Eagle Spirit

January 21, 2025

Rho Kappa and Student Activities are collecting winter clothing items to give to homeless veterans. Items most in need include:

• New shirts (especially sizes XL & larger)
• New or gently used winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves
• New or gently used blankets

Donations can be dropped off in the bins located at Entrance 4 & in rooms 240, 152J & 152K. Items will be accepted until Friday, January 24th. All items will be given to homeless veterans on Sunday, January 26th at the Franklin Park American Legion annual Stand Down event.

Sharing the Dream will be selling churros during the lunch periods on Friday, January 24th. Stop on by to purchase one of these delicious fried dough pastries.

All profits will go towards a student scholarship.

Are you a creative dancer and enjoy performing on stage?

Auditions to join Orchesis for the IHSDF Student Choreography Competition will be on Tuesday January 28th at 3:30pm in the East Auditorium. Auditions are open to East and West students.

Interested? Fill out the participation form here. For more information about the competition, how to prepare for auditions, and the rehearsal schedule click here.

On Thursday December 5th, 112 Leyden students were inducted into Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society.

• East Seniors - 25 returning members, 29 NEWLY inducted members
• East Juniors - 40 NEWLY inducted members
• West Seniors - 4 returning members, 6 NEWLY inducted members
• West Juniors - 8 NEWLY inducted members

Rho Kappa is a national organization for high school juniors and seniors that recognizes excellence in the field of Social Studies. In order to be inducted into the Leyden Rho Kappa Chapter, students need to show evidence in three pillars: Academic Excellence, Character & Integrity, and Civic Engagement.

Girls State is a special program that focuses on developing leadership skills, citizenship knowledge, and patriotism among high school girls. Through this week-long, immersive experience, participants gain a deep understanding of the American government system by actively engaging in simulated local, county, and state governments.

During the program, participants, known as “citizens,” will take on roles such as mayor, governor, or state legislators, working together to run their own government. The experience includes electing officials to various positions, drafting, debating, and passing legislation, and learning the rights and responsibilities of citizens through hands-on activities.

Citizens will also participate in workshops designed to build leadership, public speaking, and collaboration skills. Throughout the week, they will engage with guest speakers, including veterans, who share their insights on service and civic duty. Along the way, participants will create lifelong friendships and networks with peers from across the state.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, visit this website and then contact your counselor.

East Leyden has over 60 clubs, including: academic, cultural, general interest, honors, music/performing arts, and service. To learn more, visit the East Leyden Clubs page or see a list here. Most clubs will have their first meeting within the next few weeks. You can always check the East Leyden Student Activities calendar or email the club sponsor for more information.