By Maya Gambhir, Staff Writer
The RHHS National Honor Society Chapter (NHS) application process is in full swing this month, with many upperclassmen scrambling to complete their applications on time.
With upperclassmen completing and submitting their service hours and finalizing other application requirements, including written applications and teacher recommendations, the National Honor Society world is all the buzz
The NHS offers students the unique opportunity to be recognized for both their extraordinary academic talent and strong moral character. The pillars of the National Honor Society—scholarship, service, leadership, and character—are exemplified by many River Hill juniors and seniors, deserving acknowledgement for their dedication.
According to Senior and NHS President Samara Winrose, “It’s about a lot more than just grades and college applications, it’s about really building a community committed to giving back and supporting others.”
This month, the full applications for all applicants have opened. Members applying for regular admission (juniors) must submit their hours, written responses, and teacher recommendations by October 24th, while members applying for the Senior Fast-Track admissions must submit their applications by October 3rd.
“The Fast-Track option is available for Seniors who want to include being a National Honor Society student on their college applications with fall deadlines,” says NHS Secretary senior Sophia Chudnovsky.
The majority of applicants, however, are current juniors. One applicant, junior Ryan Rhee, says that he is eager to join the honor society as he “wants to be part of a community where everyone challenges themselves academically and contributes their skills to help give back to society and motivate one another.”
When it comes to the technical aspects of the application, students are required to submit seven prerequisite service hours to demonstrate their commitment to giving back, written responses to show what the pillars of the National Honor Society mean to them, and teacher recommendations to confirm students’ character in the classroom.
“The application process has been fine–I’ve already gotten my hours, but I’m still in the midst of getting teacher recs and writing my application,” says Rhee.
According to the sponsor, Mrs. Lucero, “NHS focuses on serving our school community and the community at large. These community service opportunities have included tutoring, helping out in food pantries, and working with larger organizations such as Grassroots and the Columbia Association.”
Meetings as a part of the National Honor Society consist of a wide variety of activities, goals, and opportunities.“We come together to create items that we donate to an organization,” says Lucero.
In terms of guest speakers, she details, “This year we have speakers lined up who will speak about their experiences and how they have demonstrated the 4 pillars.”
The guest speaker events are intended to provide students with exposure to career opportunities and provide networking opportunities, especially aimed at broadening students’ fields of interest.
“The board is also planning on hosting a hot cocoa social service hours event, where students can come together to give back to their community while also enjoying a cozy evening with friends,” says Winrose.
Overall, the year has been off to a great start for River Hill’s National Honor Society as it prepares to welcome many new deserving students and looks forward to the opportunities in the eventful semesters ahead.