GV Athletics and Activities

Director of Bands Andrew Messerli The Grain Valley High School Band program has developed a state and national reputation for excellence in performance in all areas and is proud to involve almost 200 students in a well-rounded, comprehensive music education program. The program includes: Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensembles, Color Guard Ensembles, Pep Band.

Director John O'Neil The fall musical is a performance-based activity that allows students to explore acting, singing, and stage production in a collaborative setting. Auditions are required for speaking and singing roles, and details are shared through Google Classroom and school flyers. Students interested in tech, set design, costuming, and backstage support are welcome and do not need to audition. Rehearsals run from September through November.

Director John O'Neil The spring play is a performance-based activity that gives students the opportunity to develop acting and stagecraft skills in a non-musical production. Auditions are required for speaking roles, with details shared through Google Classroom and school flyers. Students interested in tech, set design, costuming, and backstage roles are encouraged to participate and do not need to audition. Rehearsals run from March through May.

Head Coach Araya Penfield Winter Guard is an indoor performance activity that combines elements of dance, flag work, and visual storytelling. Tryouts take place in November, with information shared through ParentSquare and social media. The season runs from mid-November to late March or early April. All necessary equipment is provided and included in the activity fee, which is reviewed during a parent meeting. The competition schedule is available online through the activities website.

Head Coach Matt Albertson Trap shooting is a precision sport where five-athlete teams shoot shotguns at 25 launched clay targets per round, completing two rounds per event. Scores count for individual and team standings. Grain Valley competes in the Missouri State High School Clay Trap League. Safety is the top priority; a certified safety course is required to register.

Head Coach Jillian Humke Speech and Debate is an academic activity that helps students build confidence, communication skills, and critical thinking through performance and competition. No tryouts required. The season runs October–June, and formal attire is required. See ParentSquare or the coach for details.

Director Emily Chase Vocal Music at GVHS offers students the opportunity to grow as musicians through choir performances during and after the school day. This co-curricular class is open to everyone, with Treble Choir and Tenor Bass Choir requiring no auditions. Advanced groups like Show Choir and Chamber Choir hold auditions each February, with details posted by directors in each school building a month in advance.

Head Coach Carter Behler ESports at GVHS is open to all students who love competitive gaming and teamwork. No tryouts are required, and all skill levels are welcome. The team runs year-round across Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons, with school matches usually starting at 4 p.m. Games include popular titles like Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. You can bring your own controller, but no equipment is required.

Head Coach Jeremy Plowman Scholar Bowl at GVHS is open to all students with no tryouts, welcoming all interests and academic abilities. The season features JV and Varsity teams of four players plus substitutes, starting practices in late October and meets in January. Competitions include four Wednesday evening conference events lasting 2–3 hours, with potential weekend tournaments and post-season play in March or April. No equipment or costs are required to join.

Head Coach Rachel Jackson DECA at GVHS is for students interested in marketing, business, finance, hospitality, and entrepreneurship. No tryouts are required, but students must be enrolled in a business or marketing class. The season runs August to April, offering leadership growth and competition at district, state, and international levels. A membership fee is required, and travel costs may apply. Info is shared in class and by the advisor.

Head Sponsor Marcee McElwain FBLA at GVHS is open to all students interested in business, leadership, and career readiness, with no tryouts required. Throughout the year, members explore areas like marketing and public speaking through competitions, leadership conferences, and community service. Competitions begin at the district level with chances to advance to state and nationals. Small fees apply for membership and travel. Info is shared via announcements and the advisor

Head Sponsor Sarah Stuenkel Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) at GVHS is open to all students interested in leadership, community service, and family and consumer sciences. Running from August to May, the group promotes personal growth and real-world success through hands-on projects and events. No tryouts are required to join. Small fees may apply for conferences. Information is shared at school and through the advisors.

Head Sponsor Brittani Tiefenbrunn Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) at GVHS is a co-curricular group tied to the CTE Biomedical Science pathway, open to any student enrolled in a biomed course. Running August to May, this student-led group builds leadership and technical skills through hands-on activities and competitions at district, state, and national levels. Meetings are held during Valley Way Fridays. Membership fees apply. Info is shared via teachers and ParentSquare.

Sponsors Kourtney Michael & Matt Nevels National Honor Society at GVHS is an invitation-only group recognizing juniors and seniors for scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Students with a GPA of 3.75+ and no character infractions are invited to apply in early school year, with inductions in October. Members must complete six annual service activities. Unselected juniors may reapply as seniors. Continued membership requires maintaining these high standards.

Head Coach Kurt Jaques Robotics at GVHS is a co-curricular program connected to engineering courses and open to all students interested in design, coding, and teamwork. No tryouts are required. Running September through March, students collaborate to build and program robots for challenges, with opportunities to compete locally, statewide, and nationally. All tools and materials are provided. Info on joining is shared via announcements, flyers, and ParentSquare.

Head Sponsor Nick Small Educators Rising at GVHS is open to all students interested in a future career in education, with no tryouts required. Meeting throughout the school year from August to May, the group offers early, hands-on experience in real classrooms, leadership development, and networking with professional mentors. Members also have opportunities to earn scholarships and build college readiness. Info to join is shared via announcements, flyers, and ParentSquare.

Sponsors Carter Behler and Katelyn Low Student Government at GVHS is available to all students interested in joining the school's leadership team. Positions are elected each April. This group organizes high school and community events—such as Homecoming, Prom, and Adopt-A-Family—to promote integrity, school spirit, and tradition. Meetings are held during 3A class and outside of school as needed. It is a great opportunity to build leadership skills and give back to Grain Valley.