The applications to become part of the National Honors Society (NHS) executive council is closing on March 20, and this year the process is slightly different. Here is what interested sophomores and juniors should expect.
For context, NHS is a national organization that has chapters around the United States, including one at Aliso Niguel high school. It recognizes student achievement and offers members opportunities centered on four core pillars: scholarship, leadership, service and character. One of these major opportunities is the chance to lead NHS as part of the executive council.
Ms. McClellan, the advisor of NHS says, “[Joining the ec is] a great opportunity for [students] to learn leadership [skills] … We are at 210 members, so it’s just a really good way to get involved and learn to be in charge and take care of things. I just think it’s a great opportunity, why not take it?”
Returning to the subject of applications, in addition to the typical application students must submit in-person – which they can find on the NHS canvas page – a new part of the application requires two teachers to fill out recommendation forms on the behalf of the student. These play a huge role in the evaluation process, especially to move onto the next stage. Although numbers vary yearly, NHS often receives roughly 50 applications from members.
Based on the submitted items named above, a small group of students will move onto the next stage to be interviewed. Applicants will be questioned by the NHS council and Ms. McClellan before either being accepted or rejected.
Oftentimes, evaluators are looking for hardworking, ambitious applicants who have a vision for how NHS will continue its mission and improve its functions, which can be a strong subject to focus on in applications.
Gabby Gulini (12), Vice President of NHS, said, “What I’m looking for, and my goal for next year’s council is [to gather] people that are really passionate about a certain thing… and that those people are passionate enough to make real change.”
Other factors that evaluators are looking at are also grades and future schedules, because they often reflect whether a student is capable of balancing school work and leadership work.
Grade level matters as well. Last year’s council was mostly filled with seniors, thus, the council has expressed their objective to even out the ratio, increasing the likelihood of current sophomores being accepted to be part of the executive board in their junior year over current juniors.
Such an agenda is not uncommon amongst organizations in high school, as having a younger council with experience makes transitioning power smoother. It should not discourage any applicants to know that this is true, but it is important to consider if one is a hesitating junior.
Acceptance may become more selective overall this year.
Ms. McClellan expressed, “There are too many people [in the EC this year] so I want to streamline that process.”
Although positions are subject to change, currently openings for new council members include the secretary that records club minutes; VP of technology that takes photos of events, updates the website, and makes social media posts; VP of service that organize NHS tutoring, volunteering opportunities, and sign hours of service for members; VP of hospitality that organizes and finds special events for members; and executive council that assists the VPs.
Joining the NHS’ executive board is a challenging but rewarding task, as it provides an opportunity for students to grow important skills at an early age that are undoubtedly applicable in the future. It also serves to boost future applications by showing evidence of real experience in leadership and organization, thus all motivated members of NHS should consider applying to take advantage of this opening.
