Many sophomores, juniors and seniors rejoiced in May rejoiced as they were informed of their induction into National Honor Society (NHS). At the beginning of second semester last school year, qualifying students with a minimum weighted or unweighted GPA of 3.8 were invited to apply.

Those who had demonstrated positive traits, were selected for their excellence in scholarship, citizenship, leadership, service to community and school, and character. Officers for the club were nominated by peers or themselves to be voted on Aug. 4.

All of them members voted for the top five. The five with the most votes, were interviewed by the three NHS advisors: history teacher Jason Myers, government teacher Angela Gardener and biology teacher Stephanie Hawkins.

Hawkins expressed how the advisory board analyzed each nominated candidate’s qualifications, “We were looking for individuals who were confident, who were well-spoken, who were motivated to be leaders even if they were not previously… we were looking for individuals who are well-rounded.”

An individual who has a genuine interest in NHS and ability to talk to a large group, was a key qualification for the future officers. The officer positions were announced to the club during their second conference meeting on Sept. 1.  

President Jocelyn Alvar anticipates a strengthened community as a positive prospect for the continuing school year, “I am really excited to meet a lot of people, because I know last year in NHS I didn’t get to meet as many people. So, getting to know… the top people that are in our school and that will be making a difference in our world.”

Mayor’s Youth Commission, which is a volunteer-based club where students have the chance to work with and learn about government, led Alvar to have the unique experience to be exposed to how to advise groups and develop leadership skills.   

Vice President Brielle Hatch believes the officers are examples of the purpose of NHS, “as officers, we try to live a life that embodies all [characters of NHS]. Since we all had attributes of all four [characters], I think that is what made us qualified.”

Time management and organization are both critical for the success of all leaders, but it plays an especially critical role for secretary Sierra Meyer.

“Since I’m secretary, I will be taking attendance…” Meyer states, “and I will be working with the other officers to decide different service opportunities and to tell other NHS members when service opportunities are available.”

More service opportunities to get members involved, is an aspect treasurer Johnny Sutorka is looking forward to. The Feed My Starving Children events becoming every quarter rather than semester will create a better sense of community.

“[Feed My Starving Children] is one of my personal favorite organizations to volunteer for [especially] when you get a big group of kids like NHS,” Sutorka expresses.

The continuing school year, has positive prospects for the members of NHS to have the opportunity to have a greater impact on the community.