Eight Students Pledge to Uphold National Honor Society Principles

 

April 28, 2021

Anna Terry, Bree Swanson, Tyler Schoen, Alexis Pitkanen, Anna Morrow, Morgan Friede, Torin Cecrle, and Flint Annis recite the pledge to uphold the high purpose of the NHS, to be true to the principles for which it stands, to be loyal to their school, and to maintain and encourage high standards of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

On Thursday evening, April 22, Lloyd Sweet Auditorium served as the venue for an induction ceremony of Chinook High School's Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). During the ceremony, one junior-Anna Morrow-and seven sophomores: Flint Annis, Torin Cecrle, Morgan Friede, Lexi Pitkanen, Tyler Schoen, Bree Swanson, and Anna Terry pledged to uphold the principles of the honorary organization.

To qualify for membership, those eight students had to distinguish themselves in four areas, which are considered the pillars of the NHS: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. In the area of scholarship, national guidelines state that, at a minimum, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or an equivalent standard of excellence. However, each school chapter is allowed to require a higher cumulative GPA. At Chinook High School (CHS), for example, students must attain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in order to be invited to apply for membership.

Service involves voluntary contributions made by a student to his/her school or community. These are actions performed without compensation. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others. Student leaders are resourceful problem-solvers and idea contributors. Finally, the national guidelines define the student of good character as cooperative; demonstrating high standards of honesty and reliability; showing courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and generally maintaining a virtuous disciplinary record.

To celebrate these achievements, Thursday night's ceremony began with the current officers speaking about the four highlighted qualities of NHS. Allyssa Schoen, President; Delaney Kellam, Vice President; Lily Surber, Secretary; and Crystal Hofer, Historian each presented the meaning of one of the tenets.

Following the pillar presentation, the group conducted a lighting of the candles during which the new inductees recited their pledge to uphold the high purpose of the NHS, to be true to the principles for which it stands, to be loyal to their school, and to maintain and encourage high standards of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

Advisor of the Chinook Chapter of the NHS, Laura Kellam explained that due to the water issues and corona virus restrictions, the relatively quick ceremony did not feature any refreshments.

Kellam reported that the activities of the NHS at CHS mainly involve community service. Among the group's service opportunities this past year, members participated in shopping for Angel Tree gifts for two children and wrapping all of the Angel Tree gifts contributed by other community members. Furthermore, they assisted with the Medieval Feast at Meadowlark Elementary School on April 15 and will be providing help with set-up and food for the upcoming spay/neuter clinic that PAWS of Chinook is sponsoring in May. Additionally, several members have individually volunteered to tutor younger students in math and have spent time assisting teachers at both the elementary and the high school.

In order to generate the funds necessary to pay annual dues, as well as to defray costs incurred with some of their volunteer work, every February the club sells Valentines. This year, those came in the form of giant Hershey's chocolate bars decorated with ribbon, puffy heart stickers, and other embellishments that included a personalized sentiment.

Kellam explained that being a member of the NHS distinguishes individuals as among the best in their class. It shows a commitment to community service projects and provides members the opportunity to network with like-minded peers. College admissions committees like to see anything that identifies a person as a top student, and NHS membership is one of those indicators.

"The most rewarding part of working with these students is seeing the drive they have to succeed and watching them grow and enjoy serving their community," Kellam said.

Dedicated to recognizing and encouraging these students through membership and scholarship opportunities, the NHS is considered the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. Founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, it was the first nationwide honor society and now has chapters in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and many other U.S. territories.

 
 

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