National Honor Society seeking applications

Once again, it’s the time of year when students in grades 10 through 12 at Johnston High School who demonstrate academic achievement and diligence receive the opportunity to join the National Honor Society.

While the requirement to apply for the National Honor Society currently relies solely on maintaining a 3.3 weighted GPA – 3.5 next year – actual acceptance is determined by more than just that figure.

Each student is judged based on examples of leadership, community service and morality. They must present a list of all enrolled school-related activities, two faculty endorsements and a minimum of 20 hours of community service. Along with these records, a student must submit a cover letter of intent and an essay expressing why he/she is a good candidate to be enrolled as a member of the National Honor Society.

Once accepted, each student is invited to join a mandatory induction ceremony. The ceremony consists of all accepted students, new and old, joining together to welcome new members and wish graduating members farewell.

Although I do enjoy expressing the requirements needed to join such a prestigious club, I think we all want to know the answer to the real question – what is the National Honor Society?

The National Honor Society, or NHS, is a group of committed students who work together to perform acts of good character. This year, the NHS has performed multiple good deeds of charity, such as running a blood drive, singing cheerful carols at different nursing homes and participating in multiple charity walks. Each member of the NHS is required to participate at least once in each activity, but more is always encouraged.

Members of NHS also raise money and provide support for multiple organizations and causes, such as the Turkey Drive in November and the Toy Drive in December. Between the charity work and donations, the National Honor Society always has its hands full with some current goal of goodwill.

NHS is always looking for new members, and if you meet the requirements, you are encouraged to apply and join us in making the world a better place.

Sadly, I am graduating this year, making this my last year as a member of NHS. However, I look forward to reading more of its future plans to help build a better tomorrow.