Global | Political

ACE

Prerequisites: None - anyone can join the club, regardless of race!

Do you like sushi? Do you like anime, k-pop, webtoons, and/or simply interested in uncovering more of the wonderful and unique aspects of Asian Culture? ACE (Asian Culture Exchange) may be the perfect club for you. The current demographics of Dexter consist of only 2% of Asians and 4% of people of two or more races. The founders of ACE started the club in the hopes of achieving two main goals:

To introduce the newest and trendiest aspects of Asian Culture to the community, as well as uncover some of the rich histories behind these long-lasting traditions/cultures.
To create a fun and comfortable environment for current AAPI students to gather in.

Student Contact: Laila Myers (laila.myers@dexterschools.org), Audrey Murray (audrey.murray@dexterschools.org)

Teacher Advisor: Megan Buckler (bucklerm@dexterschools.org)

The Debate team stands in a classroom wearing medals around their necks with two people holding plaques

Debate & Forensics

Prerequisites: Available to students in grades 7-12 with a fee to participate in tournaments

Dexter competes in public forum debate where students compete in teams of two. Every team writes two speeches, one supporting and one against the current topic. Topics change every few months. They then compete against other teams by giving speeches where they defend their points and argue against their opponents' points.

Forensics offers a wide range of different events. Events are divided into two main types: public address and dramatic interpretation.

Public address includes events such as oratory, sales, and informative speaking where competitors create and memorize speeches that are meant to persuade and inform judges. Public address also includes limited prep events where students will receive a prompt or topic and will have a limited amount of time to prepare for the speech. Some limited prep events allow more time (up to 30 minutes) to prepare while others have a significantly shorter prep time (around 1 minute).
Dramatic interpretation includes events like poetry, storytelling, and prose, where students take already existing works and perform every part. There are also partner events such as duo and multiple where parts are divided between two or more students who perform together.

Student Contact: Claire Beneteau (claire.beneteau@dexterschools.org)

Teacher Advisor: Ethan Lancaster (lancastere@dexterschools.org)

The Dexter Model UN team poses in an empty classroom wearing suits and formal attire

Model United Nations

Prerequisites: Fees for conferences (financial support available)

Model UN is for students who are interested in researching global issues in order to draft practical solutions. At regional conferences (students can pick which ones they want to attend throughout the year), members participate in simulations of the United Nations or similar organizations. Each student represents their designated country and has the opportunity to engage in spirited debate and negotiation from the perspective of a diplomat from that nation. Some committees focus on current issues, while others may deal with historical crises or, on occasion, issues based on fictional situations. Conferences culminate in the passing of resolutions that have been written and debated by committee members. Model UN is an excellent chance to learn about world affairs, improve on public speaking skills, and meet students with similar interests. Dexter Model UN has had a lot of success, and past delegates have won many awards!

Student Contact: Eva Petrinko (eva.petrinko@dexterschools.org)

Teacher Advisor: Jaime Dudash (dudashj@dexterschools.org), Megan Buckler (bucklerm@dexterschools.org)

Social Justice Club

Prerequisites: Weekly attendance at Wednesday meetings

The Social Justice Club is a group that discusses, researches, and fundraises for social justice issues in a relaxed environment with lots of snacks. The club usually picks a topic (such as homelessness or LGBT+ rights) and spends around three months discussing ways to help within the community, typically ending with a fundraiser. Recently, the club fundraised for the Ozone House.

Teacher Advisor: Catherine Huffman (huffmanc@dexterschools.org)

A variety of national flags are hung on a chain link fence

World Cultures Club

Prerequisites: None

The club meets about two times a month to discuss and learn about different cultures around the world in fun ways, such as doing crafts or making food.

Student Contact: Laila Myers (laila.myers@dexterschools.org), Audrey Murray (audrey.murray@dexterschools.org)

Teacher Advisor: Cherilynn Sing (singc@dexterschools.org)

Youth in Government

Prerequisites: Available to students in grades 7-12 with a fee for a jacket/zip up

Youth in Government is designed to allow opportunities for speed as well as argumentation and cooperation. In general, the club learns about the government and models government actions by writing bills, holding elections, etc. The club then goes to a mock session of Michigan's Congress once a year along with dozens of other schools in Lansing and represents Dexter there.

Student Contact: Cat Maust (cat.maust@dexterschools.org), Lloyd Brand (lloyd.brand@dexterschools.org)

Teacher Advisor: Steven Wincent (wincents@dexterschools.org), Katey Robinson (robinsonk@dexterschools.org)

Page updated

Report abuse