Academic Team (A-Team)
A-Team is a competitive team open to any student in grades 9-12. It is for students who are interested in academic competitions. The subject areas covered are English, math, science, social studies, French/Spanish, fine arts, and technology. There are five monthly competition rounds followed by the County Tournament which is in February. The school’s County Tournament Team consists of the six best students who have participated during the season. Students who qualify for the All County team have an opportunity to compete at the state level and win scholarships.
Academy of Design & Technology
The Academy of Design and Technology is a four-year information, technology, career, and professional academy offering industry certification and specific career pathways. Articulation, dual enrollment, and business/education partnerships are emphasized. Students work in small supportive, motivational communities with the opportunity to earn up to one year of college credit. This prepares them for careers in highgrowth, high-salary positions including: Digital Assistant Designer, Assistant Web Designer and/or Film Production Assistant.
Academy of Legal Studies
The Academy of Legal Studies is a law-themed career academy within George Jenkins High School. The Academy is a college and career preparatory program offering coursework emphasizing critical thinking, research and writing, argument and debate, teamwork, and public speaking. Students will become involved and engaged with civil and criminal law, business law, and trial procedure.
The Medical Academy
The medical academy provides a thorough overview of the medical field. Students begin their foundational education with courses in anatomy and physiology, gaining an understanding of how the human body operates. They subsequently advance to Health Science Foundations, where they learn about critical topics such as HIPAA regulations, legal considerations, CPR, and more. Following this, students have the opportunity to participate in specialized courses, including Emergency Medical Responder training, Phlebotomy, and Patient Care Technician courses. This structure enables students to focus on their specific interests and effectively prepare for their future careers in the medical profession.
The Culinary Academy
The Culinary Academy introduces students to a set of skills that combine both cooking techniques and business skills. During your education and training at GJHS Culinary Arts Classes you can learn what it takes to begin your career in this field and learn about the many career paths that are possible in this industry.
You will be given the opportunity to take industry certified state certifications which can give you an edge when entering the industry or moving forward in you training. Culinary Arts in an exciting career that is never boring with skills that you will be able to utilize not only in your professional life but your personal life as well.
The Academy of Cybersecurity
The Academy of Cybersecurity at GJHS equips students with essential knowledge and skills to navigate and protect the digital world, focusing on foundational cybersecurity principles and empowering students to interact with technology safely. Students engage in enriching activities such as competing in Capture The Flag (CTF) events, hosting guest speakers, working towards industry-recognized certification exams, and participating in hands-on lab sessions. These experiences enhance their technical abilities and provide valuable insights from experts in the field. The academy offers unique opportunities for well-prepared students to connect with IT internship programs within the community, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience. Join the Academy of Cybersecurity to develop your
skills, contribute to a safer digital community, and explore exciting career opportunities in the field of cybersecurity.
The Academy of Engineering
The Academy of Engineering is a four-year program that prepares students for the field of engineering careers. Students are given the opportunity to complete four different industry certifications including Autodesk Inventor and Solidworks. The academy is a project-based learning environment that allows students to design and build projects that they create using learned and applied skills and knowledge. The combination of learning computer software and building projects gives the students the experience that they can benefit from in their journey to be in the engineering field.
Geico Academy of Advanced Business Management
The GEICO Academy is a business academy that prepares students for the business world either as an entrepreneur or working for a company. Courses include DIT, (Digital Information Technology), Entrepreneurship (Honors), Accounting 1 (Honors) and Personal Finance as a senior course. GEICO partners with the academy by bringing business opportunities to the classroom. Other opportunities include scholarships upon program completion. See Mr. Robinson or Ms. Alberts for additional information about this exciting step on your road to success.
