Chaminade High School - Other

Other

Chaminade has become nationally known for its success in forensics (public speaking). The Robert C. Wright Speech and Debate Team (named in honor of alumnus and former Chairman of NBC Universal Robert C. Wright) regularly competes with the best high school speaking and debating teams, both in the New York City Metropolitan area and nationally, and has produced national champions in several events.

Chaminade has developed extensive musical and theatrical performance groups over the years. The school has three concert bands (based on level of experience and performance), a string orchestra, a pep band (for sporting events), a jazz band, a bagpipe corps, junior and senior Glee Clubs, and a vocal chamber ensemble. The school produces two plays each year, a dramatic production in the Fall and a musical production in the Spring, utilizing young women from nearby schools for the female roles.

Student publications at Chaminade, including the school newspaper (Tarmac), the yearbook (Crimson and Gold), and the literary magazine (Skylight), consistently place among the top publications in scholastic press association competitions.

Chaminade is one of the only high schools in America (and the only public facility on Long Island) to own and operate a theater pipe organ. The Chaminade organ, housed in the school's 1,200 seat Darby Auditorium, is a Robert Morton console with ranks by Wurlitzer, Robert Morton, Austin, and Barton. It is composed of 3 manuals and 15 ranks.

In the summer of 2006, the female secretary to the President brought a lawsuit against Chaminade High School for gender discrimination, after she was fired for having a relationship with a male faculty member who was still married. The suit also alleged that cameras were placed in the locker room.

Chaminade achieved a major addition to its facilities upon completion of the new Activities and Athletic Center (AAC) in 2007. This $25 million facility was completely paid for through donations specifically dedicated to the project, and not through any draws against the school's endowment fund. The AAC main arena holds 1,500 for basketball games, and 2,500 for Masses and non-athletic events. The facility also incorporates a 1/10 mile indoor track suspended over the main arena, a premier wrestling room, and a 200 person auditorium. Reflecting the school's Marianist tradition, the AAC lobby displays a full scale replica of the Pieta, while a crucifix adorns the main arena. On September 19, 2007 then retiring Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace visited Chaminade to speak to the student body and faculty as part of the facility's dedication. General Pace was the first guest speaker at the AAC. Guido Farinaro, a 1967 Chaminade alumnus, was the first Marine to die under Pace's command, while both were serving in the Vietnam War.

Chaminade competes annually in the New York State Envirothon. The school has won the regional competition for five of the six years that it has been participating, and has achieved a 3rd place ranking twice, at the state level.