Academic Team: The Academic Team is for lovers of trivia games. The team represents the school in several competitions throughout the school year, including 3 -2-1 , in which schools from around the country compete in an online competition. The team typically meets on Thursdays from 3:30 until 4:30. Any student may join, and there is no application process.

Beta Club: The Beta Club honors those students who have exemplary scholastic grades. It stimulates effort, rewards achievement, and seeks to encourage its members to continue their education beyond high school level. A student must be in the top 10% of his/her class.

Chess Club: The Chess Club is an organization with the intention of giving students an appreciation and understanding for the basic principles of playing chess. The club is for all students with an interest in chess, regardless of experience. See Mr. Salter for more details.

FBLA: The purpose of the Future Business Leaders of America is to prepare students for today’s world of business. Through the organization, students learn what will be expected of them as they seek employment in the future.

FCA : The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a club open to all students, teachers, coaches, and staff. Its purpose is to present to all whom influence students, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church. Activities include music, singing, devotions, games, videos, food, fun, and fellowship. Members are given the opportunity to attend various special events including camps and retreats.

FCS: The purpose of the Fellowship of Christian Students is to give students an opportunity to be a part of a Christian organization with the challenge and adventures of following Christ and serving Him through the fellowship of the church and in their vocations.

F.I.G.H.T ( Friends Into Getting Healthy Together): FIGHT is an after school get fit/weight loss program designed to help students maintain their body weight as well as increasing their cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and muscular fitness. Students are required to get a physical and parent must attend a parent meeting with their child prior to participation. The program has mandatory workout days on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:45 to 5:15 and Tuesday is an optional day until 4:30.

Fishing Team: Meetings will begin in the fall semester. The season will begin in February and end late in April. There will be a fee to join this club. This club will provide opportunities for students to get outside and enjoy the sport of fishing. The club will also encourage members to participate in local and statewide fishing tournaments. The sport of fishing is expected to become a high school league sanctioned sport in the next few years.

French Club (Le Cercle Français): The purpose of the French Club is to promote the study of the French language and culture through interesting and fun activities. It is open to all students and provides opportunities to broaden understanding and appreciation of the cultures of French -speaking countries. Typical activities include cooking French food, visiting French restaurants, and watching French films.

Girls Rising: Mission: To empower young ladies of Byrnes High School through safe and impactful experiences to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Sponsors: Eva Gibson and Shana Browning

GSTA (Gay Straight Trans Alliance): GSTA Club provides a safe place for students to meet, support each other, talk about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, and work to end homophobia and transphobia. The goals of GSTA are to provide support, build community, and take action to create change.

Guitar Club: The Guitar Club is not just for guitarists: it is for all students who play music or have an interest in music. The purpose of the club is to participate in informal jam sessions, workshop the songs of fellow musicians, learn how to play instruments and new songs, and simply enjoy fellowship with other people who love music. See Mr. Jett for details.

HOSA Club: Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) is a student-lead organization of future health professionals serving those interested in the pursuit of a career in health or biomedical professions. Throughout the year, students in HOSA will develop leadership and technical competencies in a variety of medical/healthcare competitive events leading up to the HOSA State Leadership Convention in March. Students will also participate in the facilitation of two on-campus blood drives and other community service projects related to the healthcare industry. Dues are $25 for the year. Meetings are the first Monday of every month during power hour. See Ms. Jewett for details.

Interact Club: Interact Club is sponsored by the local Spartan West Rotary Chapter. This club empowers young people to take action and develop leadership skills while building connections in the school, community, and region. Service projects lead members to discover the power and reward of Rotary's motto of 'Service Above Self'. Get involved! See Mrs. Rhonda Dodson for details.

Jr. Civitans: Jr. Civitans is a nationally-recognized organization that promotes community service projects in the school and in the community. Students who have at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible to be in the club. Members participate in community service projects such as working at the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen, The Carpenter's Table Food Pantry, Middle Tyger Community Center and other area programs that need volunteers. The yearly membership dues ($25) cover the cost of affiliation with the state and national Jr. Civitan.

Key Club: A part of an international student -led organization that provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character, and develop leadership skills. Please visit our website- https://sites.google.com/spart5.net/keyclub/home.