Academy of Veterinary Science
The Academy of Veterinary Science is a 4-year veterinary assisting program aligning agricultural curriculum and animal caretaking practices, to prepare students for college or career. We take pride in offering a number of agricultural science-based industry certifications through AEST at each grade level, along with the Veterinary Assisting Certification for our 4th year program completers. We highly encourage our program completers (Seniors) who desire to pursue animal science or veterinary science careers, to apply for veterinary clinical placement, gaining further experiences for success outside of the classroom. Similar to our veterinary science courses we do offer general agriculture, agricultural operations, horticultural science, and animal science courses that meet the needs of all learners.
Dream Maker Band
The Dream Maker Band is a precision student ensemble that has developed a reputation for its quality musicianship and exciting, innovative arrangements and field productions. The Dream Maker Band is one of the largest student organizations on campus and is made up of nearly every student in the band program. The band has produced leaders in academics, student government, and athletics as well as other areas of campus life. The Dream Maker Band entertains audiences regularly at all home games, several away games, marching competitions, pep rallies, parades, and city events. The Dream Maker Band rehearses every Tuesday and Thursday from 5pm – 8pm with weekly sectionals. This schedule typically lasts until mid-November. If the football team makes the playoffs, the band will travel with the team and support them.
Wind Symphony
The Wind Symphony is designed for the most advanced musicians with an emphasis placed on the musicianship skills required for the performance of sophisticated literature. This band is designed to have 1-2 persons on a part. Members are required to participate in Solo & Ensemble. Members are also required to audition for All-County. Membership is based on auditions and middle school director recommendation. Members must participate in the Dream Maker Band. Members of the wind ensemble are highly encouraged to participate in Florida All-State. Private lessons are highly encouraged. Contact Mr. Bolt for recommended private instructors.
Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band is designed to accommodate musicians of all levels. This is a larger ensemble with multiple people on a part. Emphasis is placed on the musicianship skills required for appropriate high school literature. This course prioritizes fundamentals & technique building to prepare students for advanced literature. Members of the Symphonic Band are highly encouraged to participate in All-County. Private lessons are highly encouraged. Contact Mr. Bolt for recommended private instructors.
Jazz Ensemble
The Jazz Ensemble is made up of advanced musicians and are chosen based on audition. The Jazz Ensemble strives to play advanced jazz literature in multiple styles with a heavy emphasis on improvisation, public performance, and rigorous technical work. This ensemble will maintain an active performance schedule and participate in the FBA Jazz Music Performance Assessment. Students enrolled in the Jazz Ensembles MUST BE enrolled in a concert band class.
Percussion Ensemble
The Percussionists in the Dream Maker Band Program have a specific class that focuses on individual percussion techniques. This class is taught by
Mr. Bolt. This class provides an opportunity for our percussionists to receive individualized instruction on percussion-specific playing techniques and musicianship. In this course, students will prepare chamber ensemble and solo literature in addition to their band requirements. Students in this class are expected to participate in the Dream Maker Band as well as concert ensembles as assigned. Students will also perform concert percussion ensembles and are required to participate in Solo & Ensemble. Private lessons are highly encouraged. Contact Mr. Bolt for recommended private instructors.
“Dreamcatchers” Color Guard
The “Dreamcatchers” Color Guard Program at GJHS is team-taught by Mr. Bolt and Mrs. Sarah Testerman. In this course, students learn beginning and advanced color guard & dance techniques. It is designed to develop movement to music incorporating dance, flag, saber, rifle, and props. Students in this course are required to participate in the Dream Maker Band and Winter Guard ensembles. Students in this course are also required to participate in Solo & Ensemble.
Beginning Band
The Beginning Band is a new ensemble designed for students to learn a traditional wind band instrument for the first time. It is also open for existing musicians to learn a second instrument. This class takes students from the starting point of becoming a musician to being ready to integrate into the rest of the band program in just one year. The course load is fast paced, with consistent practice expected. This ensemble performs 3 concerts a year and has the opportunity to perform simpler but fun music.
Competition BBQ Team
The purpose of the GJHS COMPETITION BBQ team will be to introduce students to the process of cooking in the world of competition BBQ. After training with experienced professional BBQ coaches, the goal is for the students to compete at Pigfest Lakeland in the Backyard Division. This will translate to real world culinary experience, hands on microeconomic knowledge through sourcing materials to compete, building teamwork, and connection with their community through participating in the largest event that brings together Lakeland and its surrounding communities every year.
