The National Honor Society (NHS) “provides schools with a values-based framework to elevate a culture of scholarship, service, leadership, and character,” according to their website.
The National Honor Society empowers, champions, and recognizes well-rounded students; which has been the true mark of achievement for over the last 100 years.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals founded the National Honor Society in 1921 based on four pillars: service, scholarship, character, and leadership.
Furthermore, the National Association of Secondary School Principals founded and manages: National Junior Honor Society established in 1928, National Student Council established in 1931, and National Elementary Honor Society established in 2008.
The NHS website states “The NHS program empowers and equips students with the knowledge and skills to be transformative leaders in your school, community, and beyond. In addition, it provides a necessary bridge between students and school leaders- helping you to engage and hear what students think, feel, and need.”
The National Honor Society works in all 50 states and other schools around the world. They engage and serve over one million students!
On average each year, a National Honor Society chapter contributes:
- $26,000 in charitable donations
- 100 pints of blood
- 1,000 hours of school/community service
- 1,000 pounds of food to local, state, and national causes
If you have an active NHS chapter membership, the school and students have access to LEAD (Leadership, Experience, And Development) Conferences, College and Career Readiness Series, and the NHS Scholarship.
National Honor Society also reflects well on college and job applications. You’ll also get resources to help you make your application reach its highest potential.
According to Jason Patel a writer for teenlife.com, “since 1946, the National Association of Secondary School Principals has awarded more than $21 million in scholarships to outstanding NHS seniors.”
EHS’s National Honor Society is run by English teacher Michelle Nelson, who is new to the program this year.
Our NHS has run many campaigns. The blood drives are run by the NHS, with the drives dating back to at least 2018.
Last year for Valentines Day, the National Honor Society relaunched a Candy Gram fundraiser. The Candy Gram fundraiser meant that anyone could buy a Valentines card that comes with either FunDip or Hershey’s kisses, and then you could send them to the recipient of your choice.
The NHS did another Candy Gram campaign for Valentine’s Day this year. The NHS ran a Candy Gram for the winter holidays this year, giving away candy canes decorated as reindeer.
NHS also runs the Adopt-A-Family campaign.
Falcon News talked with Mrs. Nelson and asked about the campaigns and importance of this club.
Q: What is the National Honor Society?
A: “Some would describe it as a group of high achieving and community minded students with community service goals.”
Q: When and where do you meet? At what time?
A: “We meet weekly at lunch on Wednesdays in Room 26.”
Q: How many members do you have?
A: “28”
Q: Do you have any officers? Who are they?
A: “We have at least 2 officers. Gracie Storey is President. Rachel Matthews is vice president. Andrew Johnson is secretary.”
Q: How do you join the National Honor Society?
A: “There is an application process and students have to receive recommendations from teachers. They also have to meet certain guidelines, like a specific GPA.”
Q: How does this club affect the school?
A: “We do multiple projects throughout the year, including Candy Grams for Christmas and Valentine’s Day. We also organize 2 blood drives throughout the year. Most importantly we organize Adopt-a-Family through the holidays that helps many students and families, not only at EHS, but throughout the district.”
Q: What is your favorite campaign that you do?
A: “Adopt a Family, for sure. It is such a rewarding experience because you know that you are helping students and families in need.”
If you would like to know more about NHS, you can visit their website here.
Or watch this video: Welcome to National Honor Society.
