The National Honor Society represents a group of students who exemplify academic excellence and moral character. They are considered the leaders of tomorrow. Attaining membership in this society represents academic excellence and leadership within a school district. The group provides leadership opportunities, scholarships and the ability to connect and network within one’s community.
Students who want a shot at joining the National Honor Society must have an excellent academic standing and take on a rigorous course load in school.
At Pleasant Valley, students are required to attain a 3.75 unweighted grade point average to apply for NHS. More specifically, if juniors do not attain a 3.75 unweighted grade point average but attain an unweighted grade point average of 3.5 and have taken four honors courses they are eligible to apply for NHS. Seniors who apply are required to attain an unweighted grade point average of 3.5 and have taken six honors courses.
To attain this honor, students not only have to attain academic excellence in school but are also required to submit additional application deliverables similar to a college application. Some of these requirements include leadership participation in school and the community, an activity list, an essay and four letters of recommendation.
NHS executive Tyler Nels emphasized that many athletes are recognized for their achievements, while those who focus on academics don’t always receive recognition for their hard work. One of the primary benefits the National Honor Society provides is recognition for those academic achievements. “One thing I feel that the National Honor Society provides is recognition for academic achievements for students which often gets left behind,” said Nels.
This year’s National Honor Society class inducted a total of 129 students into the society.
This year’s student executive board included Shreya Vijay, Achinteya Jayaram, Katelyn Morris, Rupika Jai Ganesh, Tyler Nels and Grant VanNieuwenhuyzen. The students on the executive board strive to increase the National Honors Society’s involvement in the community.
This year many primary initiatives are being implemented. These initiatives come in the form of committees.
Executive Grant VanNieuwenhuyzen feels that this year’s group of executives are hardworking and explains the committees that the executives work to create. “With so many new NHS members this year, we created new committees. This year, our new committees include fundraising, event planning, tutoring, and various volunteering opportunities. Our biggest goal is to impact numerous areas around our city. I am super excited to see the impact that these committees will have in our community” stated VanNieuwenhuyzen.
The details of the tutoring program can be described as. “The tutoring program utilizes current NHS members who wish to assist students struggling in various classes…I have seen a huge impact since we started this committee this year.” said VanNieuwenhuyzen.
In addition to the increased involvement in the community through volunteer service and the multitude of committees being implemented. Executive Shreya Vijay explains the multitude of benefits the committees and programs provide. “It is very beneficial as students in the school are receiving academic assistance and our inductees are receiving volunteering hours.” Explained Vijay.
The National Honor Society is not only representative of academic excellence and leadership, but the society also acts as a recognition of scholastic achievements for students who strive to attain high grades and take on a heavy workload. The society provides chances to volunteer in the community and lead within the school district.