Literary Club: Students with an interest in writing should be interested in this organization. The Literary Club publishes an annual magazine which stimulates creativity and offers experience in publishing.

Math Team: The Math Team represents BHS in math competitions, some at local colleges, throughout the school year. Students will learn ways to solve problems quickly and efficiently with Math Team "tricks", and they will be introduced to mathematical concepts not typically covered in standard high school math courses. The team typically meets on Thursdays from 3:30 until 4:30. Weekend trips usually include USC, Furman, Clemson, and College of Charleston, as well as other local colleges and high schools. Success at this level can lead to state and national competitions.

Model United Nations Team: The Model UN Team is a group of students who participate in mock UN simulations across the region. High schools from all over gather to represent countries and present/defend their issues. Students gain valuable experience in public speaking, leadership, international relations, and world cultures. Students from all grades may participate.

Modern Language Honor Societies: Students studying Chinese, French, German, or Spanish are eligible for membership in their respective Honor Societies if they meet the following criteria: An "A" average in each of two levels of one language taken at BHS (including the Freshman Academy) as well as a GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Induction ceremonies are held during the school year.

Multicultural Club: The Multicultural Student Leadership Club (MSLC) at James F. Byrnes High School is a student-driven organization designed to celebrate multiculturalism and diversity with the intention of incorporating activities that reflect many of the different cultures James F. Byrnes High School is made up of.

National Honor Society (NHS): The National Honor Society is an organization that honors those juniors and seniors who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Members will participate in service projects and other activities that promote scholarship and leadership. Students must have a 4.5 GPA for membership with the completion of at least 6 honors courses by the spring of the previous year to be eligible for consideration for the annual fall induction. Gold NHS stoles are provided for seniors to wear during the graduation ceremony.

National Technical Honor Society (NTHS): The National Technical Honor Society is an organization that honors those juniors and seniors who have demonstrated excellence in achievement and leadership. Members should be active in their CTSO (Career & Technical Student Organization), student government, civic, or service organization. To be considered for membership, students should have at least an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Rebel Theatre Company: The Rebel Theatre Company is an award winning theatre arts program that produces a main stage play each semester. Rehearsals are after school until 6:00 PM. The Rebel Theatre Company also competes in the South Carolina Theatre Association State Competition. Members also travel periodically throughout the year to see theatre performances. Membership in the Rebel Theatre Company is open to all students by way of audition. See Mrs. Sutton for details.

Robotics Club: The Robotics Club is a student led robotics team geared for competition. Students build a robot to accomplish a task for each year's specific competition using the VEX Robotics platform and components. The team meets 1-2 times a week to complete this hands-on project in time to go to qualifier competitions across the state. They will gain experience using many different aspects of robotics including servos, sensors, motors and programming.

Science Club: The Science Club is an organization for students who are interested in the field of science. During the year, the members participate in Lake Sweep, Science Fair, and other science related events. The Science Club will meet the 2nd Monday of each month during Power Hour B.

Student Council: Members are elected in the spring of each year. The purpose of this organization is to 1) promote the general welfare of the school, 2) unify the student body, 3) create school spirit and a sense of loyalty, 4) uphold the good name of the school, and 5) develop closer cooperation between students and faculty. Please contact Mrs. Paxton in Guidance or Ms. Shearsmith in Room 1128 for more information.

Technology Student Association (TSA): The Technology Student Association is open to all students who are currently enrolled in or have taken a technology education course at BHS, Florence Chapel or DR Hill. The group participates in social activities, competitive events and leadership.

Youth in Government (YIG)/Mock Trial : Youth in Government, sponsored by the YMCA, is a total emergence in the South Carolina government process. Students can participate in one of two areas: state legislature or state courts. Students can write their own bills, present these in committee, and argue in the actual Senate and House chambers. Others prepare the prosecuting and defense aspects of a selected fictitious case and present these in an actual courtroom setting. These students also prepare and present an appeals case in the Appeals Courthouse to the South Carolina YIG Supreme Court. YIG competition is held in late November or early December, Wednesday through Saturday.

