The National Honor Society (NHS) recently held its induction ceremony on Aug. 19. NHS is a society for students who have demonstrated strong character and are academically qualified to tutor underclassmen. NHS selects academically qualified upperclassmen to be new members at the end of each academic year, and inducts them into the society in the following academic year.
In the ceremony, NHS members received their certificates, and executive officers lit symbolic candles to introduce them to the pillars of service, leadership, character, and scholarship. Chris Del Vecchio, high school Vice Principal, delivered the opening remarks, and Gray Macklin, high school principal, delivered the closing remarks.
“Being a member of NHS is exactly what it means—an honor,” Amy Kuhn, NHS advisor, said. “Members are selected for NHS through an academic process where I go through their grades and ensure they are meeting the bylaw requirements of a cumulative GPA of 95 and no individual grade below a 90. In addition, they must fill out an application form to describe their leadership and service experience, and a brief description of their character and how they would contribute to NHS.”
The first NHS meeting took place on Aug. 27 and reviewed the main activities of the society and some logistics, including details on participation, attendance, and merit points. In particular, students in NHS can earn merit points by offering their tutorship to underclassmen seeking help in any specific class. Besides tutoring, NHS also volunteers for National History Day (NHD) and the Korea Council of Overseas Schools (KORCOS), and organizes the annual Senior Send-Off.
“I think the best part about National Honor Society is the lasting legacy it creates in our school community,” Jenny Park (12), NHS member, said. “Through tutoring sessions and leadership opportunities, NHS members not only support students academically but also collaborate with faculty to help organize events. The emphasis on character and leadership makes NHS different from other clubs or honor societies. Although individual achievements are praised, members actively give back to the school community through service.”