Eagle News Now! (ENN)
We are more than just a school news show. Learn to write, film, and edit your own professional quality Instagram Reels, Tik Toks, and YouTube videos. Join us to compete nationally against other high schools across the nation in video challenges both online and at National Conventions. Are you camera shy but still interested? We have positions for everyone!
Eagle to Eagle Tutoring Program
The Eagle to Eagle Tutoring Program is a program that seeks to provide peer tutors in all subject areas according to individual student needs. Tutoring is a free service to all GJHS students. Students who volunteer to tutor in a subject area earn community service hours.
Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
FCCLA is an interest club open to any student. Interested students need to join a Child Development, Early Childhood or Culinary Arts course. The officers consist of a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and historian. Membership cost is $20, which includes state and national dues and an FCCLA T-shirt.
Florida B.A.S.S Federation Nation Fishing Club
Florida B.A.S.S. Club is an Interest Only Club that informs and gathers students for B.A.S.S tournaments. Individual and team competitions will be available.
Florida Law Honor Society (FLHS)
The purpose of The Florida Law Honor Society shall be to create enthusiasm for scholarship in law related fields, to provide law based service opportunities, to promote leadership, to provide citizenship education opportunities, and to instill a sense of respect for the justice system in law studies students. www.flrea.org.
Future Builders of America (FBA) part of TSA
Future Builders of America is a state-wide organization that links students with the Local Buildering Association in an effort to promote housing-related educational activities. FBA offers guest speakers from the Polk County’s Builders Association and field trips to building sites along with opportunities for summer and post-graduation employment to help introduce students to rewarding opportunities in the construction industry.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
FBLA is an interest club opened to any student. Annual projects include: conducting the March of Dimes annual drive, holding fundraisers, sponsoring a Christmas family, and participating in FBLA competitions at the district, state, and national levels. Membership dues are $25 and this fee includes a t-shirt and covers district, state, and national dues. FBLA is a nationally recognized organization that prepares students for leadership in the business world.
Future Farmers of America (FFA)
FFA is a club for any student enrolled in an agricultural class. To join FFA, students need to fill out the required membership form to become a member. FFA members are individuals who enjoy learning by doing, keeping active, being a part of a team and like to having fun. FFA members are hard-working, competent, trustworthy people with good character who are supported by dedicated professional teachers. Enthusiastic, spirited and upbeat; individuals that support American ideals and values are also good descriptors of FFA members. Following the FFA motto: Learning to do; Doing to learn; Earning to live and Living to serve-FFA members continually strive to do and be the best they are able to be. FFA members participate in a variety of activities from supervised agricultural experiences like raising plants and animals for show to participating in career development events, or community service projects.
George’s Closet
George's Closet is the "shop" on campus in Room 2115 with clothes, casual and professional, personal hygiene items, school supplies and prom dresses. It's available to all students at no charge. We also accept donations!!
George's Closet Foundation
The Foundation is the club that runs the Closet. They have meetings on the 1st and 3rd Weds of each month. The group takes care of the closet, sorting donations, organizing and cleaning. The Foundation holds drives for supplies, clothes and hygiene items. The Foundation also has fashion shows for Home Coming and Prom. The club members model the dresses and suits we have during all lunches usually a couple of weeks prior to the dance.
Future Health Professionals (HOSA)
HOSA is an interest club open to all students. Students do not need to be enrolled in a Medical Academy course to join HOSA. The purpose of this club is to promote friendships and enhance leadership skills among students with an interest in a career in the health sciences. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA, attend monthly meetings, and participate in club events. Club fundraisers help to cover the costs of attending competitions each year. Yearly dues cover local, region, state, and national affiliation as well as a club t-shirt. The officers consist of a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, historian, and ICC representative.