Chorus: The Byrnes Choral Department is open to students who want to develop their vocal and music reading skills. Classes include Academy Chorale, Rebel Singers, and Byrnes Singers (Honors). Additional groups, (ladies' ensemble, men's ensemble) are organized to meet the needs and interests of the students. Choral students have opportunities to participate in local, regional, and state events (honor choirs, SC All-State Chorus, festivals, and competitions). Chorus classes perform in seasonal concerts as well as school and community events. Our goal is for students to learn to read music and perform a variety of styles of music with a mature, healthy voice.

Orchestra: The orchestra program at Byrnes consists of students who play violin/viola/cello/bass in either the Philharmonic Orchestra or Concert Orchestra. A select group of individuals from the “BPO” perform as the Byrnes String Quartet. The Orchestras at Byrnes are the recipients of many statewide and national performance honors including a prestigious invitation to perform at the South Carolina Music Educator’s Association Convention. Each group performs many times throughout the year at events such as evening concerts, orchestra competitions/festivals, community events, and special school ceremonies. Orchestra students are selected by auditions and/or recommendation.

Rebel Regiment: The Rebel Regiment is the marching band that performs at all football games, several band contests, and parades during the school year. The band and color guard that participate are open to all high school students by way of audition. In addition to the marching band, there are three concert bands and a jazz band, which perform several concerts during the year. There is also a winter indoor guard and indoor drumline that is also by audition by the band staff. The Rebel Regiment has performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade in California, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, and the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington D.C. and is a ten time State Marching Band Champion. Marching season lasts from the last week in July to the second week of November.

Tri-M Music Honor Society (Tri-M): The Tri-M Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for high school students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. Tri-M shares and supports the objectives of every dedicated music educator - to increase student and school involvement with music and to make a stronger and more unified school music program. Tri-M is a program of MENC: The National Association for Music Education. Membership in Tri-M Music Honor Society is open to students who participate in Band, Chorus, or Orchestra at least one semester during the school year and maintain the appropriate grades in music classes and overall grade point average. Please see your Band, Chorus, or Orchestra director for more details. Listen and watch for announcements at the beginning of the school year.

Art Club: The goal of the Byrnes High School Art Club is to strive fo rexcellence through creative expression. The Art Club is designed to explore, experiment, and create beyond the regular classroom experience and to reach students who are not involved during the regular school day. Students do not have to be a part of an art class to become a member.

National Art Honor Society (NAHS): The purpose of NAHS is to inspire and recognize those students who have shown outstanding ability in art. It is to foster excellence and a dedicated spirit to the pursuit of art. NAHS furthers creative abilities and talents of the society’s members, as well as the school’s entire student art enrollment. We strive to increase an awareness of art in relation to other areas of the school curriculum. To be eligible to be a NAHS member students must have great art scholarship, service, and character; have been in an art class one semester in this school; be in grade 10, 11, or 12; must maintain a minimum art average of a B.

Lines and Rhymes: This is the annual Byrnes literary magazine presenting the school’s artistic and literary endeavors.

Souvenirs : The James F. Byrnes High School yearbook is a record of student life and school activities. The staff is chosen by the faculty adviser from those who apply in December.

Spotlight : The purpose of our school newspaper is to inform the students of events concerning our school activities. The staff is chosen by the faculty adviser from those who apply in December.

Marksmanship Team: The Marksmanship Team competes at the Varsity level in the Olympic sport of 10-Meter Air Rifle. The program offers cadets the opportunity to learn marksmanship, self-discipline, weapons safety. The team competes in both "postal" (mail-in) and "shoulder-to-shoulder" competitions. The program operates under the Civilian Marksmanship Program curriculum and rules. All BHS cadets are eligible to participate.

Model & Rocket Club: Our aircraft and rocket model club offers cadets the opportunity to build, display, and fly aerospace vehicles. Competitions are held, and cadets may earn national recognition by completing American Modeling Association requirements. This club is open to all cadets.

Special Teams: The Drill Team, Color Guard, and Saber Team form the centerpiece for precision marching and show in the AFJROTC program. These cadets perform locally at a variety of school and community activities and parades; also they compete in drill meets throughout the region. These teams are open to any cadet enrolled in AFJROTC. Practices are normally after school on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.