye Johnstone

  • Gus Harmston

FRESHMAN CORE

  • Zach Farr, President

  • Belinda Hernandez

  • Lorraine Hyngstrom

  • Amelia Conner

  • Delaney Dolan

  • John Witt

Snapshot of Student Council's service to school and community

This year’s Student Council has had a year dedicated to serving Judge Memorial and creating school and community spirit. The following list details projects and events the members of Student Council create, organize, or assist with during each school year. In addition to these events, Student Council members work tirelessly throughout the year decorating the school, attending athletic events and various school activities, supporting their classmates, as well as volunteering at multiple Judge functions.

  • Represent Judge Memorial at school visits, school fairs, school and diocesan events

  • Volunteer at Judge’s Back to School Night

  • Organize and tally votes for the Frosh Core Elections and Student Body Elections/Assembly

  • Assist with Judge’s Student4Student Fundraiser

  • Coordinate Judge’s Homecoming Week: daily celebrations, collection drive, funds donated, royalty voting, and end-of-the-week Dance.

  • Organize and host two Judge Coffeehouses

  • Create and run the fall pep rally

  • Sponsor the Sadie Hawkins Fall Dance, Winter Formal, and Prom

  • Assist with Parent/Teacher conferences

  • Organize and perform in the annual Holiday Assembly

  • Assist Peer Ministry with Catholic Schools Week observance

  • Organize entry and participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

  • Coordinate two blood drives in partnership with the American Red Cross

  • Coordinate and publicize our school-wide Academic Integrity Observance Week 

  • Coordinate and publicize our school-wide Random Acts of Kindness Week

  • Sponsor and vote for Bulldog of the Month recipients

 
ULTIMATE FRISBEE
 

ADVISOR
Natalie Smith

Coach Smith began playing ultimate decades ago as a student at Virginia Tech and was recently voted the 2018 UUDA Boys Second Team All-State Coach.

The Judge Memorial Catholic High School Ultimate Frisbee team is co-ed and welcomes new members for practice and to play in area tournaments. Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact team sport played with a flying disc on a field with end zones. Players will learn to throw, catch, and cut to advance the disc to their end zone and may also learn to layout for a sick D on the opposing team. 

Everyone is Welcome

Ultimate Frisbee is one of the fastest growing sports in the world! It is a non-contact team sport played with a flying disc on a field with end zones. The Judge Memorial Ultimate Frisbee team is co-ed in the Fall and has separate boys and girls teams in the spring but we always practice together. We are recruiting new members for practice and to play in area tournaments.

New for 2022-23, we are launching a co-ed Middle School Team open to all students in grades 5th-8th. If you are part of the Our Lady of Lourdes community or Middle School Academy, come play a fun new sport with friends. Click the button below to learn more.

  • It’s a non-contact sport in which players move a frisbee disc down the field toward an end-zone. You cannot run with the disc. If your team is on offense with the disc and drops it, or the defense catches it, the defense (now offense) attempts to score on their goal going the other way.

  • There are no refs. This is one of the most unique parts of ultimate and one thing that draws players to the game. Players on the field are responsible for making their own calls and working it out on the field. This encourages quiet people to speak up and loud people to listen. Things happen when refs aren’t looking -allowing each player to make calls helps preserve the integrity of the game.

  • The cutting, passing and movement on the field make ultimate a great training and crossover game for most sports. Successful teams run hard which improves aerobic capacity.

  • Ultimate in the US is governed by USAUltimate which sponsors tournament events, provides coaches with trainings, conducts background checks, oversees rostering of teams and defines the rules of the game. If you participate in the High School playoff series in Utah, you must become a member of USAU. Costs are about $35 for calendar year. Find out more at usaultimate.org.

  • Utah also has a governing body for ultimate which deals with local tournaments and events, organizes league play and manages other issues. Find out more at utahultimate.org.

Why Join Ultimate at Judge?

  • Learn a new sport that for many people turns into a lifelong passion! Recreational and competitive ultimate leagues exist for all ages.

  • Ultimate is one of the few co-ed sports at the school, and a great opportunity to meet new people.

  • Improve your physical conditioning while getting some exercise!

  • Ultimate at Judge is a club sport. That means that students help set the goals and practice sessions for the club, as well as take on leadership roles on the field, in organizing uniforms, recruiting, and disseminating information.

  • Well rounded athletes! Kids who play ultimate at Judge can still participate in another school sport at the same time, provided they meet academic standards. Studies show kids who participate in more than one sport tend to be better athletes all around!

  • Practice locations – Coach Smith holds practice at Judge or Liberty Park, so no long commutes!

Parent Commitments

  • Time Commitment: Players are encouraged to attend practices twice a week, but contact Coach Smith if they can’t make it. Practices are held in convenient locations (Liberty Park or Judge field). Coach Smith also holds a pickup game Sundays at the Judge field.

  • Games/Tournaments:  Usually the team attends 2-3 in state tournaments per season.

  • Equipment: Your student will need cleats (not mandatory, but helpful) and a water bottle.

Registration & Fees

Team fees are usually around $75-100 for the season. This covers shirts, practice field costs and tournament fees. If we participate in the High School playoff series in Utah, your student must become a member of USAU (USA Ultimate). Costs are about $35 per calendar year. Scholarships are available, please contact Coach Smith to inquire.

 
YEARBOOK
 

ADVISOR
Tomas Riodal

The famed Basilean yearbook has been an annual publication at Judge Memorial since 1949. In that time it has provided a vital record of each school year. Every year, alumni tell us what a treasure their yearbook is, how much they enjoy looking through the book and how special it is recalling fond memories.

Selected Recent Awards & Recognition

 2015-2016 Yearbook

  • Nationwide first-place honors — American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA)

  • Most Inclusive Schools in America — Jostens

  • National Yearbook Program of Excellence Award —  Jostens

  • Outstanding Deadline Award — Jostens

2014-2015 Yearbook

  • National Yearbook Program of Excellence Award — Jostens

2013-2014 Yearbook

  • Best Journalistic Quality, a major award in the 4A Division of the Northern Utah High School Yearbook Contest sponsored by Weber State University

  • Nationwide third-place honors — ASPA

2011-2012 Yearbook

  • National Yearbook Program of Excellence Award (one of only 215 schools nationwide) — Jostens 

  • Best Inside Cover, 3A Division of the Northern Utah High School Yearbook Contest sponsored by Weber State University 

  •  2nd Place for Best Overall Yearbook, 3A Division of the Northern Utah High School Yearbook Contest sponsored by Weber State University

2009-2010 Yearbook

  • Third overall and first in the 3A Division of the Northern Utah High School Yearbook Contest sponsored by Weber State University

2009-2010 Yearbook

  • Nationwide first-place honors — ASPA

 

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