JROTC Raiders/Drill Team/Rifle Team
The mission of JROTC is: “To motivate young people to become better citizens.” JROTC provides a unique experience for students to learn the fundamentals of leadership. The program has a diversified curriculum and a challenging physical activities program that includes the raider, rifle, and drill teams. Any student interested can sign up for the JROTC classes through his/her guidance counselor.
Key Club
Key Club is a service club open to all GJHS students. Sponsored by the local Citrus Center Kiwanis Club, it is part of the largest high school service organization, Key Club International. The purpose of the club is to provide service to the school and community. Active members must attend monthly meetings, complete the application by November 1st each year, pay the $25 member fee, participate in two mandatory service events, and meet a minimum service hour requirement per semester. Annual dues includes t-shirts, Key Club International dues, and social activities. Annual activities include park clean ups, Toys for Tots, and the Pancake Festival. Officers include a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and historian.
Mock Trial Team
The Mock Trial Team is an academic team affiliated with the Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. It is composed of six to twelve students who simulate the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a fictional trial situation. The team has the chance to compete against other teams in its judicial circuit and the winner of that competition will compete in the state competition.
Statsquatch Club
Statsquatch Club is a club founded for students that have a curiosity about how the world works. We ponder things such as the origin of the universe, black holes and the behavior of light when its observed. Often teachers across campus join in to lend their expertise on certain topics. Students typically lead our discussions, and we cover a wide array of topics. We discuss mysteries such as the fabled Sasquatch and Mr. Goodson's beard. It is a club unlike any other. We meet Fridays after school and all are welcome.
National Honor Society
Students may join National Honor Society by invitation only. Invitations are extended to sophomores and juniors in February who have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. These students are then required to fill out an application packet. Members must have attended GJHS for at least one semester and must be enrolled in at least one AP or Honors course. Students must maintain a 3.5 GPA and collect 10 service points each semester.
National Spanish Honor Society
The National Spanish Honor Society or Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, is sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. The purpose of the society in our school is to recognize high achievement of high school students in the Spanish language and to promote a continuing interest in Hispanic studies. Our mission is to strengthen the Spanish language skills supporting our students in their Spanish classes and to promote the cultural diversity of the Hispanic native speaker countries. Our vision is to maintain the highest quality of the Spanish language and to disseminate the culture of the Spanish native speaker countries. We focus on support our students to succeed in
the Spanish classes, guarantee the highest quality of the language, and bring to our community the diversity of the Hispanic culture throughout the music, dance, food, customs, and more.
National Technical Honor Society
The mission of the National Technical Honor Society is to recognize high achievement in Career & Technical Education (CTE). NTHS advocates for and empower all students to pursue the skills needed to build their careers and the global workforce.
Orchestra
Orchestra is an interest club open to any student who has at least two years experience playing violin, viola, cello, or bass. To join, sign up for orchestra class. There is a $50 fair share donation to help pay for music and other supplies. Annual events include: fall concert, Music Performance Assessment, Madrigal Dinners, spring awards concert, All-County Orchestra Program, and Baccalaureate.
The Choral Program
The choral program at George Jenkins High School offers five ensembles catering to varying experience levels. Beginning Women’s Choir introduces fundamental vocal techniques and ensemble singing. Intermediate Women’s Choir builds on these skills with more challenging repertoire. Advanced Women’s Choir refines vocal artistry and musical expression. Advanced Mixed Choir is a premier ensemble focusing
on complex choral literature and performance excellence. Men’s Choir provides a dynamic experience for male voices, emphasizing vocal development and harmony. All choirs perform throughout the year, fostering teamwork, discipline, and a love for music.
Rockestra Description
Rockestra: traditional orchestral instruments joining traditional rock instruments to perform a variety of popular/rock music. Students with at least one year of experience on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, electric bass, keyboard, or drum set are eligible to join. Students do not have to be enrolled in a music class to participate. Rockestra students will perform a variety of music throughout the year and perform at various concerts and events throughout the year. Students meet weekly to rehearse.
