The National Honor Society [NHS] held its end-of-year celebration and induction ceremony on May 5th at 7 p.m. MT. Twenty-four new members were inducted into the society, and many seniors and juniors were awarded their letters. 

Despite the celebratory awards, the biggest announcement was that the work-experience teacher, Mrs. Tamara Schiermeister, stepped down as the advisor. Mrs. Nancy Cooley, the learning center teacher, will take her place. 

“It’s…an organization that recognizes students with good qualities in leadership, character, and service,” Mrs. Cooley said. “I am excited to work with students who want to get involved in the school and community in positive ways, I am also looking forward to working with students outside the classroom.”

New members were inducted into the organization through a vigorous application process. NHS is a highly selective program and students were elated to learn that they had been accepted.

“When I first got accepted I was ecstatic – I love being able to help others through service, and I was happy to be accepted into an organization or group that helps others,” sophomore Leah Graham said. “I am excited to be a part of this society where I’m surrounded by others with the same goals and desires…to help others.”

Applicants had to write a cover letter stating why they should be accepted into the society and fill out a lengthy application.

“The application process was a little scary, I had to rack my memory for the answers, and I wasn’t sure if my limited amount of service was enough,” Graham said. “[In] the end, I loved being able to express my accomplishments, desires, and goals in the cover letter. I felt like the letter showed who I was as a person, and it made me happy.”

Furthermore, many NHS seniors and officers graduated this year and are leaving behind a legacy to be desired. 

“Being an NHS officer was nice because I was able to help plan things and I was usually one of the first to know about upcoming events,” junior Melissa Merritt said. “I’m grateful that I was able to be an officer.”

The officer team is having a change in dynamic this year considering that they will now have to fill out an application to run for office and Merrit believes that it is for the better.

 “[This year] those who want to fill the positions are able to apply for them,” Merritt said. “Previously, members would nominate a few other members for each of the officer positions. Then they had to give a quick unrehearsed speech and the rest of the members would vote…I’m glad that the positions are now going to people who want them and are motivated to fulfill their responsibilities.”

With new members inducted into the society, a new advisor, and a change in the officer process, many members are excited for the upcoming year.