NHS Induction
Holly Ratcliff, NHS President
The National Honor Society recently inducted 4 Seniors and 40 Juniors into the organization. These students were given the opportunity to apply based solely on their GPA. They then completed an application detailing their current service experience and extracurricular activities, and each student was required to receive a recommendation from all of their teachers. Upon completing their applications, a select committee of teachers reviewed the applications and admitted qualified individuals.
There is no doubt the students in National Honor Society deserve to be there, but once admitted to the prestigious organization, what do these students do? National Honors Society selectively picks intelligent, well rounded students in order to enhance their leadership, scholarship, and character through service activities. The best form of leadership is service, and the act of giving time and energy to serve others, when nothing will be received in return, positively affects those performing service and those receiving it. Therefore, NHS is primarily focused on teaching already outstanding students how to serve their community.
Leadership, scholarship, character, and service make up the keystone emblem of National Honor Society. Each of the officers discussed the importance of one of these traits at the induction ceremony.
Vice President Mary Catherine Beard spoke of the importance of Scholarship: "Scholarship is more than knowledge gained through study. It is also the determination necessary to gain, maintain, and press forward in the ever-increasing search for knowledge." As members of National Honor Society, it is important that each member strives to learn all that they can and encourages their peers to do the same.
Treasurer Matthew Mitchell then spoke of the qualities of a leader: "There are several necessary qualities for becoming a leader. The first and foremost of these qualities is the ability to work diligently at whatever you are assigned. Next, you must take pride in the efforts you put forth. Third, you must not be afraid to do more than is required of you at any given time." Most National Honor Society Members have already demonstrated leadership qualities and will work to be confident, humble leaders.
Secretary Tarek Zaher spoke on the traits that make up one's character: "Character is composed of many things—prominent and obscure----such as courage, honesty, reliability, integrity, sincerity, and responsibility." Each National Honor Society Member has shown this type of character and should be steadily working to continue developing their character.
Community Service coordinator Katelyn Hanks then spoke of the importance and necessity that the development of each of these traits leads to serving others: "Scholarship, leadership, and character all have their place in a person’s makeup, but they are all worthless unless they finally result in active service for others." While National Honor Society requires members to serve, and hopes they will continue to serve after high school, it is ultimately their decision. Hanks said, "You are charged with the goal of developing and increasing your service to others throughout your lifetime."
Scholarship, Leadership, Character, and Service are the foundation upon which National Honor Society is founded. Members have earned their place by demonstrating these traits. The goal of National Honor Society is to encourage members to continue developing these attributes by learning the value of serving their community. Hudson NHS has volunteered at Junior Achievement Race for Success, Pregnancy Help Center Banquet, Reindeer Run and will be helping Dream Center provide meals on Christmas Eve to Lufkin residence.
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