Student Council
Student Council functions as the club that leads all student-based activities on campus including Homecoming, Spirit Days, elections, and various charitable campaigns. Members and officers must pay a yearly fee of $5, maintain a 2.5 GPA, and participate in major school wide events. New members may join in either the fall or spring. The Executive Board runs Student Council; Board members are elected by members of the club. The Executive Board is made up of the president, vice president, treasurer, corresponding secretary, recording secretary, and historian. Each class has their own president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer that are elected in the spring of the previous year.
Technology Student Association (TSA)
Do you love technology? Do you love designing and building things? TSA is for you! This group meets weekly on Thursdays. There is a one-time membership fee of $20. TSA officers include president, vice president, treasurer, reporter, and sergeant-at-arms. TSA students participate in regional, state, and national competitive events which include topics from film to fashion to engineering. All are welcome to join!
Wind Dancers
The Wind Dancers is a unified group of trained dancers who display a high level of self-discipline and respectable character at school and in the community, promote school spirit, and train diligently in the areas of dance in order to perform and compete at the local, regional, and national levels. This group’s primary focus is to support the athletic teams at home football games, men's basketball games, and competitions. In addition, the team members act as ambassadors for their school in numerous community outreach appearances each year. The program is also committed to developing the personal skills of leadership, academic excellence and self-discipline in its student-athletes. The development of these skills will build a foundation of integrity making the Wind Dancer Program a source of pride for students, alumni, and the George Jenkins community. Audition process required.
Yearbook
Yearbook or Aquila is a service organization opened to any student interested in creating the school yearbook. Students must submit an annual application before being accepted into this group. Members of the staff must be prepared to meet deadlines consisting of 300 or more pages, work well with others, and sign a contract indicating they understand all the responsibilities. The leadership positions include editorin-chief, co-editor and business managers, these positions are assigned by the advisor. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible upon acceptance of their application.
Younglife
The Young Life Club meets weekly on campus, Fridays at 6:30 am. Please see the club sponsor for meeting location. Information about the off-campus meetings:
From weekly club meetings, camp and other exciting activities, you will have a blast at Younglife! This club is packed full of laughing, trying new things, playing games and being with your friends and Young Life leaders while you learn about the love of Jesus Christ and how it relates to you! Younglife is an organization found nationwide which gives students the opportunity to meet and make lots of new friendships. Lakeland Club meets every Monday night at 7:32 pm (please ask the club sponsor for the location). All high school students from schools all over Lakeland are welcome in this “come as you are” atmosphere. Feel free to join us for club at the following address: First United Methodist Church on Lake Morton
Youth Alive
Youth Alive is a club where students lead students in a Bible study that allows them to dig deeper in the Word.
Youth-in-Government
Youth-in-Government is a YMCA-based model government club that teaches the steps to the democratic process: how to write, present, and debate legislation. Any student is welcome to join. All weekly meetings are run by the club officers and help students prepare for the annual State Assembly in Tallahassee. At this three day event, high school students from across the state convene in Tallahassee to take over the House of Representatives and Senate, presenting and debating student-written legislation.
Sports
Our challenge each year is to pursue excellence and continue the winning tradition that already sets George Jenkins High School apart. Our athletic programs have maintained high levels of academic and athletic excellence and continue to foster the total growth and development of our student-athletes. Our goals include developing sportsmanship, self-discipline, teamwork, dedication, confidence, ethics, and leadership skills that will transcend athletics into every aspect of a student-athlete’s life. We also strive to provide our student/athletes with the opportunity and experiences necessary to play at the collegiate level. George Jenkins has a full and comprehensive athletic program that is divided into three seasons and includes 20 varsity and 11 junior varsity programs. Most “varsity only” programs carry higher numbers to help develop younger athletes. Please refer to the GJHS Sport Tryout Dates Form for contact information for each head coach and the tryout dates for each sport. Contact the head coach for specific information regarding requirements, practice schedules, off season conditioning, summer workout programs, and camps.